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

The much-anticipated second season of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising to introduce new characters while bringing back beloved ones. Building on the success of the first season, Season 2 will continue to adapt key characters from the game, including Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, alongside intriguing newcomers like Catherine O'Hara's character, Gail. As we gear up for Joel and Ellie's next chapter in this gripping post-apocalyptic saga, let's dive into the cast members you need to know.

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

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Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

The biggest question fans had was who would play Abby in Season 2. HBO answered this by announcing that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, would take on the role. Abby is a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, a skilled soldier and member of the Fireflies whose black-and-white worldview is tested as she seeks revenge. Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann expressed their excitement, stating, "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. 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, will portray Jesse, a community pillar who prioritizes others' needs, often at great personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a leader of patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a friend and former boyfriend of Ellie. Mazin and Druckmann praised Mazino, saying, "Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him. 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 for Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will play Dina, a key figure in Jackson and Ellie's partner. Her relationship with Ellie evolves significantly throughout the game. Mazin and Druckmann commented, "Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable. 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 will play Gail, a new character created for the series. While details about Gail are scarce, she appears to be Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the aftermath of his choices in Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, known from Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. A central figure in The Last of Us Part 2, Isaac's actions significantly impact the story, and his presence is expected to be just as impactful in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will portray Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and member of the Washington Liberation Front. A close friend of Abby, Manny is considered one of the best soldiers by Isaac Dixon. HBO describes him as "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."

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, known from Runaways, will play Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. A friend of Abby and in a relationship with Owen, Mel is described by HBO as "a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism."

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 portray Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson. HBO describes Nora as "a military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past."

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 play Owen, a former Firefly turned WLF soldier and part of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew'. Currently dating Mel but previously involved with Abby, Owen is described by HBO as "a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate."

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, while Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner, and Lamanna will play Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of the game. Showrunner Neil Druckmann expressed excitement about these opportunities, stating, "I get excited when I see these opportunities. 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 Lamanna (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 play 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)

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal will return as Joel, whose actions at the end of Season 1 left a lasting impact. After rescuing Ellie from the Fireflies, Joel lied to her about the possibility of a cure, creating tension that will likely be explored in Season 2.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey will reprise her role as Ellie, whose relationship with Joel will be further examined in Season 2, especially after the lie Joel told her about the Fireflies.

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

Gabriel Luna as Tommy

Gabriel Luna will return as Tommy, Joel's brother, who plays a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife, Maria, Tommy's story will continue to unfold.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley will be back as Maria, a leader in Jackson and Tommy's wife. Her character's advice to Ellie about trust will be further explored 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 first season, but she may appear in flashbacks, as she did in The Last of Us Part 2.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, might also appear in flashbacks to further explore her relationship with Joel.

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

The beloved episode featuring Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank was a highlight of Season 1. While there was hope for their return in flashbacks, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank, debunking rumors of a prequel series.

For more insights, check out our breakdown of the ending of The Last of Us Season 1, our predictions for Season 2, 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).