The Last of Us Director Neil Druckmann Wants Naughty Dog's New Game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet to Make You Feel 'Really Lost and Confused'

Neil Druckmann, director of The Last of Us, has offered new insights into Naughty Dog's upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. In a conversation with Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later, Druckmann revealed the game has been in development for four years. He candidly addressed the polarizing reception of The Last of Us Part II, stating that the team jokingly decided to create something less controversial—a game exploring themes of faith and religion.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Screenshots

4 Images

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, starring Jordan A. Mun as Tati Gabrielle, unfolds in an alternate history featuring a prominent, yet evolved and distorted religion. Gabrielle’s character must utilize her skills to become the first person in centuries to escape the planet where this religion is central.

Druckmann hinted at the game's premise: communication ceases on this singular planet, and the player controls a bounty hunter pursuing Gabrielle's character, who crash-lands there. Unlike previous Naughty Dog games, the player experiences profound isolation, navigating a confusing setting and unraveling the planet's history to secure escape—a feat made challenging by the planet's centuries-long radio silence.

Recent news reveals that spores, absent from The Last of Us Season 1, will return in Season 2. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin confirmed this, promising an escalation in both the number and types of infected, and a shift in the infection's spread method. The new season introduces airborne elements, contrasting with Season 1's tendril-based infection. Additionally, actress Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, shared her experience with the role and the challenges of avoiding online reactions.