The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie Premium Statue Recreates an Iconic Moment

While the world waits for concrete news of a possible third instalment, another project is generating discussion: an officially licensed premium statue of Joel and Ellie recreating one of the first game’s most emotional scenes. For many long-standing followers, it is more than fan merchandise - it offers a small measure of comfort while the series’ future remains uncertain.

New premium statue revisits an iconic moment

Officially titled “The Last of Us: Joel & Ellie on Horseback Premium Statue”, the piece takes its inspiration directly from Naughty Dog’s first game. It depicts the university sequence in the fictional state of Colorado, with Ellie riding Callus as Joel walks alongside her.

This is precisely the section that has stayed with many players. It represents a stage at which the pair’s relationship feels considerably more mature. Their journey has become far more than a simple assignment, while the quiet moments on campus sharply contrast with the brutal world surrounding them.

“The statue captures a rare moment of calm in a game world defined by violence.”

According to the manufacturer, the collectible is due to arrive in shops from March 2026, considerably later than an initial look at the announcement might suggest. Delivery is broadly expected between March and May 2026.

Materials, dimensions and detail of the The Last of Us collectible

Made from polyresin, a material regularly used for high-priced collector pieces, the figure stands approximately 33 centimetres tall. Its size clearly targets display-case owners and collectors who have space for a larger centrepiece.

The project comes from Substance Modelworks, a studio specialising in licensed figures based on well-known brands. Its emphasis is on recreating the game’s visual style as faithfully as possible, including:

• subtle creases and stitching in Joel’s and Ellie’s clothing
• detailed saddlebags, tack and Callus’s fur texture
• a base evoking the ground from the university scene
• realistic paintwork on the faces and equipment

Rather than presenting simply “two figures on a base”, the manufacturer aims to convey the mood of the scene: no major shoot-out and no explosion, but a quiet point in the journey as the two continue onwards together.

Why this particular scene was chosen

Among the fan community, the university section is regarded as one of the first game’s most emotionally powerful moments. Joel and Ellie appear closer, their conversations are more personal, yet there is also a sense of foreboding in the air. The statue reflects that tension between hope, fear and the routine of survival.

Collectors who have played through the game several times often associate the scene with their own memories, whether that was a first run on a higher difficulty setting or the moment they discovered the pair’s hidden conversations.

Not a bargain: what fans must pay for Joel and Ellie

Its premium standard is clearly reflected in the price. The manufacturer is asking around 350 US dollars, placing the statue firmly in the upper tier alongside many Collector’s Edition figures and limited resin statues from other franchises.

“At around 350 dollars, the statue is a luxury item - more for hardcore fans than casual gamers.”

Pre-orders are already open. Interest is likely to be particularly strong among collectors whose shelves already feature figures from series such as God of War, Horizon and Resident Evil. As is often the case, the scale of the limited run will depend on production capacity and demand; no precise edition size has been announced so far.

What buyers should consider when importing

Anyone ordering from overseas should bear several points in mind:

• Shipping costs: Fees can quickly reach double figures for large, heavy resin statues.
• Customs duties and taxes: Depending on the country of origin, import charges may apply and can substantially increase the final price.
• Risk of damage: Polyresin is durable but not indestructible. Proper packaging is essential, although damage in transit can never be ruled out entirely.

Those who want added reassurance may prefer to wait for UK retailers officially stocking the product. They will generally also handle claims involving faults or transport damage.

A franchise on hold: what comes next for The Last of Us?

As collectors update their wish lists, the central question remains unanswered: will there be a The Last of Us Part III? So far, neither Naughty Dog nor the publisher has made an official announcement.

In interviews, creative director Neil Druckmann has indicated that an initial concept for a potential follow-up exists. At the same time, the studio is working on a new science-fiction project that apparently occupies a large share of its resources. Anyone hoping for a third instalment soon will therefore need patience.

“The statue is a reminder of how strong the brand has become - even without a new game in sight.”

The HBO series has also brought in new viewers and, in turn, potential players. Many people unfamiliar with the games discovered the franchise through the show and are now interested in merchandise and collectibles as well. The new Joel and Ellie statue fits directly into that space.

Why collectibles matter so much to brands such as The Last of Us

For studios and rights holders, high-end figures and statues have long been more than simply “fan products”. They keep franchises in the public conversation, even during years without a major release, while also connecting with the emotions created by the game.

Placing a statue of this scale on a shelf is often a statement in itself: this story was moving, and these characters matter. That connection to Joel and Ellie is particularly strong in The Last of Us, because the games are defined not only by gameplay but, above all, by character development.

Who the new The Last of Us statue is really for

Not every fan will be willing to spend several hundred dollars on a single figure. The purchase makes the most sense for three groups:

• Long-standing hardcore fans who have completed both parts several times and already own other collectibles.
• Figure collectors who collect premium polyresin statues in general and value a high level of detail.
• HBO newcomers who found the franchise through the series and want an iconic image from the game as a physical object.

Anyone unsure can first wait for photographs and unboxing videos, which typically appear on social media shortly before or after deliveries begin. That makes it easier to judge whether the paintwork, proportions and overall quality justify the price.

As a general rule with expensive objects of this kind, keeping them on a secure surface away from direct sunlight will help preserve the paintwork. Dust can be removed with a soft brush or air blower, while harsh cleaning products should be avoided. Delicate elements such as reins or rifle straps can suffer edge damage from even a small knock.

Whether displayed in a glass cabinet or used as the focal point of a gaming shelf, the new The Last of Us statue is likely to make the long wait for clear signs about the next game a little easier for many fans - while recalling why Joel and Ellie’s journey still resonates today.