'The Last of Us 2' release date, rumors: will sequel feature a new story focusing on different characters?

A promotional image for "The Last of Us"The Last of Us official website

"The Last of Us 2" is speculated to focus on other characters of the first game aside from Ellie and Joel. It is now said that a parallel story will be the main plot for the alleged game.

Neil Druckmann, developer Naughty Dog's creative director, previously said that there were already some discussions about the game until he was called up to lead "Uncharted 4."

Druckmann said: "The answer is – and this is totally honest, and I've said this in the past – that when Bruce (Straley) and I moved over to Uncharted 4, we were brainstorming ideas for The Last Of Us 2 with new characters; ideas for TLOU 2 with Joel and Ellie; ideas for a sci-fi game; ideas for a fantasy game, and building prototypes for each one of those ideas. And just as we were getting close to settling or narrowing that list down, we were asked to work on Uncharted 4."

Then came the rumors that the story could still focus on Ellie and Joel, probably a few years after the first game, or the game could be presented with a parallel story. The duo will then be turned into minor characters of the game. There were also speculations that new characters may be brought in as well, like someone from the LGBT community.

The solid evidence that fans are holding on to that "The Last of Us 2" is in the works is the poster that was discovered in the "Uncharted 4" game. The poster shows a grown up female wearing a gas mask, carrying a backpack, and holding a gun similar to Joel's revolver. Fans are positive that it is Ellie, pregnant and is not with Joel anymore.

The original game took three years to make and is technically just starting now. Fans are expecting that "The Last of Us 2" will be released some time in 2021.