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 set to premiere on April 13, 2025, bringing both familiar faces and exciting new additions to the screen. As with the first season, fans can expect to see major characters from the games come to life, such as Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, alongside intriguing new characters like Catherine O'Hara's mysterious Gail. To prepare you for Joel and Ellie's continued journey in this gripping post-apocalyptic world, here's a comprehensive guide to the key cast members of Season 2.

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

19 Images The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most anticipated casting announcements for Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO delighted fans by revealing that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, would take on this pivotal role. Abby, a playable character in The Last of Us Part 2, is central to the story. She is a member of the Fireflies whose path crosses with 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." Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann expressed their excitement, stating, "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. 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 the cast as Jesse, described as a "pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel, Ellie, and Tommy reside at the game's outset. He is also a friend and ex-boyfriend of Dina. Mazin and Druckmann praised Mazino's talent, saying, "Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him. 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 play Dina, another member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner. Dina plays a crucial role in the story, with her relationship with Ellie evolving significantly throughout the game. Mazin and Druckmann described her as "warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," adding, "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 to the series. While details about Gail are scarce, it's clear she will play an important role, appearing as Joel's therapist and helping him cope with the consequences of his decisions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be thrilled 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 he is expected to be equally pivotal in Season 2 of the HBO series.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, known for his roles in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will portray Manny Alverez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. A friend of Abby, Manny is considered one of the best soldiers by Isaac Dixon. HBO describes him as "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."

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, recognized from Runaways, will take on the role of 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. HBO describes Mel as "a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism."

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, a former medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson, is described by HBO as "a military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past."

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 play Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving as a soldier in the WLF. Currently dating Mel, Owen was once in a relationship with Abby. HBO describes him as "a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy 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 recently announced six more actors joining The Last of Us Season 2's cast, including three characters from the games and three new ones. Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna will play Eugene, Seth, and Kat, respectively. Eugene, previously a minor character in The Last of Us Part 2, will have an expanded role. Showrunner Neil Druckmann expressed excitement about this opportunity, saying, "I get excited when I see these opportunities. 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." Seth, the bar owner from the game, and Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend, will also see their stories fleshed out.

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, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park will join the cast as newly created characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively. These additions promise to bring fresh dynamics to 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 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's decision to save Ellie and lie about the Fireflies' failure to find a cure left their relationship on uneasy ground.

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 full extent of Joel's actions to save her, and Season 2 will explore the impact of his lies 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's story will continue to unfold in Season 2.

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 crucial 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, so she won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, given her appearances in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, she may return in similar scenes in the new season.

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 depth to her story and her relationship 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 in Season 2. Their poignant love story in Season 1 was a highlight, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there was hope for more through flashbacks or a potential prequel, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that their story has concluded, 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, explore our breakdown of the Season 1 ending, predictions for Season 2, and discussions on whether Joel's decision to save Ellie was justified.

Note: This story was updated on April 8, 2025, to add Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).