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

The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters and bringing back beloved ones. This season will continue to adapt major characters from the games, such as Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, while also introducing intriguing new figures like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for Joel and Ellie's ongoing 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?

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

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most anticipated casting announcements for Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO revealed that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on this pivotal role. Abby, a playable character in The Last of Us Part 2, plays a significant part in the unfolding story. She is a member of the Fireflies who encounters Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes Abby as a "skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world 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, acclaimed for his role in Beef, will join Season 2 as Jesse, described as a "pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and 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 from 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 is central to the story, evolving and deepening 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. While details are scarce, Gail appears to be Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the aftermath of his significant decision from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be pleased to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions in the game set major events in motion, and his presence is expected to be just as impactful in Season 2.

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 is a friend of Abby and considered one of the best soldiers by WLF leader 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 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 in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Mel 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," 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, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' alongside Owen, Manny, and Mel. Nora was a medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson.

"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, who has appeared in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will portray Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving as a soldier in the WLF. Owen is currently 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," 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 recently announced six more actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will portray characters from the games with expanded roles.

Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have a more significant role 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 portray Seth, the bar owner and bigot sandwich-giver from the game, while Noah Lamanna will play Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of The Last of Us Part 2.

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

Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park have joined the cast as 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)

Returning Cast for The Last of Us TV Show Season 2

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Joel in Season 2. At the end of Season 1, Joel went on a rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies, who planned to use her to develop a cure, a process that would have killed her. Joel lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failure to develop a cure and the bloodshed he caused, leaving their relationship strained.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey will return as Ellie, continuing her journey alongside Joel. At the end of Season 1, Ellie was unaware of the true events at the hospital, believing Joel's lie about the Fireflies' failure. Season 2 will explore the impact of this deception on their relationship.

Who Voiced Ellie 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's involvement in the story will continue to be crucial.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley will reprise her role 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 unfolding narrative.

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, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, she may appear in flashbacks, as she did in The Last of Us Part 2.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, a smuggler and close friend of Joel, sacrificed herself in Season 1 after being bitten. While she didn't appear in The Last of Us Part 2, flashbacks could provide more insight into her relationship with Joel.

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

It doesn’t seem likely...

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. "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 their story concluded, there was hope for more through flashbacks or a potential prequel series. However, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank, debunking Offerman's playful suggestion of a prequel.

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