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

Excitement is building as the much-anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* gears up for its premiere on April 13, 2025. This season promises to introduce new characters alongside beloved returning favorites, continuing the gripping saga of Joel and Ellie in a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic world. To prepare you for the thrilling continuation of their journey, here's a detailed look at the cast members you'll want to keep an eye on.

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

One of the most eagerly awaited announcements was who would portray Abby in Season 2. HBO thrilled fans by confirming that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on this pivotal role.

Abby, a key character from The Last of Us Part 2, is integral to the upcoming narrative. She's a former Firefly with a complex journey ahead. 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," series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann stated. "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, acclaimed for his role in Beef, steps into the shoes of Jesse, described as a "pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost."

Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel, Ellie, and Tommy reside at the beginning of the game. He is 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, who starred in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, a vital character in Jackson and Ellie's partner. Her relationship with Ellie is central to the game's story, offering depth and emotional resonance.

"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 introduces a new character to the series, Gail, who appears to be Joel's therapist. This role suggests a deep exploration of Joel's psychological state following his significant decision in Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, known for Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac from The Last of Us Part 2. As the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, Isaac's decisions significantly impact the game's narrative, and fans can anticipate a similar influence in Season 2.

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

"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," the official HBO description of Manny states.

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 is 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, seen in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, part 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, who has appeared in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will portray Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and former Firefly now fighting for the WLF. Owen is dating Mel but has a past 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 Pantoliana as Eugene, Robert John Burke as Seth, and Noah Lamanna as Kat

HBO recently unveiled six new actors for Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will play characters from the games with expanded roles.

Joe Pantoliano, known from Memento and The Matrix, will portray Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend. Robert John Burke, from RoboCop 3, will play Seth, the bar owner, and Noah Lamanna, from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, will step into the role of Kat, Ellie's former partner.

“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.”

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

Newly announced cast members include Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, who will portray the 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, whose journey in Season 1 culminated in a controversial decision to save Ellie at the cost of humanity's potential cure. His actions and subsequent lies to Ellie set the stage for intense developments 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, who was unconscious during Joel's rescue mission in Season 1. The fallout from Joel's deception will undoubtedly play a significant role in their evolving 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 and a key figure in Jackson. His last appearance saw him offering Joel and Ellie a home, a gesture that may have long-lasting implications.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley is back as Maria, the leader of Jackson and Tommy's wife. Her advice to Ellie about trust will likely resonate throughout 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, ruling out her presence in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 may bring her back into the narrative.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv portrayed Tess, who sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie. While Tess didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could explore her past with Joel.

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

It doesn’t sound like it…

The episode focusing on Bill and Frank, played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While fans hoped for more, series co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed there won't be further episodes featuring the couple, dismissing rumors of a prequel as a jest by Offerman.

For more, check out our breakdown of the ending of The Last of Us Season 1, our The Last of Us Season 2 predictions, and The Last of Us HBO creators on whether or not Joel was right to save Ellie.

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