The Last of Us franchise continues to generate attention more than a decade after the original game debuted, driven by both its influence on narrative-focused video games and renewed interest following the television adaptation. While many fans remain focused on the uncertain future of a potential third game, a smaller but official release tied to the series is scheduled for March 2026.
This time, the release is not a new video game entry but a licensed collectible. Dark Horse Direct has announced a premium statue based on characters from The Last of Us Part I, depicting Joel and Ellie traveling together during one of the game’s quieter moments. The collectible, titled “The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue,” recreates a scene in which Ellie rides her horse, Callus, while Joel walks alongside her.
Standing roughly 13 inches tall, the statue is produced from polyresin and designed to reflect the characters’ appearance and environment from the game. The sculpt was created by Substance Modelworks, a studio known for producing detailed collectibles tied to video game and comic franchises. According to product details, the statue attempts to replicate the in-game moment when Joel and Ellie pass through the University of Eastern Colorado area during their journey.
Pre-orders for the statue are currently open through the Dark Horse Direct website. As a premium collectible, the item carries a relatively high retail price, listed at around $350. The company expects shipments to begin between March and May 2026, though exact delivery windows may vary depending on when orders are placed and regional shipping factors.
While collectibles tied to The Last of Us continue to appear periodically, many players remain focused on the broader future of the series. Since the release of The Last of Us Part II in 2020, there has been ongoing speculation about whether developer Naughty Dog will produce a third installment. Some of that discussion intensified after studio co-president Neil Druckmann mentioned that he had considered an outline for a possible continuation of the story.
Even with that acknowledgement, there has been no official confirmation that a third mainline game is currently in active development. The studio’s resources are largely directed toward other projects, including a new science-fiction title reportedly titled Heretic: The Last Prophet. If that project remains the studio’s immediate priority, it could be some time before attention shifts back to The Last of Us as a game series.
The reaction among fans about the franchise’s future has also been mixed. While many players are eager to revisit the world and characters, others view the conclusion of The Last of Us Part II as a natural endpoint for the story. The second game’s narrative decisions were widely debated when it launched, and opinions remain divided about whether a direct continuation is necessary.
For now, the March 2026 collectible release represents one of the few new official products tied to the franchise. While it does not expand the story or gameplay, it highlights how the characters and imagery from The Last of Us continue to hold cultural relevance within gaming and entertainment.
