While we still don’t know much about the official release of The Last of Us Part 3, Naughty Dog lead Neil Druckmann has hinted that the final chapter is very likely to happen at some point down the road. A third entry in the series is certainly an intriguing prospect, but fans are also quite divided on what shape the game might take narratively speaking.
The biggest issue is that The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2 have set the bar very high when it comes to character development and depth, with Joel and Ellie standing among the most beloved protagonists in gaming history. Their relationship and the devastating consequences of the choices they made have defined the franchise from the very beginning, making it difficult to imagine a sequel that could deliver the same impact without relying heavily on one or both of them.
Whether Naughty Dog decides to focus on Ellie once again, introduce an entirely new cast, or revisit familiar faces in unexpected ways, it’s hard to imagine a sequel that doesn’t at least include a flashback featuring Joel at some point. However, fans won’t have to wait until then to find out, as Joel Miller is officially making a return in a brand-new release that’s set to drop in November 2027 (via Prime 1).
Joel Miller is making a triumphant return that hardcore collectors will not want to sleep on, with the limited-edition run of the Real Elite Masterline collectible statue. The sculpture will only see 350 units total and only a few remain available on Prime 1 Studio’s official website, with additional units available via Sideshow at a slight markup. The Joel Miller Real Elite Masterline statue will run you $1,399.00 USD, but is well worth it if you’re looking to take your collection to the next level with a highly detailed original design.
This Joel premium statue features the main protagonist in The Last of Us Part 1 during the iconic gym scene just before the Bloater bashes through the door. It’s a massive 1/4-scale statue measuring 20 inches (52cm) tall and weighing a whopping 19 pounds (8.9 kg).
The statue is designed with two swappable arm sets, “one in a Shooting Stance and one in a Low Ready pose,” and features Joel with a “sharp gaze searching for a way to survive … faithfully recreated alongside his rugged facial features and graying beard.” It’s built on a custom basketball court-themed base, with a collapsed net in the background as well.
The Bonus Version of the statue includes a swappable head with a unique expression “that vividly captures both the responsibility he bears as a smuggler and the new emotions beginning to emerge deep within him.” This release is one of several in the Real Elite Masterline slate of The Last of Us Prime 1 Studios statues, with an originally designed Bloater and Ellie statue also on offer for roughly the same cost.