The Last of Us Season 3 Adds John Goodman, Game Stars Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander

HBO turned the franchise's own outbreak day into a casting announcement. On Sept. 26, the date when the cordyceps infection begins in both the video games and the television series, the network confirmed that John Goodman, Laura Bailey, and Ian Alexander have joined the third season of "The Last of Us." Goodman will play Joey, one half of a self-nicknamed duo called the "Heroes of the Highway," paired with Alexander as Paco.

Bailey is cast as Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the Seraphites, a religious sect. Alexander and Bailey both voiced characters in the video game "The Last of Us: Part II": Alexander as Lev, and Bailey as Abby. In season two, Abby was played by Kaitlyn Dever, who returns for season three, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Alexander's credits include "Star Trek: Discovery," while Bailey is known for "Critical Role" and "The Legend of Vox Machina." The three join a season three cast that already includes Jason Ritter, Patrick Wilson, Clea DuVall, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr., alongside returning stars Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced, Gabriel Luna, Jeffrey Wright, Ariella Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord. Season three is expected to premiere in 2027, following the conclusion of season two in May 2025.

Craig Mazin serves as sole showrunner after co-creator Neil Druckmann, who also developed the video game series for Naughty Dog, departed at the end of season two, according to The Hollywood Reporter. DiscussingFilm posted on X that Goodman and Alexander would play "a friendly duo who dub themselves 'Heroes of the Highway.'" Variety noted the addition of "video game stars" to the cast.