John Goodman is heading back to HBO with a role in Season 3 of “The Last of Us.” The “Righteous Gemstones” star will play Joey, one half of a newly announced pair known as the “Heroes of the Highway.”
Ian Alexander, whose credits include “Star Trek: Discovery,” will appear alongside Goodman as Paco. HBO describes Joey and Paco as a “friendly duo,” though their place in the drama’s larger story has not been further defined.
The network revealed the casting on Saturday, September 26. The timing carries particular significance within “The Last of Us” lore: September 26 marks the beginning of the cordyceps outbreak that launches the story’s horrific events.
Goodman and Alexander are not the only new additions. “Critical Role” performer Laura Bailey has joined the third season as Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the Seraphites, a religious sect within the world of the series.
Video game veterans return in new roles
Both Alexander and Bailey already have ties to “The Last of Us” through its video game sequel, “The Last of Us: Part II.” However, neither will be playing their original game character in the HBO adaptation.
Alexander provided the voice of Lev in the game, while Bailey voiced Abby. Kaitlyn Dever plays Abby in the television series.
Their casting creates a notable crossover between the games and the TV adaptation while introducing Joey, Paco and Elizabeth as Season 3 characters. Goodman, meanwhile, enters the franchise in the newly identified role of Joey rather than a previously disclosed figure from the series.
Season 3’s cast continues to grow
The trio joins a widening list of actors coming aboard for the forthcoming season. Jason Ritter, Patrick Wilson, Clea DuVall and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. have also been announced as Season 3 additions.
Several established cast members are set to return, including Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Gabriel Luna and Jeffrey Wright. Ariella Barer, Tati Gabrielle and Spencer Lord are also among the returning ensemble.
The third season will bring a significant change behind the scenes as well. Co-creator Craig Mazin will serve as the sole showrunner following co-creator Neil Druckmann’s departure at the end of Season 2.
With Goodman cast as Joey and Alexander playing Paco, the “Heroes of the Highway” are now officially part of the show’s next chapter. Bailey’s Elizabeth also adds a new leadership figure connected to the Seraphites as “The Last of Us” prepares to continue under Mazin’s solo stewardship.