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 a mix of beloved characters from the games and intriguing new faces. As we gear up for Joel and Ellie's continued journey through a post-apocalyptic world, let's delve into the cast that will bring this gripping narrative to life.

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

19 ImagesNew Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most eagerly awaited announcements was who would portray Abby in Season 2. HBO has confirmed that Booksmart and Justified star Kaitlyn Dever will take on this pivotal role. Abby, a central figure in The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier with the Fireflies who seeks vengeance, challenging 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," 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, known for his selflessness, which often comes at a high cost. Jesse is a friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie, and a leader of the patrol groups.

"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 from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, Ellie's partner and a key member of the Jackson community. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the narrative, evolving significantly throughout the story.

"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. Though details are scarce, Gail appears to be Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the aftermath of his choices from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, known from Westworld and The Batman, returns as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His role in the game was significant, and he's expected to be equally crucial in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, recognized from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will play Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and a top soldier in the Washington Liberation Front. Manny is a friend of Abby and known for his loyalty and sunny disposition.

"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 and former Firefly, who is in a romantic relationship with Owen and a friend of Abby.

"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 from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, a medic and member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew.' Nora struggles with her past sins.

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

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, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now with the WLF. Owen is dating Mel but was once 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 states.

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 from the games with expanded roles.

Joe Pantoliano will portray Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from the game, with a more significant role this time. "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 and bigot sandwich-giver, while Noah Lamanna will portray Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.

Image Credits: John Pantoliano (Theo Wargo/Getty Images), Robert John Burke (Jim Spellman/FilmMagic), and Noah Lamanna (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 will be portrayed by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, respectively.

Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Getty Images), Ben Ahlers (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO), Hettienne Park (Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images)

Returning Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2

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. Joel lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure, leaving her with an uneasy acceptance of his version of events.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, who was last seen being lied to by Joel about the Fireflies' intentions. Season 2 will explore the impact of Joel's deception on their relationship.

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 involvement with Joel and Ellie will continue to be explored.

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 advice to Ellie about trust will likely play a 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, ruling out her return in the present timeline. However, flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2 could bring her back in Season 2.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself to save Joel and Ellie, may appear in flashbacks to further explore her relationship with Joel before her death.

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

It seems unlikely. The episode focusing on Bill and Frank's story was highly praised, earning a rare 10/10. While there were talks of a potential prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed there won't be more Bill and Frank stories, clarifying that Nick Offerman's prequel mention was a jest.

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 include Catherine O'Hara as Gail and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac.