September is shaping up to be a monster month for gamers, with a slew of major releases hitting shelves. The vampire RPG Blood of the Dawnwalker is already generating Game of the Year whispers ahead of its September 3 launch, and Marvel's Wolverine from Insomniac is set to debut shortly after, with Liam McIntyre stepping into the adamantium claws. And of course, the gaming world is holding its breath for Grand Theft Auto 6, which is slated to land on November 19. But amidst all this excitement, one of the industry's most celebrated studios has been quietly cooking up something new.
Naughty Dog, the team behind beloved franchises like The Last of Us and Uncharted, has been relatively quiet since their last Game of the Year win for The Last of Us Part II in 2020. That game's HBO adaptation has been a massive hit, but the studio is now officially turning the page. Their next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, marks their first original IP in years, and it just took a major step forward.
On their official X (formerly Twitter) account, Naughty Dog announced that the cinematic shoot for Intergalactic has officially wrapped. While they didn't drop a release date, the studio expressed excitement, saying they "can't wait to show off their incredible work when the time is right!" This update is a clear signal that development is progressing well, and it's got fans buzzing about when they'll finally get to explore this new universe.
What Does the Wrap Mean for a Release Date?
Historically, Naughty Dog has wrapped cinematic production about a year before launch. For The Last of Us Part II, that meant a release roughly 12 months after filming concluded. If Intergalactic follows a similar pattern, we could see it hit shelves before the end of 2027. However, the studio has been vocal about Intergalactic being their most ambitious title yet, which could mean a longer post-production period. That makes 2028 a more realistic window, giving the team ample time to polish every detail.
While we wait, there's plenty to keep you busy. If you're in the mood for some classic sci-fi, you might want to check out Jake Gyllenhaal's time-loop thriller before it leaves Peacock later this month. Or, if you're after something with a bit more action, Arnold's iconic Predator is also set to depart the streaming service soon.
Naughty Dog's shift to a new IP is a bold move, but it's one that fans are eagerly anticipating. With the studio's track record for narrative-driven experiences, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is shaping up to be one of the most exciting titles on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates as they come, and in the meantime, you can always revisit the world of The Last of Us on HBO Max.
For those who can't get enough of Naughty Dog's work, the Uncharted series remains a must-play, and the The Last of Us TV show continues to expand its story. But for now, all eyes are on the stars with Intergalactic.
