The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue arrives in spring 2026

While gamers around the world keep speculating about where The Last of Us could go next as a game, one licensing partner is already preparing something tangible behind the scenes: a premium statue that recreates one of the most affecting moments from the first title, due in spring 2026.

A new collectable rather than a new game

Since 2013, The Last of Us has been one of the defining names in gaming. Two mainline games, a widely praised remake, and the HBO series have kept the franchise highly visible. There is, however, one area where things remain unusually quiet: a potential third instalment.

There are still no firm announcements around The Last of Us Part III. Naughty Dog continues to play its cards close to its chest, speaking only in broad terms about ideas and concepts. Into that gap comes an official product aimed squarely at collectors.

"Instead of a new game, a highly detailed premium statue featuring Joel and Ellie will be released in spring 2026 - officially licensed and clearly designed for fans."

For fans looking to bridge the wait for new content, a high-end collectable like this often feels like more than decoration. It becomes a physical keepsake tied to a specific, pivotal moment in the series.

Joel and Ellie on horseback: an iconic scene in statue form

The statue’s official name is “The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue”. It focuses on a sequence many players remember vividly: Ellie sits on the horse, Callus, while Joel walks alongside.

The moment is taken from the Eastern Colorado university section. It’s where the relationship between the two leads noticeably shifts. What began as a practical partnership starts to resemble something closer to a strained, but genuine, father–daughter bond.

Why this particular moment hits so hard

• It’s one of the game’s rare calm stretches, with no immediate threat bearing down.
• Players see Joel entrust Ellie with more responsibility.
• The setting - abandoned campus buildings with nature reclaiming the concrete - amplifies the mood.
• It reflects their journey: worn out, uncertain, but moving forward together.

That is exactly what the statue is meant to convey: not a heroic action pose, but a quiet, reflective beat that carries real emotional weight.

Materials, size, and construction: how the statue is made

The piece is produced in polyresin, a hard material that allows fine sculpting and is widely used for high-end figures. It stands at around 33 cm, large enough to be an immediate focal point in a display cabinet without looking oversized.

The work is being handled by Substance Modelworks, a studio known for producing figures based on major brands. The intent is a look that stays close to the game, so fans instantly recognise the scene.

The details fans can expect

Based on the information available so far, buyers can anticipate elements including:

• A carefully sculpted Callus, including tack, coat texture, and musculature
• Ellie’s outfit with natural folds, signs of wear, and a believable seated posture
• Joel’s signature appearance with backpack, weapon, and his distinctive stance
• A diorama-style base that evokes the university campus
• Meticulous paintwork that reflects the game’s muted colour palette

"The statue isn’t aiming for exaggeration or a comic-book look; it’s trying to recreate the original scene’s quiet, melancholic tone as faithfully as possible."

Price and release window: not an impulse purchase

Anyone looking to add Joel, Ellie, and Callus to their home display will need a serious budget. The listed price sits at around 350 US dollars. For UK buyers, the total is likely to rise once shipping, VAT, and any customs charges are factored in.

Key details at a glance:

Aspect	Details
Product	“The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue”
Height	ca. 33 cm
Material	Polyresin
Price	rund 350 US-Dollar (ohne Importkosten)
Manufacturer	Substance Modelworks, official licence
Shipping start	expected March to May 2026

Delivery is scheduled for the period March to May 2026. The exact date will depend on production volume and the number of pre-orders. Pre-orders are already available through the manufacturer.

The wait for “The Last of Us Part III” continues

Alongside the statue, the bigger question remains for many players: will there be a third game, and if so, when? Creative director Neil Druckmann has suggested in interviews that a rough story idea exists. But there’s still no indication of an active project, let alone any release timeframe.

For now, Naughty Dog is focused on other work, including a new science-fiction IP. Anyone expecting a swift return to Joel, Ellie, or Abby will probably need to be patient for a good few years.

"The premium statue also works as a signal: the The Last of Us brand is still alive, even if new games feel a long way off."

Why merchandise matters for brands like “The Last of Us”

For major game series, premium figures and collectables have long had a defined role. They keep a franchise in view when there’s a long gap between releases. Fans stay engaged, share photos of their display cabinets, and compare notes in forums on build quality, limited runs, and paint applications.

For the manufacturer, a product like this is both opportunity and risk: the audience is smaller, but it’s also willing to spend considerably more per item. Ultimately, quality determines whether it’s a success or a disappointment.

Is it worth buying - and who is it for?

Whether around 350 US dollars feels justified depends heavily on how you view collectables. For more casual players who finished The Last of Us once and moved on, it will be difficult to defend that kind of spend.

In practice, the statue will appeal most to three groups:

• Hardcore fans of the series who want as many parts of the franchise on their shelves as possible
• Figure collectors who already buy premium polyresin pieces and prioritise fine detail
• Merchandise investors hoping for value retention or future appreciation

Anyone purchasing should also keep in mind that polyresin, while premium, is fragile. A fall from a shelf can quickly mean chipped or broken parts. A stable, dust-protected setup - ideally a display cabinet - is close to essential.

What fans should consider before pre-ordering

A few straightforward questions help before committing:

• Do I have a secure spot where the statue will actually stand out?
• Roughly how much will shipping, VAT, and customs add?
• Am I planning to display it, or keep it boxed as part of a collection?
• How strongly is my connection to The Last of Us tied to this specific university sequence?

If you can answer those honestly and still feel excited, you’re almost certainly the intended audience. For everyone else, a cheaper poster or an art book may be enough to tide you over until the next game.

One thing is clear: the statue won’t replace a sequel to The Last of Us Part II, but it does give the huge fanbase something new for their shelves - and it underlines that the franchise is still being actively marketed, even with its gaming future uncertain.