The Last of Us Shocker: John Goodman & Game Stars Join Season 3!
HBO's "The Last of Us" Season 3 adds John Goodman, Laura Bailey, and Ian Alexander to its cast, introducing key new characters like Joey, Paco, and Elizabeth. The series, based on the video game, is set to return next year with Craig Mazin as the sole showrunner, potentially for its final season.
Actor John Goodman and video game stars Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander have officially joined the Season 3 cast of HBO's critically acclaimed drama, “The Last of Us.” The series, which is based on a popular Sony PlayStation video game franchise, explores a postapocalyptic America ravaged by a widespread infection that transforms most of the population into zombielike creatures. The upcoming season is anticipated to return to HBO next year and may potentially be its final installment.
Goodman will portray Joey, one half of a duo self-nicknamed the “Heroes of the Highway.” Beyond his role in “The Last of Us,” Goodman is also set to play President Compson in the highly anticipated movie “Digger,” starring Tom Cruise, which is scheduled to open on October 2. He is represented by Gersh.
Ian Alexander takes on the role of Paco, the other half of the “Heroes of the Highway.” Alexander has a notable history with the franchise, having previously played Lev in “The Last of Us: Part II” video game. His other television credits include the series “The OA,” where he played Buck Vu. Alexander is represented by Curate.
Laura Bailey joins the cast as Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the Seraphites religious sect. Bailey is also deeply connected to “The Last of Us” universe, having voiced Abby in “The Last of Us: Part II” video game. Her extensive voice acting career also includes roles in “The Legend of Vox Machina” series and as Mary Jane Watson in the 2023 “Spider-Man 2” video game. She is represented by CAA.
These new additions join a growing ensemble for Season 3. Previously announced cast members include Clea Duvall, Patrick Wilson, Jason Ritter, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Michelle Mao, and Kyriana Kratter. Fan favorites returning for the season include Kaitlyn Dever, Bella Ramsey, Isabella Merced, Gabriel Luna, and Jeffrey Wright. Furthermore, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord have been promoted to series regulars for the upcoming season.
“The Last of Us” was originally cocreated by showrunner and executive producer Craig Mazin and game creator Neil Druckmann. It was previously announced that Druckmann would be stepping down from the show ahead of Season 3, leaving Mazin as the sole showrunner, in addition to his roles as writer and executive producer. The series is a co-production between HBO and Sony Pictures Television, with executive production credits also going to Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells. Production companies involved include PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.