Netflix’s acclaimed legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer has just dropped a major casting bombshell that has fans buzzing with anticipation: Cobie Smulders, beloved for her roles in How I Met Your Mother and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has joined the cast of the show’s upcoming fourth season. The announcement, reported exclusively by Variety on June 2, 2025, marks a significant addition to an already stellar lineup, as the series continues to build momentum following its gripping third season. With production well underway in Los Angeles and a new season promising high-stakes drama, Smulders’ mysterious role is just the latest reason why The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 is shaping up to be a must-watch event.

The Lincoln Lawyer, based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling book series, has become a standout hit for Netflix since its debut in May 2022. The show follows Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), a charismatic defense attorney in Los Angeles who operates out of his Lincoln Navigator, taking on cases that test the boundaries of justice, morality, and personal sacrifice. Over three seasons, the series has earned praise for its sharp writing, compelling courtroom drama, and the intricate personal lives of its characters. Season 3, which premiered in October 2024, ended on a shocking cliffhanger: Mickey was arrested after police discovered the body of con man Sam Scales in the trunk of his Lincoln, setting the stage for a dramatic new chapter. This cliffhanger has left fans eager for answers, and the addition of a high-profile actress like Smulders only heightens the excitement for what’s to come.

Cobie Smulders’ casting was announced on June 2, 2025, with Variety breaking the news that the actress had joined The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 in an undisclosed role. According to posts on X from Deadline, Smulders will appear in the Season 4 finale, playing a character named Allison, described as “an important character connected to Mickey Haller.” While exact details about Allison’s role remain under wraps, the secrecy surrounding her character has sparked widespread speculation among fans. Some believe she could be a new ally for Mickey as he navigates his legal troubles, while others wonder if she might be tied to the broader conspiracy framing him for murder. Smulders’ involvement in the finale suggests her role could be a pivotal one, potentially setting up a major plot twist or laying the groundwork for future seasons.

Smulders brings a wealth of experience and star power to The Lincoln Lawyer. Best known for her nine-season run as Robin Scherbatsky on CBS’s hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014), she has also made a significant mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill, appearing in multiple films and the 2023 series Secret Invasion. Her recent television credits include roles in Apple TV+’s Shrinking, FX’s Impeachment: American Crime Story (where she played Ann Coulter), and Fox’s Accused (2024). Smulders is no stranger to Netflix, having previously starred in the streamer’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Friends From College, and the revival of Arrested Development. Her versatility as an actress, spanning comedy, drama, and action, makes her a perfect fit for the complex world of The Lincoln Lawyer, where characters often grapple with moral ambiguity and high-stakes decisions.

The addition of Smulders isn’t the only casting news generating buzz for Season 4. The show has already confirmed the return of its core ensemble, led by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller. Garcia-Rulfo’s portrayal of Mickey has been a highlight of the series, capturing the attorney’s charm, determination, and vulnerability as he navigates both his professional and personal challenges. Becki Newton returns as Lorna Crane, Mickey’s second ex-wife and now a licensed lawyer, whose expanded role as an attorney is expected to bring new storylines to the forefront. Jazz Raycole and Angus Sampson are also back as Izzy Letts, Mickey’s loyal driver, and Dennis “Cisco” Wojciechowski, his resourceful investigator, respectively. Neve Campbell, who plays Maggie McPherson—Mickey’s first ex-wife and a prosecutor—has been upped to a series regular for all 10 episodes of Season 4, a significant increase from her limited appearances in previous seasons. This change aligns with the source material for Season 4, Connelly’s sixth book The Law of Innocence, where Maggie plays a key role in supporting Mickey as he defends himself against murder charges.

Season 4 has also welcomed several other new faces, adding fresh dynamics to the narrative. Constance Zimmer joins the cast as Dana Berg, a ruthless prosecutor nicknamed “Death Row Dana,” who is described by Netflix as “the last person Mickey wants to go up against” in his trial. Zimmer, known for her roles in UnREAL and Entourage, is expected to bring a fierce intensity to the courtroom scenes, with co-showrunner Ted Humphrey teasing that their first face-off was “fantastic.” Sasha Alexander (The Morning Show, Shameless) will play FBI Agent Dawn Ruth, a character who pressures Mickey to drop his investigation into the FBI, hinting at deeper layers of corruption. Kyle Richards (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Halloween) joins as Celeste Baker, a Beverly Hills woman seeking a divorce lawyer, potentially interacting with Lorna in her new legal capacity. Jason Butler Harner (Ozark) will portray Drucker, a homicide detective determined to prove Mickey’s guilt, while Scott Lawrence (JAG) plays Judge Stone, a firm but fair former prosecutor presiding over Mickey’s case. Javon Johnson (The Oval) is cast as Carter Gates, a business owner with a troubled past accused of murder, adding another layer of complexity to Mickey’s already tumultuous journey. Celebrity chef Nancy Silverton will also cameo as herself, bringing a touch of LA authenticity to the show’s setting.

The casting of Smulders and these new additions reflects The Lincoln Lawyer’s commitment to evolving its narrative while staying true to the spirit of Connelly’s books. Season 4, based on The Law of Innocence, centers on Mickey’s fight to clear his name after being framed for Sam Scales’ murder. The book sees Mickey defending himself in court, a high-stakes premise that promises to test his skills as a lawyer and his resilience as a man. With new adversaries like Dana Berg and Detective Drucker, and potential allies like Allison, the season is poised to deliver the intense courtroom drama that fans have come to expect, alongside deeper explorations of Mickey’s relationships with Lorna, Maggie, and his daughter Hayley (Krista Warner), who is also confirmed to return.

Production for Season 4 began on February 7, 2025, in Los Angeles, with filming scheduled to wrap by June 17, 2025. Netflix renewed the season on January 21, 2025, following the success of Season 3, which drew significant viewership and critical praise. While no official release date has been confirmed, the production timeline suggests a likely premiere in early to mid-2026, as Netflix has not included the season in its 2025 slate. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement over Smulders’ casting, with posts on X reflecting a mix of curiosity and enthusiasm. One user wrote, “Cobie Smulders in The Lincoln Lawyer S4 finale as Allison? I need to know who she is to Mickey!” Another commented, “Neve Campbell, Sasha Alexander, and now Cobie Smulders—this cast is stacked!”

As The Lincoln Lawyer continues to grow its ensemble and dive deeper into Mickey Haller’s world, Smulders’ casting adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling season. Her history of playing strong, multifaceted characters suggests that Allison will be a significant addition, whether as a friend, foe, or something more complicated. For now, fans can only speculate about her role, but one thing is certain: The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 is shaping up to be its most dramatic yet, and with Cobie Smulders on board, the finale is sure to leave a lasting impact.