‘The Last of Us’ Casts John Goodman and Two Game Voice Stars in Brand-New Roles
HBO has spent years mixing familiar video game faces into its ‘The Last of Us‘ adaptation. The strategy rewards longtime fans with cameo-like surprises, and this week it delivered another wave. The latest ‘The Last of Us’ season 3 casting news adds an Emmy winner and two names players will instantly recognize.
The announcement came on Saturday, September 26, a date that holds special meaning in the franchise. It is when the cordyceps outbreak sets the events of both the games and the show in motion. HBO used the occasion to reveal its newest additions.
John Goodman, Ian Alexander, and Laura Bailey have joined the cast of the third season. Goodman and Alexander will play Joey and Paco, a friendly duo who call themselves the “Heroes of the Highway.” Bailey will play Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the religious sect known as the Seraphites.
Goodman is an Emmy winner known for ‘The Conners’ and ‘The Righteous Gemstones.’ Alexander is known for ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and ‘The OA,’ and Bailey for ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’ and ‘Critical Role.’ The trio are all new to their respective parts.
The casting is especially notable because Alexander and Bailey both worked on ‘The Last of Us Part II.’ Alexander voiced Lev, a Seraphite teenager who becomes central to Abby’s journey, and Bailey voiced Abby. In the series, Kyriana Kratter plays Lev and Kaitlyn Dever plays Abby.
That means neither is returning to the role they originated. Instead, they are stepping into brand-new parts, which adds a fun twist for game fans. Bailey also made a small cameo as a nurse in the season 1 finale.
Bailey’s part may be the most intriguing. Elizabeth never appears on screen in ‘Part II,’ and the game only references her in the past tense. Her casting suggests the show will explore the Seraphites’ history and their fight for Seattle in more depth.
That fits with what HBO has said about the season. It is expected to focus on Abby’s story, and the Seraphites are set to play a major part. The show seems ready to expand the world beyond what the games showed.
HBO has done this before. Merle Dandridge reprised Marlene, and Jeffrey Wright reprised Isaac Dixon, both roles they voiced in the games. Ashley Johnson, who voiced Ellie, played Ellie’s mother in the season 1 finale.
Each of those choices honored the source material while giving the actors something new. The latest additions extend that tradition. They also underline how closely the show stays connected to Naughty Dog’s games.
The new additions join a growing ensemble. Li Jun Li plays Miriam, and Peter Sarsgaard plays Amon, a Seraphite leader who is not in the games. Jason Ritter plays Hanley, Patrick Wilson plays Abby’s father, Jerry, and Michelle Mao plays Lev’s sister, Yara.
Clea DuVall is also on board, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. has replaced Danny Ramirez as Manny, since Ramirez could not return because of scheduling. Returning stars include Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Gabriel Luna, Jeffrey Wright, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord.
The season is set to premiere in 2027, and production is underway. Filming is expected to end in November. Craig Mazin is now the sole showrunner after Neil Druckmann left that role at the end of season 2.
HBO’s Casey Bloys has said he believes Mazin planned this as the final season, though it hasn’t been officially confirmed. Season 2 ended in May 2025 and set up a shift to Abby’s perspective. Pedro Pascal’s involvement has not been confirmed.
What do you think about Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander playing new characters in The Last of Us Season 3?
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