The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters and bringing back fan favorites. Building on the success of its first season, Season 2 will feature iconic characters from the games, such as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, and introduce intriguing new figures like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for Joel and Ellie's continued journey through a gripping post-apocalyptic landscape, here's a comprehensive guide to the key cast members you should know.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Who's Returning to the HBO Show?
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New Faces in The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
One of the most anticipated casting announcements for Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO confirmed that Kaitlyn Dever, known for Booksmart and Justified, will take on the role. Abby is a central character in The Last of Us Part 2, a skilled soldier and Firefly member whose quest for vengeance challenges her black-and-white worldview.
"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 Beef, will portray Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who often prioritizes others' needs at his own peril. Jesse, a friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie, plays a crucial role in the community's patrol groups.
"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, who starred in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will bring Dina to life. A member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner, Dina's relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the game, making her a pivotal figure in Ellie's journey.
"Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," Mazin and Druckmann stated. "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
While details about Catherine O'Hara's character Gail are scarce, it's known that she's a new addition to the series, likely serving as Joel's therapist and aiding him in dealing with the aftermath of his Season 1 decisions.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be pleased to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions significantly influence the game's narrative, and his presence is expected to be just as impactful in Season 2.
Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Danny Ramirez, known for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will portray Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and member of the Washington Liberation Front. A close friend of Abby, Manny is recognized as one of the WLF's finest soldiers.
"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 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 Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will take on the role of 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, will portray Owen, a former Firefly and current WLF soldier. Owen 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 additional cast members for Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna. These actors will bring to life characters from the games with expanded roles and new characters.
Joe Pantoliano, known for Memento and The Matrix, will play Eugene, originally a minor character in The Last of Us Part 2 but set for a more significant role this season.
“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 from The Last of Us Part 2, while Noah Lamanna will play Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of the game.
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
New characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park will be played by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, respectively. These actors, known for their roles in Euphoria, The Gilded Age, and Don't Look Up, will bring fresh dynamics to the series.
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 will reprise his role as Joel, whose actions at the end of Season 1 left a lasting impact. After saving Ellie from the Fireflies at great personal cost, Joel's decision to lie to Ellie about the events at the hospital sets the stage for their continued journey.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, whose relationship with Joel is at a critical juncture after his deception regarding the Fireflies. The upcoming season will explore the repercussions of Joel's actions and their effect on Ellie.
Who Voiced Bella in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson
Gabriel Luna as Tommy
Gabriel Luna will return as Tommy, Joel's brother and a key figure in the Jackson community. His presence in Season 2 is anticipated to be significant, building on his role from the games.
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, will also return. Her guidance and influence in the community will continue to be a focal point.
Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?
Merle Dandridge as Marlene
Although Marlene, portrayed by Merle Dandridge, was killed by Joel in Season 1, she could appear in flashbacks, as she did in The Last of Us Part 2.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, may also return in flashbacks to provide more context to her relationship with Joel.
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, as their storyline concluded beautifully in Season 1. Despite the episode's popularity and a 10/10 rating, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank, debunking any rumors of a prequel.
For more insights, explore our breakdown of the Season 1 ending, our predictions for Season 2, and the creators' thoughts 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).
