Excitement is building as the second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025. Fans can look forward to seeing both familiar faces and intriguing new characters as Joel and Ellie's journey continues in this gripping post-apocalyptic world. To prepare you for the upcoming season, we've put together a comprehensive guide on the cast members you'll want to know about.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?
19 Images
New Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
One of the most anticipated casting announcements for Season 2 was the reveal of Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2. HBO confirmed that Booksmart and Justified star Kaitlyn Dever will take on the role of Abby, a skilled soldier and former Firefly whose quest for vengeance challenges her black-and-white worldview.
"Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material," said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our family."
Who Voiced Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Laura Bailey
Young Mazino as Jesse
Beef star Young Mazino will portray Jesse, a pillar of the Jackson community who often puts others' needs before his own, sometimes at great personal cost. Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of the patrol groups and a close friend of Ellie.
"Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him," Mazin and Druckmann stated. "We’re so lucky to have him, and we can’t wait for the audience to see Young shine in our show."
Who Voiced Jesse in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Stephen Chang
Isabella Merced as Dina
Isabella Merced, known from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, steps into the role of Dina, Ellie's partner and a key figure in the Jackson community. Dina's relationship with Ellie evolves significantly throughout the story, making her a vital part of Ellie's journey.
"Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," Mazin and Druckmann remarked. "You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away."
Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward
Catherine O'Hara as Gail
Adding a mysterious new character to the mix, Catherine O'Hara will play Gail, a role created specifically for the series. It appears Gail will serve as Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the emotional aftermath of his decisions in Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, known for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac from The Last of Us Part 2. As the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, Isaac's actions have significant repercussions in the game, and his presence in Season 2 is expected to be equally impactful.
Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Danny Ramirez, who starred in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will portray Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and member of the Washington Liberation Front. A close friend of Abby, Manny is considered one of the WLF's best soldiers.
"A loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear that he will fail his friends when they need him most," reads the official HBO description of Manny.
Who Voiced Manny in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Alejandro Edda
Ariela Barer as Mel
Ariela Barer, from Runaways, will take on the role of Mel, a medic within the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. Mel's relationship with Owen and her friendship with Abby add depth to her character.
"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," the official HBO description of Mel states.
Who Voiced Mel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashly Burch
Tati Gabrielle as Nora
Tati Gabrielle, known for Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson.
"A military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past," is how HBO describes Nora.
Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares
Spencer Lord as Owen
Spencer Lord, seen in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will portray Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a soldier in the WLF. Owen's relationships with both Mel and Abby are central to his storyline.
"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," reads the official HBO description of Owen.
Who Voiced Owen in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Patrick Fugit
Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, Robert John Burke as Seth, and Noah Lamanna as Kat
HBO has announced six additional actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, including three characters from the games with expanded roles and three new characters. Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna will play Eugene, Seth, and Kat, respectively.
Joe Pantoliano will portray Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have a more significant role this time. Robert John Burke will play Seth, the bar owner from the game, and Noah Lamanna will portray Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.
“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” showrunner Neil Druckmann said. “I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t know Eugene that well!’ The story we told [in the game] was somewhat superficial. The way this character comes in really gets to the heart of Joel and Ellie and their relationship.”
Image Credits: John Pantoliano (Theo Wargo/Getty Images), Robert John Burke (Jim Spellman/FilmMagic), and Noah Lemanna (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)
Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers as Burton, and Hettienne Park as Elise Park
New characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park will be portrayed by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, respectively. These roles are newly created for the series, adding fresh dynamics to the story.
Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Getty Images), Ben Ahlers (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO), Hettienne Park (Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)
Returning Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Pedro Pascal as Joel
Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Joel, who at the end of Season 1, rescued Ellie from the Fireflies, killing many in the process. He then lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failed attempts at a cure, leaving their relationship on shaky ground.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, who was unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the bloodshed. The lie Joel told her at the end of Season 1 sets the stage for a complex exploration of their relationship in Season 2.
Who Voiced Bella in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson
Gabriel Luna as Tommy
Gabriel Luna will return as Tommy, Joel's brother and a key figure in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's role in the upcoming season is eagerly anticipated.
Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Rutina Wesley's Maria, a leader in the Jackson community and Tommy's wife, will also return. Her last interaction with Ellie, warning her about trust, adds intrigue to her upcoming storyline.
Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?
Merle Dandridge as Marlene
Merle Dandridge's Marlene, killed by Joel in Season 1, won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, her presence in flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 suggests potential appearances in this form.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler who sacrificed herself after being bitten, won't appear in The Last of Us Part 2. However, flashbacks could explore her relationship with Joel, adding depth to their backstory.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It doesn’t sound like it…
The episode focusing on Bill and Frank, portrayed by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, was a standout in Season 1, earning a perfect 10/10 from us. Their poignant love story left a lasting impact, but despite hopes for more, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there won't be additional episodes featuring the couple. While Offerman mentioned a potential prequel, Mazin clarified it was a jest.
For more insights, explore our breakdown of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on Joel's decision to save Ellie.
Note: This story was updated on April 8, 2025, to add Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).
