The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is slated to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising to introduce new characters while bringing back familiar faces. Much like the first season, Season 2 will feature key characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and will also introduce intriguing new characters like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for the continuation of Joel and Ellie's journey in this gripping post-apocalyptic world, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast members you should 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 biggest question surrounding Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO 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 skilled soldier and a member of the Fireflies whose black-and-white worldview 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, known for his role in Beef, will portray Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs, sometimes at a great personal cost. Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of the patrol groups and a 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 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, who starred in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will play Dina, a member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving 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 to the series, created specifically for the show. She appears to be Joel's therapist, helping him cope with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will recognize Jeffrey Wright reprising his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions in the game significantly impact the story, and he is expected to play a crucial role in 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 portray 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 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," 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 play Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a 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," the official HBO description of Mel reads.
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 portray 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," the official HBO description of Nora reads.
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 play Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving in the WLF. 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," the official HBO description of Owen reads.
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 recently announced six more actors joining The Last of Us 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, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have 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 and bigot sandwich-giver from The Last of Us Part 2, while Noah Lamanna will play 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 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 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, who, at the end of Season 1, went on a rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies, killing many in the process. He then lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure, leaving her with an uneasy acceptance of his story.
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 last seen being lied to by Joel about the events at the hospital. Unconscious during the rescue, Ellie was unaware of the bloodshed and the potential for a cure that her death could have provided.
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 offered Joel and Ellie a home there.
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, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Last seen giving Ellie a haircut and advice on trust, Maria's 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 Season 1 finale, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, she may appear in flashbacks, as she did in The Last of Us Part 2.
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 didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could provide more insight into her life with Joel.
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 Bill and Frank, portrayed by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While their story concluded, there was hope for flashbacks or a prequel. However, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank, debunking any prequel rumors.
For more, check out our breakdown of the ending of The Last of Us Season 1, our predictions for Season 2, and insights from the 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).
