HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us is set to expand its cast for its third season with the addition of John Goodman and two prominent voice actors from the original video game. According to Deadline, Goodman will portray an original character named Joey, described as a "Hero of the Highway." Joey is part of a duo with another new character, Paco, who will be voiced by Ian Alexander.
Alexander previously lent his voice to Lev in The Last of Us Part II. While he is not reprising the role for the live-action series, his casting as Paco marks a return to the franchise. Laura Bailey, who had a small cameo in the first season, is also reportedly joining the cast in a more substantial role as Elizabeth, the leader of the radical Seraphites.
These new additions join a growing ensemble that includes actors who have transitioned from the game to the show. Troy Baker, Jeffrey Wright, and Merle Dandridge have reprised their respective game roles for the series. Goodman's casting follows previous announcements that Patrick Wilson, Jason Ritter, and Li Jun Li would also be joining the third season.
The upcoming season will adapt the remaining narrative elements of The Last of Us Part II, a game known for its complex and shifting perspectives. This season will also be the first to be developed without the direct involvement of game director Neil Druckmann, who is reportedly focusing on other Naughty Dog projects. A Naughty Dog stream focused on The Last of Us is scheduled for September 28, which may offer further details about the show's third season and other game developments.