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

The long-awaited second season of The Last of Us is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters and bringing back fan favorites. Season 2 will feature major characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, and introduce intriguing new characters like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for Joel and Ellie's continued journey through this gripping post-apocalyptic landscape, here's a comprehensive guide to the key cast members you should 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 biggest question surrounding Season 2 was who would play Abby. HBO has answered that question by casting Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified. Abby, a pivotal character in The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier with a complex journey ahead. HBO describes her as someone whose black-and-white worldview 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," 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

Young Mazino, known for his role in Beef, will portray Jesse, a community leader in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs, sometimes at a great personal cost. Jesse, a friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie, was first introduced in The Last of Us Part 2.

"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, who starred in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will play Dina, Ellie's partner and a key figure in Jackson. Her relationship with Ellie is central to the story and evolves significantly throughout the game.

"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. She appears to be Joel's therapist, helping him deal with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, known for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, will reprise his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions in the game significantly impact the storyline, and fans can expect a similar impact 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, will portray Manny Alvarez, a former Firefly and a member of the Washington Liberation Front. He is a close friend of Abby and considered one of the best soldiers by 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 HBO's description of Manny.

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, known from Runaways, will play Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. She is a friend of Abby and in a romantic relationship with Owen.

"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," HBO describes Mel.

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

Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Tati Gabrielle, who starred in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will portray Nora, a 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," is how HBO describes Nora.

Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares

Spencer Lord as Owen

Spencer Lord, known for roles in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will play Owen, a former Firefly and current soldier in the WLF. He is 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," HBO describes Owen.

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 additional actors for Season 2, with three reprising smaller roles from the games and three playing new characters. Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, whose role will be expanded. Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) will portray Seth, the bar owner, and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.

“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.”

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 (Euphoria, Bombshell), Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Hettienne Park (Don't Look Up) will join the cast as new 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 return as Joel, who at the end of Season 1, rescued Ellie from the Fireflies, killing many to save her life. He then lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failed attempts to create a cure, withholding the truth about the bloodshed he caused.

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 last seen being lied to by Joel about the Fireflies' intentions. Unconscious during Joel's rescue, Ellie did not know the full extent of what happened, and Season 2 will explore the repercussions of this deception on their relationship.

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 had initially agreed to take Ellie to the Fireflies but was left behind when Joel decided to do it himself.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley will return as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Last seen warning Ellie to be cautious about whom to trust, Maria's role in Season 2 is eagerly anticipated.

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, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, she appeared in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, and it's possible she might return in similar scenes.

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. Although she did not appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks exploring her life with Joel could be included in Season 2.

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

It seems 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 from IGN. While their story concluded, there was hope for more flashbacks or even a prequel. However, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there won't be more Bill and Frank, stating, "I’m very proud of the episode we did with Bill and Frank. There won’t be more Bill and Frank. Nick was joking about a prequel, that was kind of a joke. We are very happy with what we achieved."

For more insights, check out 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).