The much-anticipated second season of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters while bringing back beloved ones. Just like the first season, Season 2 will feature major characters from the games, such as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, alongside intriguing new additions 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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New Cast Members for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
One of the most anticipated castings for Season 2 was Abby, and HBO delighted fans by announcing that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, would take on the role. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier with 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, recognized for his role in Beef, joins the cast as Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs, often 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 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, steps into the role of Dina, Ellie's partner and a key figure in Jackson. Her relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving significantly 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 created for the series. As Joel's therapist, she plays a crucial role in helping him cope with the aftermath of his decisions from Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, acclaimed for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, returns to reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions in the game are pivotal, and he is expected to have a significant impact 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, takes on the role of Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and a loyal soldier in the Washington Liberation Front. Manny is a close friend of Abby and highly regarded 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 portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. She is a friend of Abby and 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 her roles in 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," 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, 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. He is 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 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 revealed six more actors joining Season 2, with three reprising roles from the games and three playing 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, and 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 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) join 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)
Returning Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Pedro Pascal as Joel
Pedro Pascal returns as Joel, whose last act in Season 1 was a violent rescue of Ellie from the Fireflies. Despite Marlene's argument that Ellie's sacrifice could lead to a cure, Joel chose to save her, lying about the Fireflies' failure and the bloodshed he caused. His final promise to Ellie was met with her uneasy acceptance.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, last seen grappling with Joel's lie about the Fireflies. Unaware of the true cost of her rescue, Ellie's trust in Joel will be a central theme in Season 2.
Who Voiced Ellie in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson
Gabriel Luna as Tommy
Gabriel Luna returns as Tommy, Joel's brother, who was last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria. Tommy's role in Season 2 will be significant, continuing his journey from the game.
Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Rutina Wesley's Maria, a leader in Jackson and Tommy's wife, returns after her impactful scene with Ellie in Season 1. Her role in Season 2 will be eagerly anticipated.
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, won't return in the present timeline of Season 2. However, her presence in flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 might be seen.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2. Yet, flashbacks could explore her past with Joel, adding depth to their story.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It seems unlikely...
The episode featuring Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN for its emotional depth and portrayal of love. Despite hopes for more, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be further episodes focusing on Bill and Frank, debunking any prequel rumors.
“Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett take on leading role duties with elegance, leaving an unmistakably beautiful mark on the show as we’re shown a side of humanity that makes what Joel and Ellie are fighting for worth saving,” IGN’s Simon Cardy wrote. “It’s an episode, just like love, that lives long in the memory after experiencing it.”
For more insights, explore our analysis of The Last of Us Season 1's ending, predictions for Season 2, and reflections on whether Joel was right to save Ellie.
Note: This story was updated on April 8, 2025, to include Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).
