Neil Druckmann Says There’s a 'Dramatic Reason' Spores Are Back for The Last of Us Season 2

Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, showrunners for HBO's The Last of Us, have confirmed the return of spores in Season 2. Notably absent from Season 1, the latest trailer hints at their reintroduction. A scene depicts Ellie (Bella Ramsey) observing an infected individual, whose breath visibly releases spores.

You can’t stop this. #TheLastOfUs returns April 13 on Max. pic.twitter.com/DH8UzAugIV

— Max (@StreamOnMax) March 8, 2025

Warning! Spoilers for The Last of Us Season 1 follow.