The Last of Us Season 2: New and Returning Cast Revealed for HBO Series

The much-anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, and it promises to introduce both new and returning characters to enrich the harrowing post-apocalyptic narrative. Key figures from the original games will return, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, while intriguing newcomers like Catherine O'Hara's Gail will add fresh layers to the story. This guide will walk you through the essential cast members you need to know as Joel and Ellie's journey continues in this gripping series.

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 burning question on everyone's mind heading into Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO answered that eagerly awaited query by announcing that Kaitlyn Dever, known from Booksmart and Justified, will take on the role. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier and former Firefly member whose quest for vengeance will challenge her black-and-white worldview.

"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 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

Young Mazino, celebrated for his role in Beef, will join the series as Jesse, a pillar of his community in Jackson, Wyoming. He's a selfless leader who often prioritizes others' needs over his own, even at great personal cost. Jesse's friendship with Ellie and past relationship with Dina will be central to the unfolding narrative.

"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, a key figure in Jackson and Ellie's partner. Their evolving relationship plays a significant role in the game, and Merced's portrayal will bring warmth, brilliance, and complexity to the character.

"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's character, Gail, is a new addition to the series. While details about her role are scarce, it's clear she will be significant, potentially serving as Joel's therapist and helping him grapple with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of the game will recognize Jeffrey Wright reprising his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions set significant events in motion in The Last of Us Part 2, and he's expected to have a similar impact in the series.

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 loyal soldier and former Firefly who is one of Abby's closest friends. His sunny disposition hides deep-seated fears and pain.

"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," according to the official HBO description.

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. Her commitment to saving lives is tested by the harsh realities of war and tribalism, and she is in a relationship with Owen.

"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," the official HBO description 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 military medic struggling with her past sins. She is part of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson.

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

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 portray Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving in the WLF. His gentle nature contrasts with his warrior's physique, and he is in a relationship with Mel after a past with Abby.

"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate," the official HBO description 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 added six more actors to the cast, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will play Eugene, Seth, and Kat, respectively. These characters, originally minor in the games, will have expanded roles in the series. Eugene, once Dina's pot-smoking friend, will play a more significant part, delving deeper into Joel and Ellie's relationship.

“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” showrunner Neil Druckmann said. “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.”

Seth, the bar owner known for his controversial sandwich, and Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend, will also see their stories expanded.

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

New characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, played by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, respectively, will bring fresh perspectives to the series. These actors are known for their roles in Euphoria, The Gilded Age, and Don't Look Up, among others.

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. His decision to save Ellie, even at the cost of a potential cure for the cordyceps infection, and his subsequent lie to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure, will undoubtedly shape their relationship in Season 2.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey will return as Ellie, whose trust in Joel was shaken by his deception about the Fireflies. As they navigate the aftermath of Joel's actions, their relationship will be a focal point of the new season.

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 plays a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's influence on Joel and Ellie's journey will continue to 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 resonate as the story unfolds.

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, 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 to save Joel and Ellie after being bitten, won't return in the present timeline. However, flashbacks could provide more insight into her relationship with Joel before her tragic end.

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

It doesn't seem likely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return. Their poignant love story in Season 1 was a highlight, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there were rumors of a potential prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank, debunking Offerman's playful suggestion of a prequel.

For more insights, explore our breakdown of the Season 1 ending, 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).