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

The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters alongside beloved returning ones. This season will continue to bring iconic figures from the games to life, with Kaitlyn Dever playing Abby and introducing intriguing newcomers like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. Here's a comprehensive guide to the cast members you should know before diving back into Joel and Ellie's journey through their harrowing yet captivating post-apocalyptic world.

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 pressing question fans had about Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO answered this by casting Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, to bring Abby to life. Abby is a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, a skilled soldier with the Fireflies, whose black-and-white worldview is challenged as she seeks vengeance for her loved ones.

"Our casting process for season two mirrors that of the first: we seek out actors who capture the essence of the characters from the source material," stated series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "Talent is paramount, and we're thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and our ensemble."

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 play Jesse, a community pillar who often prioritizes others' needs at great personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse leads patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and is a close friend and former partner of Ellie.

"Young is one of those rare actors who captivate instantly," Mazin and Druckmann noted. "We're fortunate to have him and eager for viewers to see him shine."

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, steps into the role of Dina. A crucial character in the Jackson community, Dina is Ellie's partner and a strong influence on her journey. Their relationship deepens throughout the game, offering fans much to anticipate.

"Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," Mazin and Druckmann described. "Isabela Merced perfectly embodies all these traits."

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 an original addition to the series, with details sparse but significant. She appears to be Joel's therapist, aiding him in processing the monumental decision he made in Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans will be excited to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac from The Last of Us Part 2. As the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, Isaac's actions set the game's narrative in motion, and his role is expected to 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, from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, plays Manny Alvarez, a dedicated soldier in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. A friend to Abby, Manny is highly regarded by Isaac.

"A loyal soldier with a sunny disposition that masks old wounds and the fear of failing his friends," reads Manny's HBO description.

Who Voiced Manny in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Alejandro Edda

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, known for Runaways, will portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front with a Firefly background. A friend of Abby and in a relationship with Owen, Mel grapples with the ethics of war.

"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is tested by war and tribalism," describes Mel's role in the series.

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

Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Tati Gabrielle, from 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 with the sins of her past," is how Nora is characterized by HBO.

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, plays Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew,' a former Firefly, and current WLF soldier. Currently dating Mel, Owen was previously involved with Abby.

"A gentle soul trapped in a warrior's body, fighting an enemy he refuses to hate," encapsulates Owen's character.

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 more actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, with three expanding on minor game characters and three playing entirely new roles. Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna will bring to life Eugene, Seth, and Kat, respectively, all characters from the games.

Joe Pantoliano will portray Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, with a more significant role in the series. Robert John Burke will play Seth, the bar owner known for his bigoted sandwiches, while Noah Lamanna will step into the shoes of Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.

“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” said showrunner Neil Druckmann. “The game's portrayal of Eugene was superficial, but here, his story gets to the heart of Joel and Ellie's relationship.”

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 been added to the cast as Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively, all newly created characters for the show.

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, in the first season's climax, went on a rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies. Despite Marlene's argument that Ellie's sacrifice could lead to a cure, Joel chose to save her, lying to her about the Fireflies' failure and the bloodshed he caused. Ellie's uneasy acceptance of his lie sets the stage for their evolving dynamic in Season 2.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, who was last seen being lied to by Joel about the Fireflies and the hospital incident. Unconscious during the events, Ellie's unawareness of Joel's actions and her reaction to his lie will be a focal point of Season 2.

Who Voiced Ellie in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashley Johnson

Gabriel Luna as Tommy

Gabriel Luna returns 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 relationship with Joel and Ellie will continue to unfold.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley reprises her role as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her last interaction with Ellie, advising caution in trust, hints at her continued influence in Season 2.

Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?

Merle Dandridge as Marlene

Merle Dandridge's Marlene, killed by Joel in Season 1's finale, won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, her potential presence in flashbacks, as seen in The Last of Us Part 2, remains a possibility.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and Joel's close friend, sacrificed herself after being bitten, dying in a dramatic confrontation with a Clicker. While she did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks exploring her relationship with Joel could be featured.

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

It appears unlikely...

The episode focusing on Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank was a standout in Season 1, earning a rare 10/10 rating. Despite hopes for their return in flashbacks, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there will be no more Bill and Frank, debunking rumors of a prequel series.

“Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett's portrayal was elegant, leaving a lasting impact on the show and highlighting the humanity that makes Joel and Ellie's fight meaningful,” praised IGN's Simon Cardy.

For further insights, explore our analysis of The Last of Us Season 1's ending, predictions for Season 2, and reflections from the show's creators on Joel's choice to save Ellie.

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