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

Get ready for an exciting continuation of the gripping post-apocalyptic saga as the much-anticipated second season of The Last of Us premieres on April 13, 2025. This season promises to delve deeper into the harrowing world of Joel and Ellie, with both familiar faces and new characters joining the fray. Key figures from the games, like Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, and intriguing new additions, such as Catherine O'Hara's mysterious Gail, will enrich the narrative. To prepare you for this thrilling journey, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast of The Last of Us Season 2.

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

19 ImagesNew Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most eagerly awaited casting announcements for Season 2 was Abby's role. HBO confirmed that Kaitlyn Dever, acclaimed for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will portray Abby. A central character in The Last of Us Part 2, Abby is a Firefly and a skilled soldier whose quest for vengeance challenges her black-and-white worldview. Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann emphasized their commitment to casting talented actors who capture the essence of the game characters, stating, "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 for his role in Beef, steps into the shoes of Jesse, a community leader in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel, Ellie, and Tommy reside at the start of the second game. Described as a pillar of the community who prioritizes others' needs, Jesse is a friend and former boyfriend of Ellie. Mazin and Druckmann praised Mazino's undeniable talent, expressing excitement about his addition to the 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 play Dina, Ellie's partner and a key figure in the Jackson community. Her relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving in significant ways. Mazin and Druckmann lauded Merced for embodying Dina's warmth, brilliance, and moral strength, saying, "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 character, Gail, is a new addition created specifically for the series. While details are sparse, Gail appears to be Joel's therapist, assisting him in dealing with the aftermath of his controversial decision in Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright returns to his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), from The Last of Us Part 2. His actions in the game are pivotal, and fans can expect his character to play a significant role in Season 2 of the HBO series.

Who Voiced Isaac in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Jeffrey Wright

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will portray Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and a dedicated soldier within the WLF. A close friend of Abby, Manny is known for his sunny disposition despite his inner struggles.

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 WLF medic and former Firefly. A friend of Abby and romantically involved with Owen, Mel's commitment to saving lives is tested by the harsh realities of war.

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 play Nora, a member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson. Nora struggles with her past sins as a military medic.

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, will portray Owen, another member of the 'Salt Lake Crew'. A former Firefly turned WLF soldier, Owen is caught between his gentle nature and the demands of war.

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 additional cast members for Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, Robert John Burke as Seth, and Noah Lamanna as Kat. These characters, originally from the games, will have expanded roles in the series. Eugene, previously a minor character, will play a more significant part, offering deeper insights into Joel and Ellie's relationship. Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, and Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend, will also have their stories fleshed out.

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

New characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, portrayed by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park respectively, will be introduced in Season 2, adding fresh perspectives to the narrative.

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 reprises his role as Joel, who, at the end of Season 1, rescued Ellie from the Fireflies, killing many in the process. He then 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 returns as Ellie, who was unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the bloodshed. Season 2 will explore the consequences 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 is back as Tommy, Joel's brother, who we last saw in Jackson with his wife, Maria. Tommy's role in The Last of Us Part 2 was significant, and Season 2 will continue to explore his story.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, a leader in Jackson and Tommy's wife. Her last interaction with Ellie was a warning about trust, and we eagerly await her expanded role 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's finale, but she could appear in flashbacks, as she did in The Last of Us Part 2.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie, might also be seen in flashbacks, offering more depth to her relationship with Joel before her death.

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

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return in Season 2. Their poignant episode in Season 1 received high praise, earning a rare 10/10 rating. While there were playful mentions of a potential prequel series, series co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed these ideas were just in jest, expressing satisfaction with the completed story of Bill and Frank.

For more insights, check out our analysis of the Season 1 ending, predictions for Season 2, and discussions by The Last of Us HBO creators on Joel's decision to save Ellie.

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