The Last of Us Season 2: New and Returning Cast Revealed

The much-anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is slated to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising new characters and the return of beloved ones. Like its predecessor, Season 2 will bring to life significant characters from the game, such as Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, while introducing intriguing new additions like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for the next chapter in Joel and Ellie's gripping journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast of Season 2.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?

19 Images The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

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 her roles in Booksmart and Justified, would take on this challenging role.

Abby, a key character from The Last of Us Part 2, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative. As a member of the Fireflies, she crosses paths 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," 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, 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."

Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a leader of patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a close friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie. Mazin and Druckmann expressed their excitement about Mazino's casting, stating, "Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him. 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 for her performances in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, steps into the role of Dina. A member of the Jackson community, Dina is Ellie’s partner and a central figure in the story, with her relationship with Ellie 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 to the series, created specifically for the show. Though details are scarce, it's believed Gail will serve as Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the aftermath of his choices in Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be thrilled to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Known for his performances in Westworld and The Batman, Wright's character sets significant events in motion, a role expected to be equally vital in Season 2 of the HBO series.

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, takes on the role of Manny Alverez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. A friend of Abby, Manny is considered 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," the official HBO description of Manny reads.

Who Voiced Manny in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Alejandro Edda

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, known from Runaways, portrays Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. A friend of Abby and romantically involved with Owen, Mel's dedication to saving lives is tested by the realities of war.

"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, recognized 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, seen in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, portrays Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and former Firefly, now a soldier in the WLF. 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 recently announced the addition of six more actors to Season 2, with three reprising smaller roles from the games and three portraying 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 a more significant role in the series. 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 last act in Season 1 was a violent rescue of Ellie from the Fireflies. Despite Marlene's explanation that Ellie's death could lead to a cure, Joel chose to save her, killing many in the process. He later lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure, leaving their relationship strained.

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 unaware of the deadly procedure she was about to undergo when Joel rescued her. The season ended with Ellie's uneasy acceptance of Joel's lie, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship 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, last seen in Jackson with his wife, Maria. After initially agreeing to take Ellie to the Fireflies, Tommy supported Joel's decision to keep Ellie with them, offering them a home in Jackson.

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 was a warning to be cautious about whom to trust, and fans are eager to see her expanded 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 at the end of Season 1, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 may bring her back to the screen.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie after being bitten. Although she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could potentially explore her past with Joel.

Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?

It seems unlikely that we'll see more of Bill and Frank. The episode focusing on their love story in Season 1 was highly praised, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there were ideas floated for a prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin clarified that these were just in jest.

“I’m very proud of the episode we did with Bill and Frank,” Mazin said. "There won’t be more Bill and Frank. Nick was joking about a prequel, that was kind of a joke. We are very happy with what we achieved."

For more insights, check out our breakdown of the ending of The Last of Us Season 1, 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).