The Last Of Us Season 3: Catherine O’Hara Confirms Abby’s Story Takes Center Stage

The Last Of Us Season 3 is gearing up to shift the spotlight to Abby, and Catherine O’Hara has let slip some exciting details that have fans buzzing. In a recent interview, the Schitt’s Creek star, who plays therapist Gail in Season 2, confirmed that the HBO series’ third chapter will focus on Kaitlyn Dever’s controversial character, Abby Anderson.

This revelation aligns with the narrative of The Last of Us Part II, promising a deep dive into Abby’s perspective in the post-apocalyptic drama. Here’s everything we know about O’Hara’s comments and what they mean for The Last Of Us Season 3.

What Did Catherine O’Hara Say About The Last Of Us Season 3?

In an interview with Variety on May 21, 2025, O’Hara was asked about returning as Gail for The Last Of Us Season 3. Her candid response: “I don’t know. Craig [Mazin] did say definitely not this next season.

It’s the Abby story.” This statement, echoed across posts on X, confirms that Season 3 will pivot to Abby’s arc, mirroring the game’s structure where her perspective takes center stage after Ellie’s vengeance-driven journey in Season 2.

O’Hara’s comments suggest Gail’s role may be limited or absent in Season 3, as the narrative shifts away from Jackson. Her revelation has sparked excitement and debate, with fans on X praising the bold move while others question sidelining Ellie.

Why Is Abby’s Story Central to The Last Of Us Season 3?

Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, is a polarizing figure in The Last of Us Part II. Introduced in Season 2, her actions—particularly killing Joel—set Ellie on a path of revenge. The Last Of Us Season 3 will reportedly explore Abby’s backstory and motivations, revealing her as the daughter of a Firefly surgeon Joel killed to save Ellie.

This narrative switch, confirmed by O’Hara, aims to humanize Abby, showing her side of the conflict.

Showrunner Craig Mazin has hinted at a longer Season 3, telling Collider that the “narrative opportunities” afford more room to explore Abby’s story, unlike the Joel-focused Season 2. This shift is risky, as Abby’s arc divided gamers, but it promises a fresh perspective for HBO viewers.

How Does This Align with The Last of Us Part II Game?

The Last Of Us Season 3 is expected to closely adapt the second half of The Last of Us Part II, where players switch to Abby’s perspective after Ellie’s campaign. O’Hara’s confirmation that “It’s the Abby story” aligns with this structure, suggesting Season 3 will cover Abby’s journey in Seattle, her ties to the Washington Liberation Front, and her moral conflicts.

Posts on X, like those from @TheLastofUsNews, note that this focus is “hardly a shock” for game fans, but the TV adaptation may tweak Abby’s story for broader appeal, as Season 2 did with her early backstory. Mazin’s comments about a potential fourth season indicate the narrative may spill beyond Season 3, ensuring Ellie’s return.

Fan reactions to The Last Of Us Season 3 focusing on Abby are mixed, as seen in X posts. Some, like @DomTheBombYT, are hyped for Abby’s arc, with users excited to see Kaitlyn Dever’s “physically tremendous” performance.

Others, as noted by Beebom, are less enthusiastic, calling Abby’s story “garbage” due to her role as Joel’s killer.

O’Hara’s comments have fueled speculation about how HBO will handle this divisive shift. ScreenRant suggests sidelining Ellie for a season is a “big risk,” but Mazin’s confidence in a longer Season 3 and a planned Season 4 hints at a payoff that ties both characters’ stories together.

Could Catherine O’Hara Return Despite Abby’s Focus?

While O’Hara indicated she’s unlikely to appear in The Last Of Us Season 3, her role as Gail—Jackson’s therapist with ties to Eugene—leaves room for a comeback. Collider reports Mazin’s belief in a fourth season, suggesting Gail could return if the story revisits Jackson.

O’Hara’s dramatic turn as Gail, praised by Entertainment Weekly, has fans hoping for more, even if her Season 3 absence aligns with Abby’s Seattle-centric plot.

The show’s history of expanding game characters, like Bill and Frank, means Gail’s arc could be revisited, though O’Hara’s “maybe” to Variety keeps her return uncertain.

Why Should You Be Excited for The Last Of Us Season 3?

The Last Of Us Season 3 promises a bold, Abby-focused chapter, as confirmed by Catherine O’Hara’s revealing comments. With Kaitlyn Dever leading the charge, the season will dive into a complex, divisive story that challenges viewers to see the world through Abby’s eyes. While Ellie’s absence may spark debate, the show’s track record of stellar storytelling suggests a gripping continuation.

Catch up on The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO before the Season 3 premiere, expected in 2026.

Share your thoughts on Abby’s arc on X—will it live up to the hype?