The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising new characters and the return of beloved ones. Following the success of the first season, Season 2 will bring to life major characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduce intriguing new figures like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for Joel and Ellie's continued journey in this gripping post-apocalyptic world, here's a comprehensive guide to the 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 casting news for Season 2 was undoubtedly the reveal of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. Known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, Dever steps into the shoes of Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2. Abby is a skilled soldier and a member of the Fireflies whose journey begins with a quest for vengeance. Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann emphasized their commitment to casting world-class actors, expressing their excitement about Dever joining the cast.

Who Voiced Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Laura Bailey

Young Mazino as Jesse

Beef star Young Mazino joins the series as Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, known for prioritizing others' needs, often at great personal cost. Jesse, a friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie, plays a crucial role in the game. Mazin and Druckmann praised Mazino's undeniable talent, eagerly anticipating his contribution to the show.

Who Voiced Jesse in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Stephen Chang

Isabella Merced as Dina

Isabella Merced, recognized from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, takes on the role of Dina, Ellie's partner and a vital member of the Jackson community. Merced embodies Dina's warmth, brilliance, and danger, as described by Mazin and Druckmann, who found her to be the perfect fit for the character.

Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward

Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Catherine O'Hara introduces a new character, Gail, to the series. While details are scarce, Gail is suggested to be Joel's therapist, assisting him in dealing with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright reprises his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, from The Last of Us Part 2. Known for his performances in Westworld and The Batman, Wright's character is expected to be as integral to the series as he was to the game.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, portrays Manny Alvarez, a loyal soldier and former Firefly who is a close friend of Abby. HBO describes Manny as having a sunny outlook that masks his deeper fears and pain.

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, from Runaways, plays Mel, a medic with the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Her commitment to saving lives is tested by war and tribalism, according to HBO's character description.

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 portray Nora, a medic and member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew'. Nora struggles with her past sins, as per HBO's description.

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, takes on the role of Owen, a former Firefly turned WLF soldier. He is described by HBO as a gentle soul trapped in a warrior's body, caught in a conflict he refuses to hate.

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 Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna to the cast. Pantoliano will play Eugene, Dina's friend from the game, who will have a more significant role in the series. Burke will portray Seth, a bar owner from the game, and Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend. Showrunner Neil Druckmann expressed excitement about expanding these characters' stories to enrich Joel and Ellie's narrative.

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 additions to the cast include Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers as Burton, and Hettienne Park as Elise Park, all playing newly created characters for 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, whose actions at the end of Season 1—rescuing Ellie from the Fireflies and lying about it—will have significant repercussions in Season 2. His decision to save Ellie over the potential cure continues to haunt him.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, whose trust in Joel was shaken by his lies at the end of Season 1. Season 2 will delve into the complexities of their relationship and Ellie's reactions to the truth.

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 and a key figure in the Jackson community. His role in Season 2 will be crucial, as it was in The Last of Us Part 2.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley is back as Maria, the leader of Jackson and Tommy's wife. Her advice to Ellie about trust will be a theme that continues to resonate 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, may appear in flashbacks, as she did in The Last of Us Part 2, to further explore her character's impact on the story.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, might also appear in flashbacks to provide more context to her relationship with Joel and their past together.

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

Despite the popularity of the episode featuring Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank, creator Craig Mazin has confirmed there won't be more scenes with them. While Offerman mentioned the idea of a prequel series, Mazin clarified it was a jest, emphasizing satisfaction with the episode that showcased their love story.

For more insights, check out our analysis of the ending of The Last of Us Season 1, our predictions for Season 2, and thoughts from the show's creators 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).