The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising new characters and returning favorites to enrich Joel and Ellie's journey through a gripping post-apocalyptic landscape. Key figures from the games, such as Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, alongside intriguing newcomers like Catherine O'Hara's character Gail, will join the narrative. To prepare you for this thrilling continuation, here's a detailed guide to the cast members you should know before diving into Season 2.
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 mark surrounding Season 2 was who would take on the role of Abby. HBO has answered that query by casting Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified. Abby, a significant character in The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier with the Fireflies whose quest for vengeance challenges her black-and-white worldview. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the series co-creators, emphasized their focus on finding world-class actors who embody the characters' essence, and they are thrilled to have Dever join the ensemble alongside Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
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, will portray Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs at great personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a leader in the patrol groups and a close friend and former partner of Ellie. Mazin and Druckmann praised Mazino's undeniable talent, eagerly anticipating his performance in the series.
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 play Dina, Ellie's partner and a vital member of the Jackson community. Dina's relationship with Ellie evolves throughout The Last of Us Part 2, and Merced's casting was praised by Mazin and Druckmann for her ability to embody the multifaceted character.
Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward
Catherine O'Hara as Gail
Catherine O'Hara joins the cast as Gail, a new character created for the series. While details about Gail are scarce, it's suggested she serves as Joel's therapist, aiding him in coping with the aftermath of his pivotal decision in Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, known for Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front from The Last of Us Part 2. His character plays a crucial role in setting major events in motion, and his presence in Season 2 is anticipated to be equally impactful.
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 portray Manny Alvarez, a Washington Liberation Front member and former Firefly. A friend of Abby and one of the WLF's top soldiers, Manny's character is described as a loyal soldier with a sunny outlook masking old wounds.
Who Voiced Manny in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Alejandro Edda
Ariela Barer as Mel
Ariela Barer, from Runaways, will take on the role of Mel, a WLF medic and former Firefly, who is also Abby's friend and Owen's romantic partner. Her commitment to saving lives is tested by war and tribalism.
Who Voiced Mel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashly Burch
Tati Gabrielle as Nora
Tati Gabrielle, known from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, a member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a military medic grappling with her past sins.
Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares
Spencer Lord as Owen
Spencer Lord, with credits in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will portray Owen, another member of the 'Salt Lake Crew', a former Firefly turned WLF soldier, and Mel's current partner with a past relationship with Abby. Owen is described as a gentle soul in a warrior's body.
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 as Eugene, Robert John Burke as Seth, and Noah Lamanna as Kat. These characters, originally minor in the games, will have expanded roles in the series. Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend, will play a more significant part in exploring Joel and Ellie's relationship. Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, and Kat, Ellie's former partner, will also see their stories fleshed out.
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
Newly introduced characters include Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers as Burton, and Hettienne Park as Elise Park, adding fresh dynamics to the narrative.
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 in Season 1's finale, rescuing Ellie from the Fireflies, set the stage for the complex dynamics in Season 2. His decision to lie to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure and the ensuing bloodshed will undoubtedly be a focal point.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, whose relationship with Joel is strained by his deception at the end of Season 1. The repercussions of Joel's actions and Ellie's response will be central to the narrative.
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 and a significant figure in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson, his involvement in the upcoming season will explore further the dynamics within the community and his relationship with Joel and Ellie.
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 return in Season 2, offering insights into community life and her interactions with the protagonists.
Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?
Merle Dandridge as Marlene
Merle Dandridge's Marlene, killed by Joel in Season 1, is unlikely to appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 could bring her back, offering further context to her story.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, might return in flashbacks to explore her past with Joel, enriching their backstory.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
Despite the beloved episode focusing on Bill and Frank, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more of their story. While Nick Offerman mentioned a potential prequel series in jest, Mazin clarified that their narrative arc concluded beautifully in Season 1.
For more insights, check out our analysis of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on the moral implications of Joel's actions.
Note: This story was updated on April 8, 2025, to include Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).
