The much-anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters alongside beloved returning ones. This season promises to bring pivotal figures from the games to life, such as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, while also featuring intriguing newcomers like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for the continuation of Joel and Ellie's gripping journey in this post-apocalyptic world, we've put together a comprehensive guide on 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 key character in The Last of Us Part 2, is a Firefly member whose journey intersects with Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes Abby 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," series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann stated. "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, described as a "pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, 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 said. "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. A vital member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner, Dina's relationship with Ellie evolves throughout the game, making her a significant influence in Ellie's life.
"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 fresh addition to the series, likely serving as Joel's therapist and helping him navigate the aftermath of his Season 1 decision. Details about Gail are still under wraps, but her role appears to be significant.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, known for Westworld and The Batman, returns to his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front from The Last of Us Part 2. His character's actions are pivotal to the game's narrative, and fans can expect a similar impact in Season 2.
Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Danny Ramirez, from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, plays Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. A close friend of Abby, Manny is recognized as one of the best soldiers by WLF leader 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, known from Runaways, takes on the role of Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. A friend of Abby, Mel is also 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, from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, plays Nora, another 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, plays Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly turned WLF soldier. Currently dating Mel, Owen 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 has added six more actors to the Season 2 cast, including three characters from the games with expanded roles and three new characters. Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) plays Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have a more significant role this season. Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) portrays Seth, the bar owner, and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) steps into the role of Kat, who dated Ellie before the game's story.
“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” showrunner Neil Druckmann said. “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
Newly cast members include Alanna Ubach (Euphoria, Bombshell) as Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Burton, and Hettienne Park (Don't Look Up) as Elise Park, all playing characters created for the series.
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, who, in the first season's finale, went on a rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies. Despite Marlene's explanation that the procedure to potentially find a cure would kill Ellie, Joel chose to rescue her, later lying to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure and the bloodshed he caused. This deception left Ellie uneasy.
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 last seen being deceived by Joel about the Fireflies' intentions. Unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the deaths, Ellie's reaction to Joel's lie will be a focal point in 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 offered Joel and Ellie a home, which they declined as they continued their journey.
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 last interaction with Ellie involved a warning to be careful about trust, and fans are eager to see her role 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, ruling out her appearance in the present timeline of Season 2. However, her presence in flashbacks during The Last of Us Part 2 suggests she might appear similarly in the upcoming season.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, was bitten and sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie. While she did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could offer a deeper look into her life with Joel before her tragic end.
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 rare 10/10 from IGN. Despite hopes for a flashback or a potential spin-off prequel, series creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more of Bill and Frank's story.
“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, 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).
