Rather than fresh game news, The Last of Us is currently drawing attention for a different kind of headline: an officially licensed premium statue of Joel and Ellie, based on one of the most emotionally powerful moments from the first game. It is plainly aimed at die-hard fans - and collectors willing to spend serious money.
Joel and Ellie return as a collectable
Since its 2013 debut, The Last of Us has grown into one of modern gaming’s defining franchises. With two major games, a widely praised HBO series and countless awards, the brand has stayed visible - even as things have gone quiet on the new-games front.
Into that gap comes a new official release: the “The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue”. The piece depicts Ellie riding the horse Callus while Joel walks alongside - a clear nod to the section in the first game where they travel through the University of Eastern Colorado.
"The statue captures a rare calm, almost peaceful moment - in the middle of a brutal, ruined world."
For many fans, that stretch is seen as a turning point. The relentless survival pressure briefly fades, and Joel and Ellie’s relationship feels closer and more personal. That is exactly the mood the statue aims to bring to a shelf or desk.
Polystone, 33 centimetres, fine details: how the statue is made
The statue is produced by Substance Modelworks, a studio known for high-end collectables tied to major franchises. The material used is polystone (polyresin), a resin blend prized for crisp detailing and a realistic surface finish.
Key specifications at a glance:
- Height: around 33 centimetres
- Material: polystone / polyresin
- Scene: Ellie on Callus, with Joel on foot at her side
- Licence: officially licensed The Last of Us product
- Manufacturer: Substance Modelworks
- Target audience: collectors and fans of the series
According to the maker, the goal is to match the game’s look as closely as possible. Clothing, backpacks, weapons, the horse’s tack, facial expressions, and even small signs of wear are intended to mirror the style seen in-game.
That level of fidelity matters to collectors. Minor mistakes in proportions or faces are spotted instantly - and often decide whether a figure becomes a centrepiece or gets torn apart online.
Atmosphere instead of action
Notably, the statue does not lean on explosions or big action beats. Instead, it focuses on stillness: Joel and Ellie moving through what appears to be a quiet passage, surrounded by danger you can’t see - but that players remember is always there.
"The collectable feels like a freeze-frame from a series: quiet, but full of story."
That restraint may be exactly what appeals to fans who see The Last of Us not merely as a zombie or survival game, but as character-driven drama.
Price, release window and pre-orders
As striking as the piece looks, it is not a bargain. The manufacturer lists it at roughly 350 US dollars. Once you factor in tax, shipping and potential customs charges, it is likely to feel significantly pricier in German-speaking markets than a typical collector’s-edition item.
Delivery is planned for March to May 2026. Pre-orders are already open via the manufacturer’s official site. Depending on order volume, the exact shipping date may shift - a familiar risk with limited-run figures.
| Factor | What buyers can expect |
|---|---|
| Price | approx. 350 US dollars excluding shipping/customs |
| Release window | March to May 2026 |
| Availability | limited, aimed at collectors |
| Ordering | only via the manufacturer or specialist retailers |
Anyone considering placing an order should weigh the usual realities of premium statues: a long wait, the possibility of production delays, and the question of how closely the final paintwork will match the promotional images.
What makes The Last of Us so appealing to collectors?
The Last of Us is more than a successful PlayStation title. Many fans tie the series to very specific memories - particular lines of dialogue, decisions, and shock moments. That emotional attachment gives the brand strong merchandising pull.
A statue like this tends to satisfy several motivations at once:
- Nostalgia: it brings back a recognisable moment from the first game.
- Display: collectors can make their enthusiasm visible in the living room or a gaming room.
- Sense of value: a high price can create the feeling of owning something special and rare.
- Bridging the wait: during periods without new games, merchandise fills the space.
For publishers and studios, these releases provide additional revenue while game development takes years. For fans, they are a tangible way to keep their connection to characters like Joel and Ellie close.
Uncertain future for the game series
While the statue has a concrete timeframe, the franchise’s core future remains unclear. A third instalment - often referred to as The Last of Us Part III - has not been officially announced. The series’ creative lead, Neil Druckmann, has mentioned a rough story idea in interviews, but there has been no definitive green light.
At the same time, Naughty Dog is working on other projects, including a new science-fiction IP. That inevitably ties up resources. Fans should therefore be prepared to wait several more years for a potential new chapter featuring Joel and Ellie - or perhaps an entry focused on entirely new characters.
"Right now, it’s mainly the HBO series, re-releases and collectables that keep the brand in the conversation - new game information is scarce."
In that sense, the statue fits into a wider pattern: the franchise stays present even without fresh game releases. For Sony and Naughty Dog, that is strategically sensible; for fans, it can still feel like a long dry spell.
Is the statue worth it for fans in German-speaking markets?
Whether the figure deserves a place in your budget depends heavily on your personal relationship with the series. If you have played The Last of Us multiple times, love the HBO adaptation and already collect figures, the chosen scene is likely to land emotionally.
Even so, there are a few practical questions worth running through beforehand:
- Do I have enough space for a 33-centimetre statue with a wide base?
- Am I willing to pay well above 350 US dollars once shipping and taxes are included?
- How important are limited, numbered editions to me?
- How well can I handle long lead times and possible delays?
If you find yourself hesitating repeatedly, smaller and more affordable figures - or art books - may suit you better. This premium statue reads more like a collector’s indulgence than an impulse purchase.
Why polystone and premium statues are in such high demand
Polystone has become a staple of high-end figures because it allows extremely fine contours and carries a satisfying weight. Many collectors like that sense of solidity: it feels substantial, not like a light plastic model.
There are downsides, though. Polystone is more prone to breaking than PVC, transport damage is a risk, and a fall from a shelf can end in the worst case as a pile of fragments. Anyone buying a statue in this price bracket should also think carefully about placement - safe around children, safe around pets, and ideally well away from the edge of a table.
These practical considerations may not sound exciting, but they often determine how long you enjoy a collectable. With a subject like Joel and Ellie, which carries real emotional weight for many players, damage would sting twice: financially and emotionally.
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