'The Last Of Us 2' News & Update: Naughty Dog Success With 'TLOU' 'Left Behind' DLC Determined Ellie Lead?

Developer Naughty Dog hints of an Ellie lead in "The Last Of Us 2" (through the first "Uncharted 4" easter egg) and is linked to the success of the "TLOU" DLC "Left Behind." "The Last Of Us 2" creative director Neil Druckmann confirmed that a Naughty Dog sequel for "TLOU" is indeed in the cards and the clue in Nathan Drake's final salvo points to a focus on Ellie (Ashley Johnson).

Gamingbolt proposes that the "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End" easter egg on "The Last Of Us 2" (considering the gas-masked pregnant woman and the words "American Daughters") may indicate a prequel plan by Naughty Dog. Considering that "The Last Of Us" revealed Ellie to be immune to the virus that wreaked havoc on civilization, "American Daughters" in the "Uncharted 4" Dark Horse Comics poster may refer to mom Anna during pregnancy.

Movie Pilot points out, however, that pulling the story away from Ellie or Joel (or Ellie and Joel) in "The Last Of Us 2" could miss Naughty Dog and Neil Druckmann some golden opportunity. In 2014 Naughty Dog released "The Last of Us: Left Behind" DLC on Ellie and her friend Riley (Yaani King), which met impressive success.

Movie Pilot highlights Ellie as a fan favorite in "TLOU" even more than fellow favorite Joel (Troy Baker), whose story fans are excited to continue in "The Last Of Us 2." Going on this strength, the "Uncharted 4" easter egg conceivably points to a pregnant Ellie continuing the tale of mankind's survival without Joel by her side in "The Last Of Us 2."

According to Neil Druckmann, "The Last Of Us 2" development with Naughty Dog will resume once the single player DLC for "Uncharted 4" is safely launched. Projections for the "The Last Of Us 2" release date, based on the "Uncharted 4" announcement by Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog on dependencies, have 2018 and 2019 in view.