The actor, known for projects ranging from “Dopesick” and “Presumed Innocent” to “The Batman,” will recur as Amon, a new character created for the series who serves as one of the leaders of the Seraphites.
Peter Sarsgaard Joins The Last of Us Season 3 in an Original Role
Sarsgaard’s casting marks another notable departure from the source material. While “The Last of Us” remains closely tied to Naughty Dog’s video game franchise, Amon does not appear in the games. His introduction suggests the HBO adaptation will continue expanding elements of its world, particularly as it spends more time with the Seraphites, the religious faction at the center of the conflict in Seattle.
The casting news arrives during a planned production pause. Filming on Season 3, which began earlier this year in British Columbia, is currently on a temporary hiatus expected to last about a month. The break coincides with the FIFA World Cup, with Vancouver serving as one of the tournament’s host cities and facing the logistical challenges that accompany an event of that scale.
When production resumes, cameras are expected to continue rolling through the end of 2026. HBO has not announced a premiere date, though the third season is currently targeting a 2027 debut. While executives have not formally confirmed the show’s endgame, Season 3 is widely viewed as a potential final chapter for the adaptation.
Created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, “The Last of Us” became one of HBO’s biggest recent successes after premiering in 2023. The series began by following Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, and Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, across a post apocalyptic America devastated by a fungal outbreak. As the story evolved, it shifted toward the events of “The Last of Us Part II” and introduced Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, whose storyline is expected to take center stage in the third season.
For Sarsgaard, the role adds another high profile television credit to a career that has spanned more than three decades. The actor earned Emmy nominations for both “Dopesick” and “Presumed Innocent” and recently won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in “Memory.”