"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, bringing with it a mix of new and familiar faces to further explore the gripping post-apocalyptic narrative. From the video game, major characters like Kaitlyn Dever's Abby will be introduced, alongside intriguing new additions such as Catherine O'Hara's Gail. As we approach the continuation of Joel and Ellie's journey, here's a comprehensive guide to the cast 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

The burning question for fans heading into Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO answered this eagerly awaited query by announcing that Kaitlyn Dever, known for Booksmart and Justified, would take on the role.

Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a member of the Fireflies whose path crosses with Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes her 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, 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, and a friend and former 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, known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, a vital member of the Jackson community and Ellie’s partner.

"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 Gail is a new character created for the series. She appears to serve as Joel's therapist, aiding him in coping with his consequential decision from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be delighted to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His character sets significant events in motion and is expected to play a crucial role 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. He is a 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," the official HBO description of Manny reads.

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, recognized from Runaways, will portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly, who 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 reads.

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 play Nora, another 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," 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, will portray Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and former Firefly who is now a soldier in the WLF. He 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 has announced six additional actors for 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, whose role will be significantly expanded. "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 from The Last of Us Part 2, while Noah Lamanna will step into the role of 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

Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park have joined 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 reprise his role as Joel, whose journey ended Season 1 with a controversial decision to save Ellie at the cost of a potential cure for the cordyceps infection.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey will return as Ellie, whose relationship with Joel will be further explored after the events of Season 1 left her questioning his actions.

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 first season and will continue to be a key figure 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, whose influence will be further explored 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 the Season 1 finale, but her presence could return through flashbacks, as seen in The Last of Us Part 2.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess met a tragic end in Season 1, but the show might explore her past with Joel through flashbacks to enrich their backstory.

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

It appears unlikely...

The episode focusing on Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank was a standout in Season 1, earning a perfect 10/10 from IGN. While their story concluded beautifully, there was speculation about potential flashbacks or even a prequel series. However, co-creator Craig Mazin has clarified that there will be no more Bill and Frank in the series, and Offerman's mention of a prequel was merely a jest.

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 include Catherine O'Hara (Gail) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac).