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

Anticipation is high as the eagerly awaited second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025. This season promises to introduce new characters and bring back beloved ones, continuing the gripping journey of Joel and Ellie through a post-apocalyptic landscape. To prepare you for the next chapter in this thrilling series, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast of *The Last of Us* Season 2.

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 big question on everyone's mind was who would portray Abby in Season 2. HBO answered this by casting Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified. Abby, a key character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a Firefly soldier whose black-and-white worldview is challenged as she seeks vengeance for her loved ones.

"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, acclaimed for his role in Beef, will play Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs, often at a 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 said. "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, recognized from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, Ellie's partner in the Jackson community. Dina's relationship with Ellie deepens throughout The Last of Us Part 2, making her a crucial figure in Ellie's life.

"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. Gail appears to be Joel's therapist, helping him cope with his pivotal decision from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will recognize Jeffrey Wright, who reprises his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions in the game significantly impact the storyline, and his role in Season 2 is expected to be just as crucial.

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, plays Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Manny is a skilled soldier and a friend of Abby.

"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, takes on the role of Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Mel is a friend of Abby and is in a relationship with Owen.

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

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 portray Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew'. Nora, a former medic, struggles with her past actions.

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

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' and a former Firefly turned WLF soldier. Owen is currently dating Mel but was previously in a relationship 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 reads.

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 for Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will play characters from the games with expanded roles. Pantoliano will portray Eugene, Dina's friend from The Last of Us Part 2, whose role will be more significant in the series.

“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” showrunner Neil Druckmann said. “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.”

Burke will play Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, and 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

Newly added to the cast are Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, who will portray the newly created 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 returns 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' failure to develop a cure, leaving a strained relationship as Season 2 begins.

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 unconscious during Joel's rescue and unaware of the bloodshed. As Season 2 unfolds, the impact of Joel's lie and its effect on their relationship will be explored.

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, last seen in Jackson with his wife, Maria. Tommy plays a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2, and his return is eagerly anticipated.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, a leader in the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her advice to Ellie about trust adds depth to the series, and fans are excited to see her role expand in Season 2.

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, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 suggest she might appear in that capacity.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself in Season 1. While she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could potentially explore her past with Joel.

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

It seems unlikely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return. Their episode in Season 1 was a standout, earning a perfect 10/10 from IGN for its poignant portrayal of love and humanity.

“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,” IGN’s Simon Cardy wrote. “It’s an episode, just like love, that lives long in the memory after experiencing it.”

While there was hope for a flashback or even a prequel series, co-creator Craig Mazin has clarified that there won't be more Bill and Frank stories, debunking Offerman's playful prequel idea.

For more insights, check out our breakdown of the ending of The Last of Us Season 1, our predictions for Season 2, and thoughts from the 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).