HBO’s The Last of Us is continuing to build out its season 3 ensemble, adding another major name to its growing cast as the acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama prepares to expand one of its most complex storylines yet!
Li Jun Li, fresh off her breakout performance in Ryan Coogler’s vampire hit Sinners, has reportedly joined the upcoming season in a new role as the series pushes deeper into its adaptation of The Last of Us Part II video game. While HBO has yet to formally confirm extensive details about her arc, Li is set to play Miriam, Yara and Lev's Seraphite mother in The Last of Us season 3.
For those familiar with the video game, you'd already know that Yara and Lev's mother is unnamed. In the second game, we learn that her identity is tied closely to the Seraphites, a deeply religious and highly structured faction that survives in the ruins of Seattle under strict ideological rules. Within that system, obedience to doctrine is valued above individual relationships, and family bonds are often strained or even broken when they conflict with belief.
That tension is central to understanding the fractured relationship between Yara and Lev's mother and them. After Lev decides to identify as a man rather than a woman, his and Yara's mother rejects him outright. Since Yara chooses to stand by Lev, their mother ultimately disowns both of them. Now that Yara and Lev's mom has been cast in the series adaptation, we'll probably see this storyline play out. If so, it'll likely be one hard to watch.
Li Jun Li’s casting in The Last of Us season 3 marks a significant moment in her career trajectory. She recently gained attention for her performance as Grace Chow in Sinners, where she stood out in a cast led by high-profile names. That role helped elevate her visibility in Hollywood, and now her addition to The Last of Us season 3 places her in one of television’s most critically acclaimed franchises.
Beyond Sinners, Li has built a diverse resume across both television and film. She previously appeared in Peacock’s Based on a True Story, Paramount’s supernatural drama Evil, and Netflix's Wu Assassins. She even had a role in the comedy-drama film Babylon.
With The Last of Us season 3, she joins an already expanding cast. Returning performers include Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord, who were introduced in the second season, are all set to return in their respective roles as Mel, Nora, and Owen as well.
Back in March 2026, Michelle Mao and Kyriana Kratter were cast as Yara and Lev for The Last of Us season 3. Other new cast additions for the third season include Patrick Wilson as Jerry, Jason Ritter as Hanley, and Clea DuVall as a Seraphite. In addition, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. takes over the role of Manny after Danny Ramirez's exit.
With production underway, anticipation for The Last of Us season 3 continues to build. However, fans will have to wait until 2027 to see the HBO post-apocalyptic drama back on their screens.
Stay tuned to Undead Walking for any new updates on The Last of Us season 3!
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