Netflix’s acclaimed legal drama The Lincoln Lawyer is gearing up for an electrifying fourth season, and the latest casting news has fans buzzing with excitement.

Variety recently announced that Cobie Smulders, best known for her iconic roles as Robin Scherbatsky in How I Met Your Mother and Maria Hill in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has joined the cast in a yet-to-be-revealed role. This addition promises to elevate the already gripping series, which follows the unconventional defense attorney Mickey Haller as he navigates complex legal battles from the back of his Lincoln Navigator.

A Star-Studded Addition to an Already Impressive Cast

Smulders’ casting, announced on June 2, 2025, marks a significant moment for the show, which has steadily built a loyal fanbase since its 2022 premiere. While Netflix is keeping details about her character under wraps, speculation is rife about how she’ll fit into the high-stakes narrative of Season 4. According to posts on X, Smulders is set to appear in the season finale as a character named Allison, described as an important figure connected to Mickey Haller, played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. However, these details remain unconfirmed by official sources, adding to the intrigue surrounding her role.

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 cast is shaping up to be a powerhouse, with Smulders joining other newcomers like Sasha Alexander (The Morning Show), who will play FBI Agent Dawn Rugh, and Constance Zimmer (UnREAL), alongside returning stars such as Becki Newton as Lorna Crane, Jazz Raycole as Izzy, Angus Sampson as Cisco, and Neve Campbell as Maggie McPherson. Notably, Newton’s presence creates a delightful How I Met Your Mother reunion, as she previously played Quinn Garvey in the sitcom’s seventh and eighth seasons. Fans of the beloved series are eager to see how Smulders and Newton’s chemistry translates to the intense legal drama setting.

A Season Poised for High Drama

Season 4, based on Michael Connelly’s sixth Lincoln Lawyer novel, The Law of Innocence, promises to deliver the show’s signature blend of courtroom tension and personal stakes. The third season ended on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, with Mickey Haller falsely accused of murder, setting the stage for his most challenging case yet—defending himself. Co-showrunner Ted Humphrey has teased that the new season will draw from Connelly’s rich universe, expanding on the “panoply of characters and situations” to create a compelling narrative. Smulders’ mysterious role could tie into Mickey’s legal predicament or introduce an entirely new dynamic to the story.

The addition of Smulders, a seasoned actress with a knack for portraying complex characters, suggests that her character might play a pivotal role in the season’s unfolding mystery. Whether she’s an ally, adversary, or someone with crucial information—perhaps akin to Emmanuelle Chriqui’s Jeanine Ferrigno, described as a gangster’s girlfriend with vital details for Mickey’s defense—remains to be seen. The secrecy surrounding her role only heightens anticipation for the 10-episode season, which began production earlier this year.

Smulders’ Return to Netflix and Her Versatile Career

This isn’t Smulders’ first rodeo with Netflix. She previously starred in A Series of Unfortunate Events, Friends from College, and the Arrested Development revival, showcasing her versatility across genres. Her recent television credits, including Shrinking on Apple TV+ and Impeachment: American Crime Story, demonstrate her ability to tackle both dramatic and comedic roles with ease. On the big screen, her portrayal of Maria Hill across multiple MCU films, including The Avengers and Spider-Man: Far From Home, cemented her as a fan favorite. Her casting in The Lincoln Lawyer signals a return to the streaming giant in a role that could leverage her ability to balance intensity and nuance.

What Lies Ahead for The Lincoln Lawyer

Since its debut, The Lincoln Lawyer has been praised for its sharp writing, compelling characters, and faithful adaptation of Connelly’s novels. Under the guidance of co-showrunners Ted Humphrey and Dailyn Rodriguez, the series has carved out a niche as a consistently entertaining legal thriller. While it may not command the same spotlight as Netflix juggernauts like Stranger Things, its steady performance and dedicated following have secured its place in the streamer’s lineup. The renewal for Season 4, announced in January 2025, underscores Netflix’s confidence in the show’s staying power.

As production continues, fans are left to speculate about how Smulders’ character will intersect with Mickey’s fight for justice. Will she be a courtroom adversary, a key witness, or a personal connection from Mickey’s past? The possibilities are endless, and the secrecy surrounding her role only adds to the excitement. With a stellar cast, a gripping storyline, and the promise of a How I Met Your Mother mini-reunion, The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 is shaping up to be a must-watch when it hits Netflix in 2025.