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

The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing both new characters and familiar faces. This season will feature notable characters from the video game, such as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, alongside intriguing new additions like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. As Joel and Ellie's journey continues in this gripping post-apocalyptic world, let's delve into the key cast members you should know before diving into the new episodes.

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

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The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

The burning question of who would portray Abby in Season 2 was answered when HBO announced that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, would take on the role. Abby, a significant character from The Last of Us Part 2, plays a crucial role in the unfolding narrative. A member of the Fireflies, Abby's path crosses with Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes her as a "skilled soldier 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," 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, acclaimed for his role in Beef, will join 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, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie.

"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 for her roles in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, a pivotal character in the Jackson community and Ellie's partner. Dina's relationship with Ellie evolves significantly throughout the game, making her one of the most influential figures 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

Catherine O'Hara's character, Gail, is a new addition created for the series. While details are scarce, it's evident that Gail will play a significant role, possibly as Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the aftermath of his decisions 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 ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions set major events in motion in the game, and his character is expected to be equally integral in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in 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. A friend of Abby, Manny is considered one of the best soldiers by WLF leader 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. Mel is a friend of Abby and is in a romantic relationship 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 her roles in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, another 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, 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 as a soldier in the WLF. Owen is currently dating Mel but was once 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 recently announced six more actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will portray characters from the games with expanded roles.

Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have a more significant role 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 portray Seth, the bar owner and bigot sandwich-giver from the game, while Noah Lamanna will play Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of The Last of Us Part 2.

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 have joined the cast as 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)

The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 Returning Cast

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 planned to use her to develop a cure, a process that would have killed her. Joel's decision to save Ellie and lie about the Fireflies' failure to find a cure left 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, continuing her journey alongside Joel. After being saved by Joel and lied to about the Fireflies' intentions, Ellie's trust in Joel is shaken, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship in Season 2.

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 Joel and Ellie'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 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 the upcoming 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 the Season 1 finale, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, given her appearances in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, she may return in a similar capacity.

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 did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could provide more insight into 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 in Season 2. Their poignant love story in Season 1 was a highlight, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there was speculation about a potential prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that Offerman's comments were in jest, and there won't be more Bill and Frank.

For more insights, check out our analysis 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).