'The Last Of Us 2' News & Update: Naughty Dog, Neil Druckmann To Add More Diverse Characters In Ellie, Joel Game Sequel?

"The Last Of Us 2" is fanning curiosity on character selections by developer Naughty Dog and creator Neil Druckmann. While most "The Last Of Us" fans would be happy to have Naughty Dog bring back Ellie (Ashley Johnson) and Joel (Troy Baker), the sequel to "TLOU" may bring in more diverse characters.

At the moment, "TLOU" public is on tenterhooks over whether "The Last Of Us" favorites Ellie and Joel will have survived into the Naughty Dog sequel. While recent "Uncharted 4" hint teased that only Ellie survived and will be in "The Last Of Us 2" without Joel, "American Daughters" (or whatever "TLOU" 2" will be called) may be a more inclusive offering by Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog.

Hey look...he made a clicker mask! #TheLastofUs #SDCC #sdcc2016 #comiccon pic.twitter.com/ICXmeJKv3j

— Annie Wersching (@Wersching) July 22, 2016

  Blastr cites an interview by The Frame with Neil Druckmann on broadening the spectrum of "The Last Of Us" creator's characters. Neil Druckmann admits to gravitating toward a set of defaults whenever developing his characters.

However, Neil Druckmann states that he recently became more aware that diversity in his characters, which may translate in "The Last Of Us 2" as it it did in "Uncharted 4: A Thief's End," is essential. According to Neil Druckman, ensuring a balance to this character diversity is just as essential as ensuring the balance in gameplay, images and story.

Neil Druckmann credits Naughty Dog lead concept character artist Ashley Sidowski, who worked with him on "The Last Of Us: Left Behind." Interestingly, "The Last Of Us: Left Behind" DLC received a strong response from "TLOU" fans.

Could "The Last Of Us 2" actually bring in new leads that are non-male, non-white, non-Christian as opposed to the old defaults by which Neil Druckmann went? Parent Herald reports that the success of "The Last Of Us: Left Behind" set speculations that "TLOU" 2 may, in fact, see Ellie at the lead rather than a return by Joel.

First Melania Trump and now this. ... (Excited to play Rise on my PS4) pic.twitter.com/VGrbqxOYQg — Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) July 19, 2016

Dependecy for Neil Druckmann and Naughty Dog to resume development of "The Last Of Us 2" is the delivery of the "Uncharted 4" single player DLC, which may be released by late 2016. As Parent Herald reports, this may spell "The Last Of Us 2" release schedule for late 2018 or early 2019 while Naughty Dog may release official "TLOU" 2 details by E3 2017.