The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, and fans can look forward to both new and returning characters enriching Joel and Ellie's journey through the gripping post-apocalyptic landscape. This season promises to bring iconic characters from the video games to the screen, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduces intriguing new additions like Catherine O'Hara as Gail.
To prepare you for the upcoming adventure, we've compiled a comprehensive guide highlighting the key cast members you should know before diving back into Joel and Ellie's world.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Who's Returning to the HBO Show?
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The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
One of the most eagerly awaited announcements for Season 2 was the casting of Abby, and HBO delighted fans by revealing that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, would be taking on the role. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative. A member of the Fireflies, she encounters Joel and Ellie early on, driven by a quest for vengeance that challenges her black-and-white worldview. HBO describes Abby as a "skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved."
"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 be joining the cast as Jesse, described as "a pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a close friend of Ellie as well as her ex-boyfriend.
"Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him," said Mazin and Druckmann. "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, recognized from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, steps into the role of Dina. A key figure in the Jackson community, Dina is Ellie's partner and plays a significant role in the story. Her relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the game, making her a vital influence in Ellie's life.
"Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable," said Mazin and Druckmann. "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
Catherine O'Hara's character, Gail, is a fresh addition to the series, crafted specifically for the show. While details are scarce, it's evident that Gail will play a significant role, possibly as Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the aftermath of his decisions from Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be thrilled to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions set major events in motion in the game, and his presence is expected to be equally impactful in Season 2.
Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, takes on the role of Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. A 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, known from Runaways, will portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Mel is a friend of Abby and is romantically involved with Owen.
"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," reads the official HBO description of Mel.
Who Voiced Mel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashly Burch
Tati Gabrielle as Nora
Tati Gabrielle, seen in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, is set to play Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' alongside Owen, Manny, and Mel. Nora was a medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson.
"A military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past," reads the official HBO description of Nora.
Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares
Spencer Lord as Owen
Spencer Lord, known from Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, takes on the role of Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly turned WLF soldier. He is currently dating Mel but was once in a relationship with Abby.
"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 more actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, including some minor characters from the game with expanded roles and three brand new characters. Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix), Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3), and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will play Eugene, Seth, and Kat, respectively.
Joe Pantoliano's Eugene was Dina's pot-smoking friend in The Last of Us Part 2, with a brief appearance in the game but a more significant role in the series. “I get excited when I see these opportunities,” said showrunner Neil Druckmann. “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.”
Robert John Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, while Noah Lamanna steps into the role of Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of the second game.
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
Alanna Ubach (Euphoria, Bombshell), Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Hettienne Park (Don't Look Up) have joined the cast as newly created characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively.
Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Getty Images), Ben Ahlers (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO), Hettienne Park (Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)
The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 Returning Cast
Pedro Pascal as Joel
Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Joel in Season 2. At the end of Season 1, Joel went on a rampage against the Fireflies to rescue Ellie, disregarding Marlene's explanation that extracting a cure from Ellie would require sacrificing her life. Joel then lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure, leaving the consequences of his actions and the impact on his relationship with Ellie to be explored further in Season 2.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey will return as Ellie, continuing her journey with Joel. The final moments of Season 1 left Ellie uncertain about Joel's honesty regarding the Fireflies and their failed attempt at a cure, a topic that will undoubtedly be central to Season 2 as it delves into the complexities of their relationship.
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, who played a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's character will continue to influence the narrative as the series progresses.
Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Rutina Wesley's Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife, will also return for Season 2. Her role in advising Ellie on trust and community dynamics is expected to be further explored.
Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?
Merle Dandridge as Marlene
Merle Dandridge's Marlene was killed by Joel in the Season 1 finale, so she won't be seen in the present timeline of Season 2. However, given her appearances in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, it's possible she might reappear in similar sequences in the upcoming season.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, was killed by a Clicker in Season 1. Although she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks exploring her life with Joel before her death could be introduced to enhance their backstory.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It doesn't seem likely...
The episode focusing on Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 rating for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth. "Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett take on leading role duties with elegance, leaving an unmistakably beautiful mark on the show as we’re shown a side of humanity that makes what Joel and Ellie are fighting for worth saving," wrote IGN's Simon Cardy. "It’s an episode, just like love, that lives long in the memory after experiencing it."
While their love story concluded beautifully, there was speculation about potential flashbacks or even a spin-off prequel. However, co-creator Craig Mazin has clarified that there won't be more Bill and Frank, debunking Offerman's playful comments about a prequel. "I’m very proud of the episode we did with Bill and Frank," Mazin said. "There won’t be more Bill and Frank. Nick was joking about a prequel, that was kind of a joke. We are very happy with what we achieved."
For more insights, check out our breakdown of the The Last of Us Season 1 ending, our predictions for Season 2, and the thoughts of the HBO creators 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).
