HBO's 'The Last of Us' Season 3 Casts John Goodman and Video Game Veterans

Key points

• John Goodman has been cast as Joey, a member of the 'Heroes of the Highway' duo in 'The Last of Us' Season 3.
• Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander, who previously voiced Abby and Lev in the video game 'The Last of Us: Part II,' are joining the live-action cast as Elizabeth and Paco, respectively.
• The season is scheduled to premiere in 2027 and is expected to be the final season of the series.
• Craig Mazin is now the sole showrunner for Season 3, having taken over from Neil Druckmann, who exited the production.
• Pedro Pascal, who played Joel, will not appear in Season 3 as his character was killed in Season 2, though flashbacks may be possible.

Background

The casting news arrives as 'The Last of Us' prepares for what is likely its final season. Previous seasons have featured actors who voiced characters in the video games, such as Ashley Johnson and Jeffrey Wright. The series has been a critical and commercial success for HBO, winning multiple Emmy awards. Craig Mazin, who co-created the show with Neil Druckmann, is now leading the project alone for Season 3.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline both report the casting of Goodman, Bailey, and Alexander, noting their previous involvement in the video game franchise. Gizmodo highlights the significance of bringing in actors from the games, while also mentioning the controversy surrounding Bailey's previous role. Yahoo's coverage is less detailed but confirms the casting news. All sources agree that Season 3 is likely to be the final season, with HBO's Casey Bloys suggesting that Mazin has planned it as such.

Why it matters

The casting of John Goodman and video game veterans like Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander signals HBO's commitment to bringing the 'The Last of Us' story to a definitive conclusion. The addition of these high-profile names, along with the departure of Neil Druckmann, suggests that Season 3 will be a significant and potentially final chapter in the series' narrative. The casting also highlights the ongoing connection between the live-action adaptation and the original video game franchise.

What to watch

HBO is expected to release more details about 'The Last of Us' Season 3 in the coming months, including the full cast and plot details. The season is scheduled to premiere in 2027. Craig Mazin will continue to develop the story as the sole showrunner, while the production team, including Carolyn Strauss and Jacqueline Lesko, will oversee the final season.