Emmy-winning actor John Goodman, prolific voice talent Laura Bailey, and returning star Ian Alexander have been cast in the third season of HBO's The Last of Us series. This casting news arrives on September 26, a date significant in the game's universe as the day the Cordyceps infection ravaged humanity.
Goodman is set to portray a new character named Joey, who does not appear in the original video games. He will be joined by Ian Alexander, who is reprising his role as a character named Paco. The duo are described as a "friendly duo who dub themselves ‘Heroes of the Highway.’" Alexander previously played Lev in The Last of Us Part 2, a young boy whom Abby helps escape the Seraphite cult.
With the Seraphites confirmed to play a part in season three, Laura Bailey will portray Elizabeth, one of the cult’s leaders. Bailey is also a returning actor to the franchise, having famously voiced Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 alongside Alexander. Given Alexander's new role and the inclusion of the Seraphites, it is likely that another actor will portray Lev, as Alexander may have aged out of the role.
This is not the first instance of actors from the original games appearing in HBO's adaptation. Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker, who voiced Ellie and Joel respectively in both games, had roles in The Last of Us Season 1. Johnson played Ellie’s mother, and Baker portrayed James, a member of a villainous group.
HBO's The Last of Us series is anticipated to conclude with its third season, expected to air in 2027. HBO and Max Content Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has indicated that showrunner Craig Mazin has planned for this to be the final season. Bloys has previously hinted at this possibility, stating that decisions about the show's future would be deferred to the showrunners.
With the games' creator, Neil Druckmann, having stepped away from the project after Season 2 to focus on game development, the future of HBO's show beyond this season remains uncertain. However, the addition of Alexander, Bailey, and Goodman suggests that season three will feature strong performances.