The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue Revealed

The future of the series remains uncertain, but the The Last of Us brand is certainly not standing still. While millions of players continue to wait for a possible third game, an officially licensed collectible is currently generating plenty of discussion within the community. Joel and Ellie are once again at the centre of attention – not on screen this time, but as a highly detailed premium statue.

New The Last of Us premium statue recreates an iconic scene

The manufacturer is releasing a large, high-quality statue inspired directly by the first The Last of Us game. Officially called “The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue”, the piece depicts Ellie riding Callus while Joel walks alongside them.

The scene comes from the part of the game in which the pair explore the university in eastern Colorado. Many fans consider this section one of the story’s most emotional moments, as it quietly but powerfully illustrates the growing bond between Joel and Ellie.

The statue captures a quiet, almost peaceful pause in a brutal world – and it is precisely this contrast that makes the scene so popular with fans.

Those familiar with the game often remember not the biggest explosions, but the small conversations while riding, the glances exchanged by the characters and the moments when hope briefly emerges. The statue is intended to bring exactly that feeling to collectors’ shelves.

Materials, size and details: how the statue is made

The figure is produced from polyresin, a synthetic resin frequently used for high-end collectibles. At around 33 centimetres tall, it is considerably larger than the typical standard figures found on merchandise shelves.

Substance Modelworks, a studio specialising in figures and statues based on well-known licences, is responsible for its production. According to the manufacturer, the design was developed in close collaboration with the licensing side to keep the proportions, clothing and equipment as close to the game as possible.

What collectors can look out for

• Characters: Ellie is seated on Callus, with Joel walking beside her; both wear their outfits from the university chapter.
• Base: The ground evokes the slightly overgrown university campus area.
• Details: Clothing textures, fabric folds, the backpack, weapon straps and horse tack are all finely crafted.
• Mood: The characters’ posture and direction of gaze are intended to convey the calm, reflective atmosphere of the source material.

Based on the first product images, the piece appears less action-focused and more like a story moment frozen in time. That will particularly appeal to fans who value the characters themselves rather than only their combat scenes.

Price and release window: who the statue is for

With an expected price of around 350 US dollars, the statue is clearly positioned in the premium segment. It is therefore aimed primarily at collectors rather than casual buyers looking to pick up a quick gaming gadget.

Pre-orders are already available through the official manufacturer. Anyone hoping to secure a copy will need to plan ahead, as premium figures of this kind are often produced in limited quantities.

Feature	Details
Licence	The Last of Us (officially licensed)
Subject	Joel & Ellie with Callus (university chapter)
Material	Polyresin
Height	Approx. 33 cm
Price	Around 350 US dollars
Delivery window	March to May 2026

Initial deliveries are scheduled for March to May 2026. The exact week will likely depend on the final number of orders received. Long waits are not unusual for high-end figures such as these, as both production and quality control are comparatively demanding.

Fans are still waiting for The Last of Us Part III

While new products are being announced in the merchandise space, the situation surrounding a potential third entry in the series remains tense. Developer Naughty Dog has so far made no official announcement concerning The Last of Us Part III.

Creative director Neil Druckmann has previously said there is a broad idea for another chapter, but no concrete details or timetable have been shared. At the same time, the studio is working on a new science-fiction franchise, which ties up substantial resources.

Anyone hoping for a new game will need patience – realistically, it could still be some time before Naughty Dog shares clear plans.

During this interim period, the brand is filling the gap with other projects. HBO’s television series has already reached new audiences, while accompanying books, artwork and collectible figures keep the franchise visible. For its most devoted fans, physical collectibles are often a way to maintain their connection to the series while waiting for new content.

Why this particular scene works so well

The Colorado university marks a turning point in Joel and Ellie’s relationship. The relentless tension of their journey briefly fades into the background, their conversations become more personal, and their distant partnership of necessity suddenly begins to feel like a chosen family.

This is exactly where the statue finds its strength: there are no infected, no battles and no suspenseful set pieces. Instead, it centres on a quiet moment of travelling together. That may appeal to collectors because it distinguishes the figure from many other gaming statues, which tend to favour explosions, weapons and dynamic poses.

Tips for fans considering a purchase

Anyone thinking of adding the premium statue to their shelf should bear a few considerations in mind:

• Space requirements: A height of 33 centimetres plus the base takes up more room than expected. A sturdy, clearly visible shelf is essential.
• Budget planning: 350 dollars is not an impulse purchase. Shipping, potential taxes and customs charges may raise the final cost further.
• Long-term care: Polyresin is sensitive to strong sunlight and dust. A display case or cover can significantly extend its lifespan.
• Value retention: Limited, officially licensed figures often retain their value better, although there is never any guarantee.

For many buyers, resale value is not the main consideration anyway; the emotional connection to the brand matters more. Anyone who followed Joel and Ellie’s journey can treat the statue as a particularly distinctive reminder of a specific moment in the story.

What else collectors can expect

The market for gaming collectibles has expanded considerably in recent years. Alongside premium The Last of Us statues, manufacturers regularly release figures based on franchises such as God of War, Horizon and Resident Evil. Prices range from under €100 to several thousand euros for extremely limited editions.

Fans of story-driven games are particularly drawn to statues that do more than simply look impressive: they want pieces that portray a moment with an emotional connection to the story. The new Joel and Ellie statue clearly belongs in that category. Anyone who chooses it is bringing home not only a collectible, but also a very tangible piece of gaming history.