Dystopian drama The Last of Us has been renewed for a third season on the eve of the season two premiere.

The video game adaptation stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as two survivors of an infection which has turned most of the human race into zombie-like creatures.

Co-creator Craig Mazin said: "We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of.

"The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of The Last of Us with season three!"

Fellow co-creator Neil Druckmann added: "To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans' enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO and our team at PlayStation Productions.

"On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We're thrilled to bring you more of The Last of Us."

The Last of Us season two premieres this Sunday at 9pm ET on HBO in the US and simultaneously at 2am Monday on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Ireland.