The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising new characters and the return of beloved ones. Drawing from the critically acclaimed video game series, Season 2 will feature key characters like Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and introduce intriguing newcomers such as Catherine O'Hara as Gail. To prepare for Joel and Ellie's continued journey through a post-apocalyptic world, 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?
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New Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
One of the most anticipated cast announcements for Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO confirmed that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on this pivotal role.
Abby is a central character in The Last of Us Part 2, deeply intertwined with the series' narrative. A member of the Fireflies, Abby's path crosses with Joel and Ellie early in the game, setting the stage for a gripping storyline. HBO describes her 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 mirrors that of season one: we seek out world-class actors who capture the essence of the characters from the source material," said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "Talent is our top priority, and we're excited to have 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 the cast 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 the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel, Ellie, and Tommy reside at the start of the game. He is a close friend of Ellie and an ex-boyfriend of Dina.
"Young is one of those rare actors who captivates you instantly," Mazin and Druckmann remarked. "We're thrilled to have him, and the audience will be in for a treat."
Who Voiced Jesse in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Stephen Chang
Isabella Merced as Dina
Isabella Merced, known for her roles in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will play Dina, a vital character from the Jackson community and Ellie's partner.
Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving in complex and profound ways throughout the game. She's described as "warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable" by Mazin and Druckmann. "Finding an actor who naturally embodies these qualities led us straight to Isabela Merced."
Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward
Catherine O'Hara as Gail
Catherine O'Hara steps into the role of Gail, a character created specifically for the series. Though details about Gail are scarce, she appears to be Joel's therapist, assisting him in dealing with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Jeffrey Wright, known for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) from The Last of Us Part 2. Isaac's actions have significant repercussions in the game, and his presence in the series 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, featured in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will portray Manny Alvarez, a member of the WLF and a former Firefly. A close friend of Abby, Manny is regarded as one of the best soldiers under Isaac Dixon's command.
"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," is how 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 play Mel, a medic in the WLF and a former Firefly. Mel is a friend of Abby and in a romantic relationship with Owen.
"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," describes HBO's take on Mel.
Who Voiced Mel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashly Burch
Tati Gabrielle as Nora
Tati Gabrielle, seen in 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 to come to terms with the sins of her past," is how Nora is described by HBO.
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 take on the role of Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly turned WLF soldier. Owen is currently dating Mel but was once romantically involved with Abby.
"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," is HBO's description of 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 joining The Last of Us Season 2, including three from the games and three new characters.
Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2. Though Eugene had a brief appearance in the game, he will have a more significant role in the series.
“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” said showrunner Neil Druckmann. “Eugene’s character in the game was superficial. In the show, we explore his connection to Joel and Ellie much deeper.”
Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) will portray Seth, the bar owner and bigot sandwich-giver from The Last of Us Part 2, and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will play Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of the second 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
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 new 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)
Returning Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2
Pedro Pascal as Joel
Pedro Pascal returns as Joel in Season 2, picking up after his violent rampage against the Fireflies to save Ellie. Despite Marlene's explanation that Ellie's death could lead to a cure, Joel chose to save her, lying about the Fireflies' failure to find a cure and the bloodshed that ensued.
Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker
Bella Ramsey as Ellie
Bella Ramsey will reprise her role as Ellie, continuing alongside Pedro Pascal's Joel. At the end of Season 1, Ellie was unaware of the full extent of Joel's actions to save her, leaving their relationship on uneasy ground.
Who Voiced Ellie 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's storyline will continue to unfold in Season 2.
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 interactions with Ellie in Season 1 hinted at her importance in the series, and fans can look forward to seeing more of her 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 Season 1, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, her presence in flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 might be revisited.
Anna Torv as Tess
Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1 after being bitten, won't appear in The Last of Us Part 2. However, flashbacks to her life with Joel could provide deeper context to their relationship.
Will Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank Return in The Last of Us?
It doesn't seem likely...
The episode focusing on Bill and Frank, portrayed by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 rating from IGN. Despite hopes for more, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there won't be further episodes featuring Bill and Frank, dismissing Offerman's prequel spin-off idea as a jest.
For more insights, explore our analysis of the Season 1 ending, 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 include details on Catherine O'Hara as Gail and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac.
