The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann has revealed new insights about Naughty Dog's upcoming title Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
During a candid interview with Alex Garland, writer of 28 Days Later, Druckmann discussed the four-year development process behind Intergalactic.
"I often joke with our team," Druckmann shared. "After The Last of Us Part II's polarizing reception – loved by many yet hated by others – we thought, why not create something even more divisive? Let's tackle faith and religion in our next project." Garland quipped in response: "Who cares what they think?"
"Exactly," Druckmann agreed. "We're diving into uncharted creative territory."
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Screenshots
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Starring Jordan A. Mun as Tati Gabrielle, Intergalactic presents an alternate historical timeline featuring a dominant religion that has transformed through centuries of reinterpretation. Players will guide Gabrielle's character as she attempts to become the first person in 600 years to escape a mysterious planetary quarantine.
"This society developed in complete isolation after all communication ceased centuries ago," Druckmann explained. "You'll play as a bounty hunter who crash-lands while pursuing a target, discovering this forgotten civilization."
Druckmann emphasized the game's solitary exploration: "Unlike our previous titles with companion characters, we want players to feel genuinely lost, piecing together this civilization's history to find a way off-world."
In related news, The Last of Us Season 2 showrunners recently confirmed the return of fungal spores, which were notably absent from Season 1. The HBO series' new trailer teases expanded infection mechanics, including airborne transmission.
At SXSW 2025, Druckmann explained: "We're escalating both the quantity and variety of infected, plus introducing new transmission vectors beyond Season 1's tendril networks."
Separately, actress Kaitlyn Dever discussed portraying Abby, acknowledging the challenge of ignoring online reactions to her controversial role.
