While the wider community is still waiting for concrete news on a possible third instalment, a different announcement has sparked plenty of discussion: an officially licensed premium statue of Joel and Ellie that recreates one of the most affecting sequences from the first game. For many long-time fans, it feels like more than simple merchandise - a small consolation while the future of the series remains uncertain.
New premium statue revives an iconic The Last of Us moment
The piece is officially titled “The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue” and is modelled directly on Naughty Dog’s original game. It centres on the university segment set in the fictional state of Colorado, where Ellie sits atop the horse Callus while Joel walks alongside.
For a lot of players, that section has stuck for years. It’s a point where Joel and Ellie’s relationship clearly feels more settled and mature: the journey has long since shifted from “just a job” into something far more personal. The calm, almost ordinary atmosphere on the campus lands even harder because it sits against the brutal world beyond its walls.
The statue captures a rare moment of quiet - right in the middle of a game world defined by violence.
According to the manufacturer, the collectible is scheduled to launch in March 2026, which is notably later than the initial reveal might suggest. Dispatch is broadly planned for March to May 2026.
Materials, size and finish: what makes this a premium collectible
The statue is produced in polyresin, a material commonly used for high-end display pieces. It stands at roughly 33 centimetres tall, so it’s clearly aimed at collectors with a cabinet or shelf space for a larger centrepiece.
The project comes from Substance Modelworks, a studio known for licensed figures from established brands. The emphasis here is on reproducing the in-game look as faithfully as possible, including:
- fine creases and stitching across Joel’s and Ellie’s clothing
- detailed saddlebags, tack and Callus’s coat texture
- a base that suggests the ground from the university scene
- realistic paintwork on faces and gear
The makers also stress that it’s not simply “two characters on a plinth”. The goal is to convey the mood of the scene: no big firefight, no explosions - just a subdued moment as the pair continue onwards together.
Why this particular Joel-and-Ellie scene was chosen
Within the fan community, the university sequence is often regarded as one of the most emotionally powerful stretches of the first game. Joel and Ellie come across as closer, their conversations feel more intimate, and there’s also a lingering sense of foreboding in the background. The statue leans into that tension: hope, fear and day-to-day routine within survival.
Collectors who have replayed the game multiple times often associate the moment with personal milestones - a first run on a higher difficulty setting, for example, or the point where they finally noticed the optional, easily missed dialogues between the two.
Not a bargain: what fans will pay for Joel and Ellie
The premium positioning is reflected in the cost. The manufacturer lists the statue at around US$350 (roughly £275–£290, depending on exchange rates). That places it firmly in the upper tier, comparable to many collector-edition figures and limited resin statues from other franchises.
At around $350, this is a luxury display piece - far more suited to hardcore fans than casual players.
Pre-orders are already live, and demand is likely to be strongest among collectors who already fill their shelves with lines from series such as God of War, Horizon or Resident Evil. How limited the run will be often comes down to production capacity and demand; no exact edition size has been confirmed so far.
What to consider if you’re importing to the UK
Anyone ordering from abroad should factor in a few practical points:
- Shipping costs: large, heavy resin statues can rack up significant delivery charges.
- Customs and taxes: depending on where it ships from, you may face import VAT and potential handling fees, which can noticeably increase the final cost.
- Risk of damage: polyresin is sturdy, but not indestructible. Secure packaging is essential, yet transit damage can never be ruled out completely.
If you want extra peace of mind, it may be worth waiting for a UK or European retailer that distributes the product officially. In many cases, local sellers also simplify returns, replacements and claims if something arrives damaged.
Licensing, display planning and long-term care (what collectors often overlook)
Because this is an officially licensed statue, branding approval and visual accuracy usually matter more than with unlicensed garage kits - which is part of what you’re paying for. For collectors, licensing can also affect long-term desirability, particularly if the piece is later discontinued and becomes harder to source at retail price.
It’s also worth planning the display before you buy. A 33 cm centrepiece can dominate a shelf, and it’s best kept away from direct sunlight to protect the paint over time. Dust is safest removed with a soft brush or blower; harsh cleaning products are a bad idea. Delicate elements - such as reins or straps - can chip if the statue gets knocked, so a stable, level surface (or a glass cabinet) is ideal.
Franchise on hold: what’s next for The Last of Us?
While collectors update their wish-lists, the main question is still unanswered: will we see The Last of Us Part III? There has been no official announcement from Naughty Dog or the publisher.
Creative director Neil Druckmann has previously hinted in interviews that an initial concept for a continuation exists. At the same time, the studio is also working on a new science-fiction project that appears to be consuming substantial resources. Anyone hoping for a near-term third instalment will likely need patience.
The statue is a reminder of how powerful the brand has become - even with no new game on the horizon.
The HBO series has also expanded the audience, bringing in new viewers (and potential players) who discovered the franchise through television first. Many of them have since taken an interest in merchandise and high-end collectibles - exactly the gap this new Joel-and-Ellie statue is designed to fill.
Why premium collectibles matter for brands like The Last of Us
For studios and rights holders, high-quality figures and statues now serve a purpose beyond being “fan items”. They keep a franchise visible during quiet years with no major release, and they trade on the emotional attachment players have to the story.
Putting a statue of this scale on display is often a statement: this narrative mattered to me; these characters stayed with me. With The Last of Us, that connection is particularly strong because the games are remembered not only for gameplay, but for character growth - especially the bond between Joel and Ellie.
Who this The Last of Us statue is actually worth it for
Not every fan will be comfortable paying several hundred dollars for a single piece. The purchase makes the most sense for three groups:
- Long-time hardcore fans who have played both games repeatedly and already own other collectibles.
- Figure collectors who specifically buy premium polyresin statues and care about high-detail sculpting and paintwork.
- HBO newcomers who found the franchise through the series and want a physical version of an iconic in-game image.
If you’re undecided, it can be sensible to wait for photos and unboxing videos, which typically appear on social media shortly before or after shipping begins. That makes it easier to judge whether the paint application, proportions and overall finish feel appropriate for the asking price.
Whether it ends up in a glass cabinet or as a focal point on a gaming shelf, the new The Last of Us statue will likely make the wait for clearer signals about the next game a little easier for many fans - and a timely reminder of why Joel and Ellie’s journey still resonates today.
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