The eagerly awaited second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters alongside beloved returning ones. This season promises to bring more iconic characters from the games to life, such as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, and introduce intriguing new faces like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To help you prepare for Joel and Ellie's ongoing journey in this captivating and terrifying post-apocalyptic world, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the key cast members 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
The biggest question surrounding Season 2 was who would play Abby. HBO answered this by casting Kaitlyn Dever, known for Booksmart and Justified, in the role. Abby is a central character in The Last of Us Part 2, a skilled soldier and Firefly member whose black-and-white worldview is tested as she seeks vengeance. "Our casting process for Season 2 mirrors Season 1: we seek world-class actors who embody the essence of the game characters," said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "We're thrilled to have Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and our talented ensemble."
Who Voiced Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Laura Bailey
Young Mazino as Jesse
Young Mazino, acclaimed for Beef, steps into the role of Jesse, a community pillar who prioritizes others' needs, often at great personal cost. Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, leads patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and is a close friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie. "Young is an actor who captivates from the moment he appears on screen," Mazin and Druckmann remarked. "We're fortunate to have him, and eager for audiences to see his brilliance."
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, will portray Dina, a key figure in Jackson and Ellie's partner. Her relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving significantly throughout the game. "Dina is a warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable character," Mazin and Druckmann noted. "Isabela Merced embodies these qualities effortlessly."
Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward
Catherine O'Hara as Gail
Catherine O'Hara's Gail is a new character created for the series, likely serving as Joel's therapist to help him cope with the aftermath of his Season 1 decisions. While details are scarce, Gail's role promises to be significant.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, celebrated for Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions in the game are pivotal, and his presence in Season 2 is expected to be equally impactful.
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 Alverez, a Washington Liberation Front member and former Firefly. Manny is a close friend of Abby and a highly regarded soldier. "A loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear of failing his friends," HBO describes Manny.
Who Voiced Manny in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Alejandro Edda
Ariela Barer as Mel
Ariela Barer, known from Runaways, will portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. Mel is a friend of Abby and in a relationship with Owen. "A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," HBO describes Mel.
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, 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," HBO describes Nora.
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', former Firefly, and current WLF soldier. Owen is dating Mel but was previously involved with Abby. "A gentle soul trapped in a warrior's body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," HBO describes Owen.
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 six more actors for Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will play characters from the games with expanded roles. Pantoliano's Eugene, previously a minor character in The Last of Us Part 2, will have a more significant role. Burke will play Seth, the bar owner from the game, and Lamanna will portray Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend. "I get excited when I see these opportunities," said showrunner Neil Druckmann. "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's 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, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park join the cast as new characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively. Their roles are anticipated to enrich the narrative further.
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 will reprise his role as Joel, whose Season 1 finale saw him save Ellie from the Fireflies at great cost. Joel's lie to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure sets the stage for their strained relationship in Season 2.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, whose last interaction with Joel in Season 1 was marked by his lie about the Fireflies. Season 2 will explore the ramifications of this lie and its effect on their bond.
Who Voiced Ellie in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson
Gabriel Luna as Tommy
Gabriel Luna will return 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's involvement in Season 2 is eagerly anticipated.
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 advice to Ellie in Season 1 about trust hints at her potential influence in the upcoming season.
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 Season 1, ruling out her presence in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 suggest she might appear in that capacity.
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 potentially provide more depth to her story and her relationship with Joel.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It seems unlikely...
The episode focusing on Bill and Frank, portrayed by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, was a standout in Season 1, earning a perfect 10/10 from IGN for its emotional depth and storytelling. While fans hoped for their return in flashbacks or a potential spin-off, series creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank. "Nick was joking about a prequel; we are very happy with what we achieved," Mazin stated.
For more insights, check out our breakdown of the Season 1 finale, our predictions for Season 2, and discussions with The Last of Us 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).
