The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, and it promises to introduce new characters while bringing back fan favorites. Just like its predecessor, Season 2 will feature major characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, alongside intriguing newcomers like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for the next chapter of Joel and Ellie's journey in this captivating post-apocalyptic world, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the cast members you should know before the adventure continues.
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 of The Last of Us 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 skilled soldier with the Fireflies whose journey involves seeking vengeance for her loved ones. Her black-and-white view of the world will be challenged throughout the season.
"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 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 Season 2 as Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming. Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of patrol groups and a close friend of Ellie, as well as her ex-boyfriend Dina's former partner.
"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, known from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, takes on the role of Dina, another key figure from Jackson who is Ellie’s partner. Their evolving relationship is central to the story, with Dina offering strong moral guidance to Ellie.
"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 created for the series. She appears to serve as Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the aftermath of his controversial decision from Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Fans will be pleased to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) from The Last of Us Part 2. His actions in the game significantly influence the plot, and his character is expected to be just as crucial 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, plays Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and member of the WLF. Manny, a friend of Abby, is 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," is how HBO describes Manny.
Who Voiced Manny in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Alejandro Edda
Ariela Barer as Mel
Ariela Barer, from Runaways, plays Mel, a medic in the WLF and former Firefly. She 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, known for her roles in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will portray Nora, a medic and member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew'. She worked alongside 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, plays Owen, another member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now fighting with the WLF. He is currently dating Mel but was once involved with Abby.
"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," describes Owen in the HBO series.
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 Season 2, with three reprising minor roles from the games and three playing brand new characters. Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have an expanded role. Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) will portray Seth, the bar owner from the game, while Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will play 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 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 returns as Joel, whose actions at the end of Season 1, where he rescued Ellie from the Fireflies, have set the stage for the upcoming season. After lying to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure, their relationship faces new challenges.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, who was unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the bloodshed. The impact of Joel's lie and their evolving relationship will be a central focus of Season 2.
Who Voiced Bella in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson
Gabriel Luna as Tommy
Gabriel Luna returns 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 involvement in Joel and Ellie's journey continues.
Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her interactions with Ellie and her role in the community will be further explored in Season 2.
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, but she may reappear in flashbacks as she did in The Last of Us Part 2.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv portrayed Tess, who sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie after being bitten. While Tess did not 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 Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there was hope for more of their story, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there won’t be more Bill and Frank, dismissing any prequel ideas as a joke.
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).
