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

Anticipation is high as the second season of HBO's acclaimed series, *The Last of Us*, is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025. This season promises to introduce intriguing new characters and bring back beloved ones, further exploring the gripping post-apocalyptic world. Key characters from the video games, such as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, will make their debut, alongside mysterious new additions like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for the continuation of Joel and Ellie's journey, here’s a detailed guide to the cast members you should know about.

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

19 ImagesNew Cast Members for The Last of Us Season 2

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most anticipated casting announcements for Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO unveiled that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on this significant role. Abby, a key character from The Last of Us Part 2, plays a crucial part in the unfolding story. She is a skilled soldier and member of the Fireflies whose black-and-white worldview is challenged as she seeks vengeance. Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann emphasized the importance of finding actors who embody the essence of the game's characters, expressing their excitement about Dever joining the cast.

Who Voiced Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Laura Bailey

Young Mazino as Jesse

Young Mazino, celebrated for his role in Beef, steps into the shoes of Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs, often at a great personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a patrol leader and a close friend of Ellie, as well as her ex-boyfriend Dina. Mazin and Druckmann praised Mazino's undeniable talent, eagerly anticipating his contribution to the series.

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, a pivotal character in Jackson who becomes Ellie's partner. Her relationship with Ellie is central to the narrative, evolving significantly throughout the story. Mazin and Druckmann lauded Merced's ability to embody Dina's warmth, brilliance, and moral strength.

Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward

Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Catherine O'Hara joins the cast as Gail, a new character created for the series. While details about Gail are scarce, it's suggested that she serves as Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, known for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, returns to reprise his role as Isaac from The Last of Us Part 2. As the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, Isaac plays a critical role in setting major events in motion, and fans can expect his character 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, seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will play Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. Manny is a close friend of Abby and is considered one of the best soldiers by WLF leader Isaac Dixon. HBO describes him as a loyal soldier with a sunny outlook, masking deeper pain and fears.

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, a friend of Abby and romantically involved with Owen, is described by HBO as a committed doctor whose ideals are tested by the realities of war.

Who Voiced Mel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashly Burch

Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Tati Gabrielle, featured in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew'. Nora, a military medic, struggles with her past sins, adding depth to the narrative.

Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares

Spencer Lord as Owen

Spencer Lord, known from Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will take on the role of Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a soldier in the WLF. Owen, a former Firefly, is currently dating Mel but was once in a relationship with Abby. HBO describes him as a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, conflicted by the 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 has introduced six more actors to the cast, 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 explore deeper connections to Joel and Ellie's relationship. Seth, a bar owner, and Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend, will also have more significant storylines.

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 created characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park will be portrayed by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, respectively. These additions promise to bring 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 Season 2

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal returns as Joel, whose actions at the end of Season 1—rescuing Ellie from the Fireflies at the cost of many lives—will undoubtedly have repercussions. Joel's decision to lie to Ellie about the Fireflies' intentions and the aftermath of his actions will be central to the new season.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, whose relationship with Joel is strained by his deception. The fallout from Joel's choices and Ellie's reaction will be a focal point of Season 2, exploring the complexities of their bond.

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, who plays a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's involvement in the upcoming season will be crucial.

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, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her advice to Ellie about trust will likely resonate throughout the new season.

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 appearance in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 could bring her back to the screen.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, might appear in flashbacks to further explore her relationship with Joel, despite not being in The Last of Us Part 2.

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. Their poignant episode in Season 1 was highly acclaimed, but series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there won't be more stories featuring them, debunking rumors of a prequel.

For more insights, explore our analysis of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on the moral dilemmas faced by Joel.

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