The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, bringing new faces and returning favorites to the screen. Just like the first season, it will feature major characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduce intriguing new characters like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To ensure you're fully prepared for Joel and Ellie's continued journey in this captivating yet terrifying post-apocalyptic world, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to the cast members you should know before the new season kicks off.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Returning to the HBO Show?
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The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
One of the most anticipated announcements for Season 2 was the casting of Abby. HBO has revealed that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will take on this pivotal role. Abby, a key character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier whose black-and-white worldview 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," stated 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 the cast as Jesse, a pillar of the community who prioritizes others' needs, often at great personal cost. Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse leads the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and is both 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 commented. "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, who starred in 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's relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the story, making her one of the most influential figures 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 to the series, crafted specifically for the show. 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. His actions significantly impact the game's narrative, and we anticipate a similar influence 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 play Manny Alvarez, 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. "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," describes HBO's official portrayal 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 former Firefly. A friend of Abby and romantically involved with Owen, Mel's commitment to saving lives is tested by the realities of war. "A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," reads HBO's official description of Mel.
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, a member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former medic. "A military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past," is how HBO describes Nora.
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 a soldier in the WLF. Currently dating Mel but previously involved with Abby, Owen is described by HBO 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 new actors for Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will portray characters from the games with expanded roles. Pantoliano will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2, who will have a more significant role this time. "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." Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, and Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend.
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 have joined the cast as newly created characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively. Their roles promise to add fresh dimensions to the series.
*Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Get
