The Last of Us Season 3 casts John Goodman, Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander

The third season of HBO’s The Last of Us has added three actors to its cast, including veteran character actor John Goodman and video game stars Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander. The announcement, made on September 26, 2026—the day the cordyceps outbreak begins in the series’ timeline—marks a pivotal step in the adaptation’s development. The season will expand the narrative to include the Seraphites, a religious sect, and introduce new dynamics among existing characters.

Reprising Game Roles with New Storylines

Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander, who voiced Abby and Lev in The Last of Us: Part II, will play different roles in the television series. Bailey will portray Elizabeth, a leader of the Seraphites, while Alexander will take on the role of Paco, a member of the “Heroes of the Highway,” a group of self-described “friendly” travelers. In the game, Alexander’s character, Lev, was rescued by Abby from the Seraphites, a connection that may influence the season’s plot. Bailey’s new role as Elizabeth contrasts with her previous portrayal of Abby, who was central to the game’s narrative.

John Goodman, known for his work on Roseanne and The Righteous Gemstones, will play Joey, another member of the “Heroes of the Highway.” The duo of Joey and Paco, described as “friendly” in the series, represents a shift from the game’s darker themes, though their presence underscores the show’s expansion into new factions.

Casting Expands Existing Ensemble

The new additions join a cast that includes returning stars such as Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, and Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Marlene. Other confirmed cast members include Patrick Wilson as Abby’s father, Jason Ritter as a WLF soldier, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Manny. Kyriana Kratter will play Lev, while Michelle Mao takes on the role of Yara. The season also features Peter Sarsgaard and Clea DuVall as Seraphite members.

The show’s creators have noted that Season 3 will focus on Abby’s character arc, with the Seraphites playing a central role. This aligns with the game’s exploration of cult dynamics and moral ambiguity, suggesting the television series will delve deeper into the ideological conflicts that shape its post-apocalyptic world.

Season 3 as a Potential Finale

Showrunner Craig Mazin has described Season 3 as planned as the final installment of the television adaptation, though HBO has not officially confirmed this. The decision to cast game veterans in new roles reflects a strategy to bridge the gap between the source material and the series’ evolving narrative. Previous seasons have drawn from both the original The Last of Us game and its sequel, with Season 3 likely to continue this pattern.

The inclusion of the Seraphites, a group central to the game’s lore, indicates a focus on the ideological battles that define the franchise. Elizabeth’s leadership role could position her as a key figure in the series’ climax, particularly as the narrative shifts toward Abby’s perspective.

The announcement of these castings has generated anticipation for Season 3, with fans eager to see how the television series will navigate the complexities of the game’s world. As production progresses, further details about the season’s storyline and release date are expected to emerge, potentially shaping the final chapter of the adaptation.