To: Neil Druckmann & the Creative Team at Naughty Dog

We, the fans of The Last of Us, are writing with deep admiration and love for the world you’ve created. The Last of Us Part I moved us with its raw humanity, unforgettable storytelling, and the profound bond between Joel and Ellie. It was more than a game—it was an emotional journey that stayed with us long after the credits rolled.

However, for many of us, The Last of Us Part II, while bold and technically impressive, left us heartbroken—not simply because of the events that unfolded, but because we lost the emotional core that made the series special. Joel’s brutal death, early in the game, left a void that could never be filled. The narrative choices, though artistically valid, left many fans feeling disconnected from the characters we once loved.

We have a proposal:

Reimagine the events of Part II as a fever dream—a haunting vision experienced by Ellie or Joel—and give us a new, canon Part III where Joel is still alive.

We are not asking you to erase your work, but rather to explore an alternate reality that still embraces the series’ core themes of love, redemption, and sacrifice. Dreams, after all, are powerful. They teach, they warn, and they push us toward growth. You’ve already set up rich emotional and psychological landscapes. Lean into that. Let the nightmare of Part II become the emotional spark for a new, grounded story.

Here’s what we envision for The Last of Us Part III: Wake:

Joel is alive. The events of Part II were a dream Ellie had during a near-death infection experience.
Ellie is shaken by the dream and begins working to repair her relationship with Joel—finally understanding the weight of his choices and how far love can push a person.
A new threat looms: The Ember Circle, a cult that reveres the infection and seeks to spread it.
The infection is mutating. Ellie may no longer be immune.
The Fireflies return—offering Ellie a real chance at a cure, but this time she must choose her path without manipulation.
Players get to control both Joel and Ellie, rebuilding trust and making difficult moral decisions that lead to multiple outcomes.
 

We believe this direction would not only honor the legacy of the first game, but also heal the rift between creators and a large portion of the fanbase. The Last of Us is about love, yes—but also about second chances. This could be one of them.

We love this world. We love these characters. We believe there’s more story to tell.

Sincerely,

The Fans Who Still Believe in Joel and Ellie