John Goodman, Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander Join The Last of Us Season 3 Cast
As HBO prepares to return for the final stretch of its post-apocalyptic hit drama, The Last of Us Season 3 has added high-profile talent to its roster. Casting updates revealed that actor John Goodman, alongside video game stars Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander, are joining the series created by showrunner Craig Mazin and game creator Neil Druckmann.
Goodman Joins as Joey in Post-Apocalyptic America
John Goodman joins the HBO drama as Joey, operating as one half of the self-nicknamed “Heroes of the Highway” duo. The series, based on the Sony PlayStation video game franchise set in a world ravaged by a zombielike infection, is expected to return to HBO next year for what may be its final season. Goodman is represented by Gersh. Beyond his television work, Goodman also plays President Compson in the movie Digger, starring Tom Cruise, which opens on October 2.
Stepping into the role of Paco, the other half of the duo, is Ian Alexander. Alexander previously portrayed Lev in The Last of Us: Part II video game and appeared in the television series The OA as Buck Vu. Alexander is represented by Curate.
Video Game Continuity and Expanded Cast Additions
Laura Bailey joins the cast as Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the Seraphites religious sect. Bailey previously played Abby in The Last of Us: Part II video game and has lent her voice to The Legend of Vox Machina series and the 2023 Spider-Man 2 video game as Mary Jane Watson. Bailey is represented by CAA.
The expanding ensemble also features previously announced new cast members Clea Duvall, Patrick Wilson, Jason Ritter, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Michelle Mao, and Kyriana Kratter. Returning cast members for the upcoming season include Kaitlyn Dever, Bella Ramsey, Isabella Merced, Gabriel Luna, and Jeffrey Wright. Meanwhile, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord have been promoted to series regular status for Season 3.
Behind the Scenes and Production Structure
Behind the camera, the leadership structure is shifting. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the video game and the television adaptation, exits the show ahead of Season 3. Craig Mazin will serve as sole showrunner for the season, in addition to writing and executive producing.
The series is co-produced by HBO and Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells. Production entities attached to the project include PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.
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