The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is slated to premiere on April 13, 2025, bringing both familiar faces and intriguing newcomers to the screen. As with the first season, this sequel will introduce key characters from the game, such as Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, while also featuring new additions like Catherine O'Hara as Gail. This guide will introduce you to the cast members you should know before diving back into Joel and Ellie's harrowing journey in this gripping post-apocalyptic world.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?
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The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
The burning question heading into Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO has answered this by casting Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a member of the Fireflies whose path intersects with Joel and Ellie early on. HBO describes her 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," stated 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
Young Mazino, known from Beef, will take on the role of Jesse, described as "a pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a close friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie.
"Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him," Mazin and Druckmann remarked. "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, will portray Dina, another key character from Jackson and Ellie's partner. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving in meaningful ways throughout the game.
"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 new addition crafted specifically for the series. While details are sparse, she is set to play a significant role as Joel's therapist, assisting him in dealing with the consequences of his choices from Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be pleased to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions in the game have significant repercussions, and he is expected to be a vital part of Season 2.
Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Danny Ramirez, known from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will play Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. A friend of Abby, he is regarded as one of the best soldiers by the WLF leader, Isaac Dixon.
"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," states 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 portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. She is a friend of Abby and in a romantic relationship 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, known for Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will take on the role of Nora, a 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, who has appeared in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will portray Owen, another 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," describes 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 for Season 2, with three reprising minor roles from the games and three playing entirely new characters. Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) will play Eugene, a character who was briefly seen in The Last of Us Part 2 as Dina's friend. Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) will portray Seth, the bar owner, and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will take on the role of Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.
“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.”
Image Credits: John Pantoliano (Theo Wargo/Getty Images), Robert John Burke (Jim Spellman/FilmMagic), and Noah Lamanna (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) will join the cast as new 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, who, at the end of Season 1, went on a rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies. Despite Marlene's explanation that Ellie's death could lead to a cure, Joel chose to save her life, lying to her about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure and the bloodshed he caused. This left Ellie with a sense of unease.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey will return as Ellie, who was unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the consequences. The lie Joel told her at the end of the season sets the stage for their complex relationship in Season 2.
Who Voiced Ellie 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 initially offered to take Ellie to the Fireflies but was left behind when Joel decided to continue the journey himself.
Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Rutina Wesley will reprise her role as Maria, a leader in the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her last interaction with Ellie was a cautionary warning about trust, and her role in Season 2 is eagerly anticipated.
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 first season's finale, ruling out her appearance in Season 2's present timeline. However, she appeared in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, suggesting potential flashback scenes in the upcoming season.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie after being bitten. While she did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could be used to explore her past with Joel.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It appears unlikely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return. Their poignant episode in Season 1 was highly acclaimed, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there was hope for a flashback or prequel, series co-creator Craig Mazin has clarified that there won't be more Bill and Frank, dismissing Offerman's prequel idea as a jest.
For more insights, check out our analysis of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and thoughts 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).
