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

The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters while bringing back beloved favorites. Season 2 will continue to adapt major characters from the games, such as Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, and introduce intriguing new figures like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with the key cast members as Joel and Ellie's journey through the post-apocalyptic world resumes.

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

19 Images The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

The most anticipated casting for Season 2 was undoubtedly Abby, and HBO confirmed that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on this significant role. Abby, a central character in The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier and member of the Fireflies whose path crosses with Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes her as someone whose black-and-white view of the world is tested as she seeks vengeance.

"Our casting process for season two mirrored that of season one: we seek world-class actors who capture the essence of the characters from the source material," said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "We are 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. Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a patrol leader in Jackson, Wyoming, and a close friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie.

"Young is one of those rare actors who captivates instantly," Mazin and Druckmann stated. "We're fortunate to have him, and we can't wait for audiences to see him shine in our 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 embody Dina, a key figure from Jackson and Ellie's partner. Her relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the game, making her a vital influence in Ellie's life.

"Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," Mazin and Druckmann remarked. "Finding an actor who naturally embodies these traits led us directly to Isabela Merced."

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 to the series, believed to be Joel's therapist, assisting 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 pleased to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions in the game significantly impact the storyline, and his presence is expected to be equally pivotal in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, known from 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. He is a close friend of Abby and highly regarded by WLF leader Isaac Dixon.

"A loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear of failing his friends," 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 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 states.

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.

"A military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past," the official HBO description of Nora reads.

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 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," 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 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 from The Last of Us Part 2, whose role will be more significant in the series.

“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” said showrunner Neil Druckmann. “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 from The Last of Us Part 2, and 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, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park 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)

The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 Returning Cast

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Joel, who, at the end of Season 1, rescued Ellie from the Fireflies, killing many in the process. He 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 will return as Ellie, who was unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the bloodshed. Season 2 will explore the impact of Joel's lie 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's involvement in the upcoming season is eagerly anticipated.

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 play a crucial 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, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 could bring her back.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie, might 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?

It seems unlikely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return, despite their memorable episode in Season 1, which received a perfect 10/10 from IGN.

“Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett delivered an elegant performance, leaving a beautiful mark on the show,” IGN’s Simon Cardy wrote. “Their episode, like love, lingers long in the memory.”

While there was talk of a potential prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin clarified that Offerman's comments were in jest. "We are very happy with what we achieved with Bill and Frank," Mazin stated. "There won’t be more Bill and Frank."

For more insights, explore our analysis of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on whether Joel's decision to save Ellie was justified.

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