Why The Last Of Us Season 2 Missed The Chance To Include The Rat King

by

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us season 2.

Summary

  • Fans expressed mixed feelings about season 2 of The Last of Us, longing for the inclusion of the thrilling Rat King scene.
  • Co-creators hinted at the potential appearance of the Rat King in season 3, sparking excitement among fans for the upcoming episodes.
  • The absence of the Rat King from season 2 left fans wanting more, hoping to see this terrifying figure brought to life in the next season for an intensified viewing experience.

Due to the incredible success of its first season, it was only natural for HBO to renew The Last of Us for a third season. When the series came back in April 2025, viewers were introduced to Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, and got reacquainted with Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey. As fans eagerly awaited the pivotal moment when tragedy would strike Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, many found Joel’s eventual death to be one of the most heart-wrenching on television, making it difficult to watch, despite knowing it was inevitable.

It’s exciting to learn that The Last of Us season 3 could be released soon, but not everyone was thrilled with every aspect of the second season. As fans look back on the events and characters from season 2, there’s a strong desire for one memorable and chilling detail from the game to have been incorporated into the series.

The Last Of Us Season 2 Didn’t Include The Rat King Scene, But Could Season 3?

There was speculation among fans if The Last of Us season 2 would feature the infamous Rat King character, given his brutal portrayal in The Last of Us Part 2. However, he did not appear in season 2. But, there’s a possibility that we might see the Rat King in season 3. In an interview with Deadline, co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin hinted at this.

“Rats, what should we talk about?”

Co-creator and co-showrunner Neil Druckmann added:

“You know, there’s a certain crane that you’re seeing in Episode 7 that is very telling.”

The seven episodes of The Last of Us season 2 were excellent, but I can’t help but think the Rat King scene should have been included. Firstly, it’s terrifying just to imagine, and seeing this creature brought to life would have been thrilling. Secondly, the Rat King could have played a role in the finale or at least been hinted at. A brief appearance of the Rat King would have made the ending more impactful and foreshadowed the horrors that might unfold in the next season.

Given that Mazin and Druckmann hinted towards the appearance of the Rat King in “The Last of Us” season 3, fans can now eagerly anticipate this scene. The prospect of the Rat King sequence could further fuel excitement for the upcoming season. Although season 2 had some impactful moments, none quite matched the emotional depth of season 1’s “Long, Long Time.” It’s expected that season 3 will escalate the tension even more. Depicting the Rat King in a convincing manner would be a good move. Naturally, it may require the sacrifice of some characters to make a lasting impact. If not executed properly, they might not have as significant an effect.

Fans Debated Whether The Rat King Would Be Featured In The Last Of Us Season 2

Some spectators anticipated that the Rat King character might feature in The Last of Us season 2, while others firmly believed it would only appear in season 3. Reddit user @Friendly_Zebra posted:

“The Rat King is an Abby enemy so I don’t think we’ll see it until Season 3.”

Redditor @hyperfixationss agreed:

It seems that the event might unfold in Season 3 as it occurs later in Abby’s narrative. Given this, I anticipate that they will probably employ full Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) or a blend of practical and CGI effects for its depiction.

Despite some criticism surrounding Abby’s appearance in season 2, it’s undeniable that Kaitlyn Dever delivered an exceptional performance. It would truly be captivating to witness Abby confronting the Rat King in The Last of Us season 3. One Reddit user advocates for a gradual development of Abby’s character rather than hastily rushing towards the Rat King scene. The fan expressed, “I hope they take time to develop Abby’s character thoroughly before reaching the Rat King scenario.

Without a doubt, fans are eagerly anticipating the appearance of the Rat King, as such an encounter would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, being both chilling and extraordinary. Reddit user @ThisIsYourMormont expressed it succinctly: “There’s no doubt in my mind that fans are anxiously waiting to witness the Rat King, for such an event would certainly be unforgettable.

In the show, the infectious entities pose a greater threat compared to the game. Frankly, it’s hard to imagine anyone surviving an encounter with the Rat King. Most likely, we’d witness an intense chase sequence in which the Rat King is ultimately destroyed by something catastrophic, like a building collapsing on it.

Read More

2025-05-28 18:06