"There are things in the air": The Last of Us show runners tease a deadlier infection threat in Season 2

The infection at the centre of The Last of Us storyline is advancing. While the first season highlighted the disturbing consequences of the Cordyceps fungus, season 2 will familiarise the viewers with an even bigger risk —airborne spores. Show runners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have verified that this new aspect will make surviving even more unstable, twisting every single breath into a possible threat.

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How season 2 of The Last of Us expands the infection’s reach

Fans of The Last of Us are aware of the Cordyceps infection spreading with bites, but at a new SXSW panel, Druckmann and Mazin verified that the show will now also include airborne spores. This means the infection is no longer confined to just physical contact; it could now be present in the air, heightening the chance for survival.

Druckmann clarified;

“There’s an escalation of numbers and types of infected…. but also, as you see in the trailer, an escalation of the vector of how this thing spreads. Season 1 we had this new thing that wasn’t in the game—these tendrils that spread…and then this one shot you see in this trailer, there are things in the air.”

Mazin also verified that these airborne spores would play an important role in the new season. In the video game, the spores spread when infested corpses deteriorate, turning those particular areas into high-risk areas.

This new add-on to the series brings the HBO adaptation nearer to the original game material and increases the dangers for characters like Joel and Ellie.

How it changes the story for Joel, Ellie, and others

The Last of Us Season 2 features the spores spreading sporadically, significantly decreasing the chances of survival. Unlike infections centered around bites, airborne spores make up an out of sight threat. While Ellie is safe, other characters around her aren’t, which sets the stage for some high-stake tensions and emotional damages.

Druckmann implied that bringing in the spores acts as a major storytelling purpose, stating there is “a dramatic reason” behind the introduction. Whether this leads to unpredicted infections or new challenges based on survival, the spores will most likely center around major storylines in The Last of Us Season 2.

The Last of Us Season 2 also expands its cast. Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), and Rutina Wesley (Maria) will be making their return along with newly joined cast members like Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeffrey Wright.

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With The Last of Us Season 2 set to release on April 13, 2025 on Max, introducing airborne spores will mark a significant shift. The first season was frightening, but with Season 2, the threat won’t be visible to the naked eye. As surviving becomes even more challenging, the series is set to bring in an even more powerful and thrilling journey.