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

The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing a blend of new and familiar faces. This season will continue to bring iconic characters from the games to the screen, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduce intriguing new characters such as Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for the next chapter of Joel and Ellie's journey in this gripping post-apocalyptic world, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the key cast members you need to know.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Returning to the HBO Series?

19 ImagesThe 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 has confirmed that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on the role. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier and a member of the Fireflies whose black-and-white worldview is challenged as she seeks vengeance.

"Our casting process for season two mirrors that of season one: we seek out world-class actors who can breathe life into the characters from the source material," said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "We're thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and our esteemed cast."

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 the series as Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs, sometimes at a great personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a friend and former boyfriend of Ellie.

"Young is one of those rare actors who captivate you from the moment they appear on screen," Mazin and Druckmann noted. "We're fortunate to have him, and audiences will be thrilled to see Young's talent 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, will portray Dina, Ellie's partner and a vital member of the Jackson community. Dina's relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the story, showcasing her warmth, brilliance, and moral compass.

"Dina is a multifaceted character—warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," said Mazin and Druckmann. "Isabela Merced perfectly embodies all these qualities."

Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward

Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Catherine O'Hara will introduce a new character, Gail, to the series. While details are scarce, Gail appears to be Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the aftermath of his critical decision in Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, celebrated for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, from The Last of Us Part 2. His character's actions are central to the unfolding events.

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 play Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Manny is a skilled soldier and a close friend of Abby.

"A loyal soldier with a sunny outlook, yet haunted by old wounds and the fear of failing his friends," 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 take on the role of 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 challenged by the harsh 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 portray Nora, a member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson.

"A military medic struggling with her past sins," reads the official HBO description of Nora.

Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares

Spencer Lord as Owen

Spencer Lord, with credits including Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will play Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly turned WLF soldier. He is currently dating Mel but has a past relationship with Abby.

"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior's body, fighting an enemy he refuses to hate," the official HBO description of Owen states.

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 announced six additional actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, including characters from the games with expanded roles and new additions. Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, a character briefly seen in The Last of Us Part 2 but with a more significant role in the series. Robert John Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner from the game, and Noah Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.

“I'm excited to delve deeper into characters like Eugene,” said showrunner Neil Druckmann. “The game only touched the surface of his story, but this series will explore his connection to Joel and Ellie more profoundly.”

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

New characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park will be brought to life by Alanna Ubach (Euphoria, Bombshell), Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Hettienne Park (Don't Look Up), 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 will reprise his role as Joel, who at the end of Season 1, rescued Ellie from the Fireflies, resulting in a significant impact on their relationship. After lying to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to create a cure, their dynamic is set to evolve further 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 was marked by his lie about the Fireflies. Season 2 will explore the ramifications of this deception 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 relationship with Joel and Ellie will continue to unfold.

Who Voiced Tommy in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Pierce

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley will reprise her role as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her insights and leadership will be crucial 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, killed by Joel in Season 1, will not appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 might bring her back.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2. However, the show might explore her past with Joel through flashbacks.

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

It seems unlikely...

The episode focusing on Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank was a standout in Season 1, earning a perfect 10/10 from IGN. While their love story concluded, there was speculation about potential flashbacks or a prequel series. However, series creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there will be no more Bill and Frank, debunking any prequel rumors as a playful jest by Offerman.

For more, explore our analysis of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and insights from the show's creators on Joel's decision to save Ellie.

Note: This article was updated on April 8, 2025, to include information about Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).