The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is slated to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising new characters and the return of beloved favorites. In line with the first season, Season 2 will feature major characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, and introduce intriguing new additions such as Catherine O'Hara's Gail. This guide aims to prepare you for the next chapter in Joel and Ellie's gripping journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape.

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 eagerly awaited announcements for Season 2 was the casting of Abby, with HBO revealing that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on the role. Abby, a pivotal character in The Last of Us Part 2, is a member of the Fireflies whose journey for vengeance challenges her black-and-white worldview. Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann expressed their enthusiasm, 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, joins the cast as Jesse, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, who prioritizes others' needs over his own, often at great personal cost. Jesse is a friend and ex-boyfriend of Ellie, and Mazin and Druckmann praised his immediate impact, 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 for her performances in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina, Ellie's partner and a significant figure in Jackson. Their relationship evolves throughout the game, and Mazin and Druckmann lauded Merced's fit for the role, saying, "Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable. 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, created specifically for the show. She is believed to be Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the repercussions of his Season 1 decision.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans will be thrilled to see Jeffrey Wright reprising his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, from The Last of Us Part 2. His character is crucial to the game's storyline, and his presence is expected to be equally impactful in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, known for 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. Manny is a friend of Abby and 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, from Runaways, will play Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly, who is a friend of Abby and romantically involved with Owen. HBO describes her 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 for her roles in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a medic who worked with Dr. Jerry Anderson. HBO describes her 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 take on the role of Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and former Firefly now serving in the WLF. He is currently dating Mel but was once involved 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 has announced the addition of six more actors to the Season 2 cast, with three playing characters from the game who will have expanded roles, and three portraying new characters. Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have a more significant role. Robert John Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner from the game, and Noah Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend. Showrunner Neil Druckmann expressed excitement about these additions, stating, "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."

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 will join the cast as new characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively. Their roles are newly created for the series and add further depth to the narrative.

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 returns as Joel, whose Season 1 finale saw him violently rescue Ellie from the Fireflies, despite the potential for a cure. He lied to Ellie about the Fireflies' failed attempts 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 reprises her role as Ellie, who was deceived by Joel about the Fireflies' intentions. Unconscious during the rescue, Ellie remains unaware of the full extent of Joel's actions, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship in Season 2.

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, who played a significant role in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's involvement in Joel and Ellie's story is set to continue.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley's Maria, a leader in the Jackson community and Tommy's wife, will also return. Her last interaction with Ellie highlighted the importance of trust, and her role in Season 2 is eagerly anticipated.

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, ruling out her appearance in the present timeline of Season 2. However, given her role in flashbacks in The Last of Us Part 2, she may reappear in similar sequences.

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 did not 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 appears unlikely that Nick Offerman's Bill and Murray Bartlett's Frank will return, as their story concluded in Season 1. Despite the episode receiving high praise, series co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that there won't be more Bill and Frank, debunking rumors of a prequel series.

For more insights, explore our analysis 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).