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

The eagerly awaited second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing both familiar faces and exciting new characters. As in the first season, the series will adapt significant characters from the video games, with Kaitlyn Dever stepping into the role of Abby. Additionally, viewers will be introduced to fresh faces like Catherine O'Hara as Gail. This guide will prepare you for the continuation of Joel and Ellie's journey in the gripping post-apocalyptic world.

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 Season 2

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most anticipated announcements for Season 2 was the casting of Abby. HBO revealed that Kaitlyn Dever, known from Booksmart and Justified, will take on this pivotal role. Abby, a playable character from The Last of Us Part 2, plays a significant part in the upcoming narrative. She 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 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, acclaimed for his role in Beef, joins the cast as Jesse, described as a community pillar who prioritizes others' needs, sometimes at great personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a friend and former partner 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, Ellie’s partner and a key member of the Jackson community. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving throughout the game. "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 steps into the role of Gail, a new character created specifically for the series. Gail 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 from Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, a crucial character from The Last of Us Part 2. Isaac's actions significantly impact the game's narrative, and fans can expect his influence to carry over to 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 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 HBO's 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 is in a romantic relationship with Owen. "A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," is how HBO describes Mel.

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, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew'. Nora is a medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson. "A military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past," is HBO's description of Nora.

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 now serving in the WLF. He is currently dating Mel but was previously involved with Abby. "A gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," describes HBO's portrayal 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 the addition of six more actors to Season 2's cast, including Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix), Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3), and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), 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. “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.” Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner and sandwich-giver, while Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.

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) will join 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 Season 2

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Joel, whose last act in Season 1 was a violent rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies. Despite Marlene's argument for the greater good, Joel chose to rescue Ellie, lying to her about the Fireflies' failed attempts at a cure. Their final scene left Ellie with doubts, setting the stage for Season 2.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, last seen being lied to by Joel about the events at the hospital. Unconscious during the rescue, Ellie's unawareness of the bloodshed and the truth about the cure adds complexity to her relationship with Joel, which will be explored further in Season 2.

Who Voiced Bella in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson

Gabriel Luna as Tommy

Gabriel Luna will return 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 interactions with Joel and Ellie set the stage for their future.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley reprises her role as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her last interaction with Ellie, cutting her hair and advising caution, hints at her continued importance 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 the Season 1 finale, ruling out her appearance in the present timeline of Season 2. However, given her presence in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, she may return in a similar fashion.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and Joel's close friend, sacrificed herself in Season 1 after being bitten. While absent from The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could provide more depth to her relationship with Joel.

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

It appears unlikely...

The episode featuring Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. "Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett take on leading role duties with elegance, leaving an unmistakably beautiful mark on the show as we’re shown a side of humanity that makes what Joel and Ellie are fighting for worth saving," wrote IGN’s Simon Cardy. While their story concluded, the possibility of flashbacks existed, and Offerman mentioned ideas for a prequel series. However, co-creator Craig Mazin dismissed these rumors, stating, "I’m very proud of the episode we did with Bill and Frank. There won’t be more Bill and Frank. Nick was joking about a prequel, that was kind of a joke. We are very happy with what we achieved."

For more, check out our analysis of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and insights from the 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).