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

The eagerly awaited second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing a mix of new characters and beloved returning faces. This season will continue to draw from the iconic video game series, with key characters like Kaitlyn Dever's Abby making their debut, while also introducing intriguing new additions such as Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for the next chapter in Joel and Ellie's journey through this captivating post-apocalyptic world, here’s a detailed guide to the cast you should know about.

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 anticipated roles in Season 2 was undoubtedly Abby, and HBO has announced that Booksmart and Justified star Kaitlyn Dever will take on this pivotal character. Abby, a playable character from The Last of Us Part 2, plays a significant role in the unfolding narrative. While we won't delve into spoilers, Abby is a skilled soldier and a member of the Fireflies whose path intersects with Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes her as someone 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," said 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

Beef star Young Mazino 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." Jesse is introduced in The Last of Us Part 2 as a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel, Ellie, and Tommy reside. He is a close friend of Ellie and an ex-boyfriend of Dina.

"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, known from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina in the second season. Dina, a resident of Jackson, is Ellie's partner and plays a crucial role in the story. Her relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the game, making her a significant influence 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

Details about Catherine O'Hara's character Gail are sparse since she is a new addition created specifically for the series. However, it's evident that she will play a vital role as Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be thrilled to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His character is instrumental in setting the game's events in motion, and we anticipate his presence will be equally impactful in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, known for 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 considered one of the best soldiers by 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 for Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will take on the role of Nora in Season 2. Nora is part of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' alongside Owen, Manny, and Mel, and she was a medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson.

"A military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past," reads the official HBO 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 play Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving as a soldier in the WLF. He is currently dating Mel but was previously in a relationship 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 introduced six more actors to the cast of The Last of Us Season 2, with three reprising characters from the games and three playing new roles. Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix), Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3), and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will bring to life Eugene, Seth, and Kat, respectively.

Joe Pantoliano will portray Eugene, who was Dina's pot-smoking friend in The Last of Us Part 2. Though he had a brief appearance in the game, his role will be significantly expanded in the series.

“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.”

Robert John Burke will play Seth, the bar owner and bigot sandwich-giver from The Last of Us Part 2, while Noah Lamanna will portray Kat, who dated Ellie before the game's events.

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

Alanna Ubach (Euphoria, Bombshell), Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Hettienne Park (Don't Look Up) have joined 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 TV Show Season 2

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Joel in Season 2. At the end of Season 1, Joel went on a rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies, who were prepared to sacrifice her in an attempt to find a cure for the cordyceps infection. Joel's decision to save Ellie and lie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure left their relationship on shaky ground.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, continuing her journey with Joel. At the end of Season 1, Ellie was unconscious during the rescue, unaware of the bloodshed Joel caused and the lie he told her about the Fireflies. Season 2 will explore the aftermath of Joel's decision 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 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 initially agreed to take Ellie to the Fireflies but was left behind when Joel decided to continue the journey himself.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley will reprise her role as Maria, a leader in the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Last seen giving Ellie a haircut and cautioning her about trust, Maria's role in Season 2 is eagerly anticipated.

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, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, she appeared in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, and we might see her again in similar scenes in the upcoming season.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie after being bitten. While Tess didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks exploring her life with Joel could be featured in the show to add depth to their backstory.

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

It seems unlikely that we'll see Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank again. Their episode in Season 1 was a standout, earning a rare 10/10 from critics for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth.

“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. “It’s an episode, just like love, that lives long in the memory after experiencing it.”

While there was speculation about potential flashbacks or even a prequel series, series co-creator Craig Mazin has clarified that Offerman's comments on a prequel were in jest. "I’m very proud of the episode we did with Bill and Frank," Mazin stated. "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 insights, explore our analysis of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on whether Joel made the right choice in saving Ellie.

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