John Goodman is joining HBO's The Last of Us for Season 3, taking on the role of Joey. He appears alongside Ian Alexander's Paco. Together, the two are described as "a friendly duo who call themselves the 'Heroes of the Highway.'" Laura Bailey completes the announcement as Elizabeth, one of the leaders of the Seraphites, the religious faction expected to factor heavily into the season's plot.
Bailey and Alexander both have history with the franchise. Bailey voiced Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part II, the character now played by Kaitlyn Dever in the series. Alexander voiced Lev, the role taken by Kyriana Kratter onscreen. Their presence in new roles raises the stakes of what Season 3 might do with the material.
Craig Mazin takes over as sole showrunner this season, with Neil Druckmann remaining involved. The season adapts further events from The Last of Us Part II and is expected to land in 2027. According to reports, HBO's CEO has suggested it may be the final season.
Goodman's addition anchors a casting announcement that signals a different tenor for Season 3. Joey and Paco are wanderers with a moral compass. Goodman is not a genre actor. That choice says something.