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

Excitement builds as the highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025. This season will introduce new characters while bringing back beloved ones, continuing Joel and Ellie's journey through a gripping post-apocalyptic world. To prepare you for the upcoming adventure, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast members you need to know.

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 most eagerly awaited casting reveal for Season 2 was undoubtedly who would portray Abby. HBO has confirmed that Booksmart and Justified star Kaitlyn Dever will take on the role. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled Firefly soldier whose black-and-white worldview is tested 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," said 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

Beef star Young Mazino joins the cast as Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs, often at great personal cost. Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is 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 stated. "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 Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, a key member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner. Dina's relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the story, making her a significant influence.

"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 joins the series as Gail, a new character crafted for the show. While details about Gail are scarce, she appears to be Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the consequences of his actions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be thrilled to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions in the game significantly impact the storyline, and his presence in Season 2 is expected to be equally impactful.

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. Manny, a friend of Abby, is described as a loyal soldier with a sunny disposition masking old wounds and fears.

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 within the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Mel is a friend of Abby and is in a romantic relationship with Owen, described as a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is tested by war and tribalism.

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. Nora is portrayed as a military medic struggling with her past actions.

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 portray Owen, another member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving in the WLF. Owen is currently dating Mel but was previously in a relationship with Abby.

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 Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will play characters Eugene, Seth, and Kat, respectively. These roles expand on minor characters from the games or introduce entirely new ones.

Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, originally a brief character in The Last of Us Part 2 who was Dina's pot-smoking friend. His role will be significantly expanded 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 play Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, while Noah Lamanna will portray Kat, who dated Ellie before the game's events.

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 join the cast as new characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively. These characters are entirely new to the series.

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 returns as Joel, who, at the end of Season 1, rescued Ellie from the Fireflies, killing many in the process and lying to her about the failed attempt to develop a cure. This pivotal moment leaves their relationship strained as Season 2 begins.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey will reprise her role as Ellie, who was unaware of the events at the hospital where Joel saved her life. Season 2 will explore the aftermath of Joel's lie and its impact on 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 played a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's story will continue to unfold in Season 2.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her role in Season 2 promises to be as integral as in the first 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, but her character appeared in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2. She may return in similar scenes in Season 2.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself after being bitten. While she did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could provide more depth to her story in Season 2.

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

It appears unlikely that Bill and Frank, portrayed by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, will return in Season 2. Their episode in Season 1 received high praise, with IGN giving it a perfect score.

“Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett take on leading role duties with elegance, leaving an unmistakably beautiful mark on the show as we’re shown a side of humanity that makes what Joel and Ellie are fighting for worth saving,” wrote IGN’s Simon Cardy. “It’s an episode, just like love, that lives long in the memory after experiencing it.”

While there was talk of a potential spin-off prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank, stating that Offerman's prequel comment was a jest.

For more insights, check out our breakdown of the ending of The Last of Us Season 1, our predictions for Season 2, and the creators' thoughts on whether Joel was right to save Ellie.

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