The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is slated to premiere on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters and bringing back beloved ones. Just like its predecessor, Season 2 will feature major characters from the games, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and introduce intriguing new faces like Catherine O'Hara's Gail. To prepare you for Joel and Ellie's ongoing journey through a gripping post-apocalyptic landscape, here's a comprehensive guide to the key cast members you should know about.

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

19 ImagesNew Cast Members for The Last of Us Season 2

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most anticipated casting announcements for Season 2 was for the role of Abby, which has been filled by Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is described by HBO as a "skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved." She is a member of the Fireflies and her path intersects with Joel and Ellie early in the game's storyline.

"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, joins the cast as Jesse, a "pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." Jesse is a leader in the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and a close friend and former partner 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, known from Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, takes on the role of Dina, a vital character in Ellie's life and a member of the Jackson community. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the narrative, evolving significantly 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 introduces a new character, Gail, to the series. While details about Gail are scarce, it's evident that she will play a significant role, possibly as Joel's therapist, helping him deal with the aftermath of his choices from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright, known for his roles in Westworld and The Batman, returns to his role as Isaac from The Last of Us Part 2. As the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, Isaac's actions are pivotal to the game's plot, and he 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, seen in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, portrays Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Manny is a close friend of Abby and is highly regarded by Isaac.

"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 reads.

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 a former Firefly. Mel is a friend of Abby and is in a romantic relationship with Owen.

"A young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism," according to the official HBO description.

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, takes on the role of Nora, a 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 states.

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, plays Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving 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," describes the official HBO description.

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 added six more actors to the cast of Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will play characters from the games with expanded roles. Pantoliano will portray Eugene, a pot-smoking friend of Dina, whose role will be significantly larger than in the game.

“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 play Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, and Lamanna will portray 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

New characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park will be played by Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park, respectively. These characters are creations for the series, adding fresh dynamics 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 Members for The Last of Us Season 2

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal returns as Joel, who, at the end of Season 1, rescued Ellie from the Fireflies at great cost, lying to her about the failed attempt to develop a cure and the bloodshed that followed. His actions and their impact on his relationship with Ellie will be explored further in Season 2.

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 last seen grappling with Joel's lie about the Fireflies' failure to create a cure. Season 2 will delve deeper into her reaction and its effect on her relationship with Joel.

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 the upcoming season is eagerly anticipated.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, the leader of the Jackson community and Tommy's wife. Her warning to Ellie about trust in the first season sets the stage for her continued importance in Season 2.

Will Marlene or Tess Appear in Season 2 of The Last of Us?

Merle Dandridge as Marlene

Merle Dandridge's Marlene, killed by Joel in Season 1, won't appear in the present timeline of Season 2. However, flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 might bring her back in that capacity.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, may appear in flashbacks to further explore her relationship with Joel before her demise.

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

It appears unlikely that Bill and Frank, portrayed by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, will return in Season 2. Their story in Season 1 was a standout, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While there was talk of a prequel spin-off, series co-creator Craig Mazin has confirmed that no further episodes featuring Bill and Frank are planned.

For more insights, explore our breakdown of the Season 1 finale, predictions for Season 2, and the creators' thoughts on Joel's decision to save Ellie.

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