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 new characters while welcoming back familiar faces. In line with the first season, Season 2 will bring to life key characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduce intriguing new figures such as Catherine O'Hara's Gail. As we gear up for Joel and Ellie's continued journey through a haunting yet captivating post-apocalyptic landscape, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast you should know.

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

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The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

The most pressing question leading into Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO answered this by announcing that Kaitlyn Dever, known from 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 has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material," stated 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, renowned for his role in Beef, will portray Jesse, a pillar of his community 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 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, known from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, steps into the role of Dina, Ellie's partner from Jackson. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the story, offering warmth, brilliance, and moral guidance.

"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 Gail is a new character crafted for the series. She is believed to serve as Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the aftermath of his decisions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, known from Westworld and The Batman, reprises his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front from The Last of Us Part 2. His character significantly impacts the story, and his presence is expected to be equally impactful in Season 2.

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, will play Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Manny, a friend of Abby, is known for his loyalty and optimism despite his internal struggles.

"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," according to the official HBO description.

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, from Runaways, takes on the role of Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Mel is a friend of Abby and is romantically involved with Owen.

"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," reads the official HBO description.

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 to come to terms with the sins of her past," as described by HBO.

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, takes on the role of Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving in the WLF. Owen is currently dating Mel but was once involved with Abby.

"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," according to HBO's description.

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 for Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will portray characters from the games with expanded roles. Pantoliano will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have a more significant role this time. Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner from the game, and Lamanna 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, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park join 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, who, at the end of Season 1, went on a rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies, despite the potential for a cure. He 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 unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the bloodshed. Season 2 will explore the aftermath of Joel's lie and its impact on their relationship.

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, who played a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's involvement in the story will continue to be crucial.

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 role in Season 2 is eagerly anticipated.

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 the Season 1 finale, ruling out her appearance in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 could bring her back.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself in Season 1. While she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could provide more depth to her story.

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

It appears unlikely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return. Their episode in Season 1 was highly acclaimed, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there were playful mentions of a potential prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that no further episodes featuring Bill and Frank are planned.

For more insights, explore our analysis of the Season 1 ending, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on whether Joel's decision to save Ellie was justified.

Note: This story was updated on April 8, 2025, to add Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).