The hit HBO series 'The Last of Us' might encounter a predicament that 'Game of Thrones' fans are all too familiar with - adapting source material that isn’t yet available. The wildly popular post-apocalyptic drama, based on the critically acclaimed video game, could potentially have to create content based on 'The Last of Us Part III' before the game is even released, as HBO seeks to extend the series' run for as long as possible.

When 'Game of Thrones' creators David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and their team had to adapt unpublished books from George R.R. Martin's series, the show’s reputation took a hit. Once lauded as one of the most esteemed television series ever made, it later became one of the most significant disappointments in TV history. The prospect of 'The Last of Us' series dealing with the same issues raises questions about the potential impact on its popularity and critical acclaim.

While the first 'Last of Us' game was seamlessly adapted into the inaugural season of the TV show, translating the second game into a television series promises to be a more daunting task. Despite this, the rich narrative of 'The Last of Us Part II' provides show creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann with plenty of material to utilize. In fact, they could possibly stretch the second game's storyline to span two or even three seasons of the TV show.

However, despite the wealth of content available in the second game, HBO will undoubtedly want to keep its latest commercial and critical success running even after the climax of Ellie’s revenge mission against Abby at the Rattlers’ compound. This could lead to the series venturing into the uncharted territory of 'The Last of Us Part III' before the game's release, creating potential challenges for the creative team.

In conclusion, while 'The Last of Us' series is a massive hit with fans and critics alike, the prospect of adapting non-existent source material could pose a significant challenge for the creators. As the series looks to extend its lifespan, it will be interesting to see how they navigate this potential hurdle. What do you think? Will 'The Last of Us' series successfully manage this challenge, or will it follow in the footsteps of 'Game of Thrones'? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.