John Goodman is joining HBO’s “The Last of Us” Season 3 alongside game veterans Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander as the final season shifts focus to Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby.
TheWrap reports that Goodman will play Joey, while Ian Alexander portrays Paco, a friendly duo who call themselves the “Heroes of the Highway.” Laura Bailey joins as Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the Seraphites.
Season 3 is expected in 2027 and is set up as the HBO drama’s final season. Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby takes the lead as the story follows her path after the events of Season 2.
Bailey and Alexander already have deep ties to the franchise. Bailey voiced Abby in the video game “The Last of Us: Part II.” Alexander played Lev in the same game. Now both move into new live-action roles as the series closes out.
Season 1 set the fuse when Pedro Pascal’s Joel pulled Bella Ramsey’s Ellie from a hospital. Former Firefly Abby and her Salt Lake crew went after Joel for that act. Joel’s death then sent Ellie on a revenge run that defined Season 2.
That season ended with Abby waking and walking through a football stadium used as a W.L.F. base. The clock then wound back to Seattle Day 1, reframing those events from Abby’s side. Season 3 picks up that thread with Dever out front.
Ariela Barer returns as Mel. Tati Gabrielle returns as Nora. Spencer Lord returns as Owen. Jason Ritter and Patrick Wilson are also joining the cast; their roles were not detailed in the report.
Danny Ramirez played Manny in four episodes of Season 2. He dropped out in late December over scheduling conflicts. Jorge Lendeborg Jr. has since taken the part.
Goodman is repped by Gersh. Alexander is repped by Curate. Bailey is repped by CAA. The casting news adds veteran screen presence and game-accurate talent as HBO steers the hit toward its finish line in 2027.
Big names and game-world faces now fill out the last chapter, and viewers will judge whether the finale earns the loyalty the first two seasons built.
