The much-anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters and bringing back beloved favorites. In line with the first season, Season 2 will feature key characters from the games, such as Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, alongside intriguing new additions like Catherine O'Hara's mysterious character, Gail.
As we gear up for the continuation of Joel and Ellie's harrowing journey through a post-apocalyptic world, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast of Season 2 that you need to know.
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 on everyone's mind as Season 2 approached was who would portray Abby. HBO has answered this by casting Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, to take on this pivotal role.
Abby is a central figure in The Last of Us Part 2, playing a significant part in the unfolding narrative. A member of the Fireflies, Abby's journey intersects with Joel and Ellie early in the game. 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," 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
Young Mazino, acclaimed for his role in Beef, joins 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 and former boyfriend 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, will portray Dina, a key figure in Jackson who becomes Ellie's partner. Dina's relationship with Ellie evolves significantly throughout the game, adding depth to Ellie's story.
"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 to the series. While details are sparse, it's known that Gail will serve as Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the consequences of his actions from Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, known for Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac from The Last of Us Part 2. As the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front, Isaac's decisions have a profound impact on the game's narrative, and he's expected to be equally influential in Season 2.
Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Danny Ramirez, seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will play Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Manny is a friend of Abby and considered one of the best soldiers by Isaac.
"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 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," 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, 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," 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, seen in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will portray Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving as a soldier in the WLF. Owen is currently dating Mel but was previously in a relationship with Abby.
"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," the official HBO description of Owen states.
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, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will portray characters from the games with expanded roles.
Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, originally a minor character in The Last of Us Part 2 as Dina's friend. His role in the series will be significantly expanded.
“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 will play Kat, who had a relationship with Ellie before the events of the game.
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, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park have joined 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 return as Joel, who, at the end of Season 1, went on a rampage against the Fireflies to save Ellie. Despite the potential for a cure, Joel chose to save Ellie, lying to her about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure and hiding the violence he committed.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey will reprise her role as Ellie, who was last seen being deceived by Joel about the Fireflies' intentions. Unaware of the procedure that would have killed her, Ellie's reaction to Joel's lie will be a focal point of 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 series will continue to be significant.
Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Rutina Wesley will return as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her advice to Ellie about trust was a poignant moment in Season 1, 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 Season 1's finale, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 may bring her back.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself after being bitten. While she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could explore more of her past with Joel.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It seems unlikely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return. Their episode in Season 1 was a standout, earning a perfect score for its heartfelt portrayal of their love story. While there were rumors of a potential prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank.
For more insights, check out our analysis of the Season 1 ending, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on whether Joel made the right choice in saving Ellie.
Note: This story was updated on April 8, 2025, to add Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).
