'The Last of Us 2' release date news 2016: Game sequel will have new lead characters?

"The Last of Us" is a post-apocalyptic action thriller video game which took the gaming world by storm when it was first released by Naughty Dog back in 2015. Earlier this year, the fans of the highly successful shooter game were shocked and delighted at the same time when Naughty seemingly included a teaser of "The Last of Us 2" in an epilogue scene of their other video game, "Uncharted 4." This strengthened the idea that the game sequel is indeed happening.

The particular easter egg in "Uncharted 4" for "The Last of Us 2" is a poster of a pregnant young woman wearing a gas mask. Many fans identified the young woman as Ellie, one of the lead characters of the first video game. The people noticed the striking similarities of the woman in the poster and Ellie, and basing on this easter egg, many fans begin to speculate that Ellie is confirmed to be in the sequel.

However, according to Unilad, there is a possibility that "The Last of Us 2" will not feature Ellie. Earlier reports suggest that Ellie might be the sole lead character of the sequel, with Joel possibly being killed before the events of "The Last of Us 2." The online publication used the recent interview of Game Spot with Ellie's actress from the game, Ashley Johnson, to point out that the character may not be appearing on the sequel.

In the said interview, Johnson said that she wants to be a part of "The Last of Us 2" if Naughty Dog decided to continue the game's story. However, she also believes that the first game can already stand on its own without having a sequel.

"I feel like if they were to pursue it again, if they were to have another story for Ellie or Joel or that whole world, I would totally jump on board," said Johnson. Based on this, it appears that she does not know Naughty Dog's plans to create a sequel, as if she is not sure that "The Last of Us 2" will actually happen in the near future. If the sequel's production has already taken place, then Johnson, as well as her character Ellie, is not a part of "The Last of Us 2." It is also possible that with the absence of Ellie and Joel, the sequel may instead introduce new character, although this can be a premature speculation because the sequel is still being planned.

Still, there is a possibility that Naughty Dog has yet to contact Johnson before the time of the interview with the actress.

According the the Parent Herald, Naughty Dog is targetting a 2018 release date for "The Last of Us 2." The game studio is feeling positive that their team will be able to finish the sequel on time.