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

The eagerly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is slated to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters while bringing back beloved ones. Season 2 will continue to adapt major characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduce intriguing new faces like Catherine O'Hara as Gail. As we prepare for the continuation of Joel and Ellie's journey in this gripping post-apocalyptic world, here’s a comprehensive guide to the cast members 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 burning question for Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO announced that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will bring Abby to life. Abby is a pivotal character in The Last of Us Part 2, a member of the Fireflies whose path crosses 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," 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, known from 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." In the game, Jesse is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a friend and former 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, recognized from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, a significant figure in Jackson and Ellie’s partner. Her relationship with Ellie evolves throughout the game, making her a vital voice in Ellie's life.

"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 plays Gail, a new character created for the series, believed to be Joel's therapist helping him cope with the aftermath of his Season 1 decisions.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will recognize Jeffrey Wright reprising his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions significantly impact the game's narrative, and he is expected to play a crucial role 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, takes on the role of Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and member of the Washington Liberation Front. He is a friend of Abby and 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," 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 portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. She is a friend of Abby and romantically involved with Owen.

"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, known 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, plays Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew', former Firefly, and current WLF soldier. He is 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," 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 has added six more actors to Season 2's cast, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will expand on smaller characters from the games and introduce new ones.

Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, a friend of Dina known for his laid-back attitude. In the game, Eugene was a minor character, but his role will be more significant in the series.

“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” showrunner Neil Druckmann said. “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.”

Robert John Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner and bigot from the game, while Noah Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.

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 played by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, respectively, adding fresh dimensions to the series.

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 Season 1 finale saw him rescuing Ellie from the Fireflies and lying to her about the failed attempt to develop a cure. His actions and the lie will undoubtedly impact their relationship in Season 2.

Who Voiced Joel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Troy Baker

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, whose journey continues after being lied to by Joel about the Fireflies' intentions. Her relationship with Joel will be a central focus 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 and a key figure in the Jackson community. His role in Season 2 will likely expand on his significant presence in The Last of Us Part 2.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley comes back as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her advice to Ellie about trust will resonate in the upcoming season.

Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?

Merle Dandridge as Marlene

Merle Dandridge, who played Marlene in Season 1, was killed by Joel, so she won't appear 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 portrayed Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, who sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie. While she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could explore her backstory further.

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 in Season 2. Their storyline in Season 1 was a highlight, earning a rare 10/10 rating. While there was talk of a prequel, co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that no further episodes featuring Bill and Frank are planned.

For more insights, check out our analysis of the Season 1 ending, Season 2 predictions, 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).