HBO’s The Last of Us Season 3 is expanding its cast with John Goodman, Ian Alexander and Laura Bailey. The new additions bring a notable connection to Naughty Dog’s video games, as Alexander and Bailey previously performed major roles in The Last of Us Part II. The casting also introduces several new characters as the HBO adaptation moves deeper into the story inspired by the second game.
According to Deadline, Goodman will play Joey, while Alexander has been cast as Paco. The two characters are described as a friendly pair who refer to themselves as the “Heroes of the Highway.” Bailey will portray Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the Seraphites, a religious group that becomes increasingly important to the story.
John Goodman and Two Game Veterans Join Season 3
Goodman’s addition gives Season 3 another established performer as the series prepares to shift its focus. His character Joey is part of a duo with Paco, played by Alexander, although further details about their role in the season remain under wraps.
Alexander’s casting is particularly notable for longtime fans. The actor previously voiced Lev in The Last of Us Part II, while Bailey provided the voice and performance for Abby Anderson in the game. HBO has already established a tradition of bringing performers from the games into the television adaptation, with Jeffrey Wright and Merle Dandridge also reprising characters they originally voiced.
Variety also confirms that Bailey and Alexander are joining Goodman for the upcoming season. Their involvement gives the adaptation another direct connection to the original game while allowing both performers to take on different roles in the television version.
The new casting arrives as The Last of Us prepares to explore the other side of the events introduced during Season 2. Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby is expected to become the central character of the upcoming season, following the structure of The Last of Us Part II.
Season 3 is also expected to expand the conflict between the Washington Liberation Front and the Seraphites. Craig Mazin previously teased the importance of that conflict in an interview with the Television Academy (Television Academy interview), saying,
“What this war is and why it matters will be revealed.”
HBO officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season in 2025, confirming that the adaptation of The Last of Us Part II would continue beyond its second season. The upcoming season is currently scheduled for 2027, although HBO has not announced an exact premiere date.
Could Season 3 Be the Final Chapter?
The future of the HBO series has also become a major talking point. HBO CEO Casey Bloys recently indicated to Deadline that he believes Craig Mazin has planned Season 3 as the final season, although HBO has not formally announced the series is ending.
Neil Druckmann, meanwhile, stepped away from his creative involvement in the television series before Season 3 to concentrate on Naughty Dog and its upcoming projects. Mazin is now serving as the sole showrunner for the third season, which could make the upcoming chapter a significant turning point for the adaptation.
