HBO's postapocalyptic drama "The Last of Us" has announced three major additions to its Season 3 cast: actor John Goodman and video game stars Laura Bailey and Ian Alexander. The casting is significant as the series prepares for what may be its final season, with Craig Mazin taking over as sole showrunner following Neil Druckmann's departure from the project. Both Bailey and Alexander previously portrayed different characters in "The Last of Us: Part II" video game, representing a notable return for established performers from the source material.

Goodman will play Joey, one half of the "Heroes of the Highway" duo, whilst Alexander takes the role of Paco, the other half. Bailey portrays Elizabeth, a leader of the Seraphites religious sect. The season will also feature previously announced cast members including Clea Duvall, Patrick Wilson, Jason Ritter and Jorge Lendeborg Jr., alongside returning performers such as Kaitlyn Dever, Bella Ramsey, Isabella Merced, Gabriel Luna and Jeffrey Wright. The season is expected to return to HBO next year.