"The Last of Us Season 2: New and Returning Cast Revealed"

The eagerly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, bringing a mix of familiar faces and intriguing new characters to the screen. In line with the first season, key characters from the video games will make their appearance, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. Additionally, the show introduces new characters like Catherine O'Hara's mysterious Gail. This guide is designed to familiarize you with the cast of Season 2 as Joel and Ellie's journey continues in this captivating and chilling post-apocalyptic world.

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

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The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

The casting of Abby for Season 2 was a much-anticipated reveal, and HBO did not disappoint by announcing that Kaitlyn Dever, known from Booksmart and Justified, would take on the role. Abby is a central figure in The Last of Us Part 2, serving as a playable character with a significant impact on 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."

"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," series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann stated. "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, recognized from Beef, steps into the role of Jesse for Season 2. Jesse is 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 leads patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and is a close 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 remarked. "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 roles in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, will portray Dina in Season 2. Dina is a vital member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner, whose relationship plays a pivotal role in the story. Her bond with Ellie evolves significantly throughout the game, offering one of the strongest influences on Ellie's journey.

"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 will play the new character Gail, created specifically for the series. Though details are scarce, it's evident that Gail will play a crucial role, possibly as Joel's therapist, helping him navigate the aftermath of his decisions 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 leader of the Washington Liberation Front. Isaac's actions set significant events in motion in the game, and his character is expected to be equally impactful in Season 2 of the series.

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 portray Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. Manny is a close friend of Abby and is considered one of the WLF's best soldiers.

"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, from Runaways, will take on the role of 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," 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 from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora in Season 2. Nora is another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' alongside Owen, Manny, and Mel, and she was a 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', a former Firefly, and 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 more actors joining the cast of Season 2, with three playing characters from the games and three portraying new characters. Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from The Last of Us Part 2. Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) will reprise his role as Seth, the bar owner and bigot sandwich-giver. Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) will play Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of the second game.

“I get excited when I see these opportunities,” showrunner Neil Druckmann said. “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 Lemanna (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)

Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers as Burton, and Hettienne Park as Elise Park

Alanna Ubach (Euphoria, Bombshell), Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Hettienne Park (Don't Look Up) have joined the cast as the newly created characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively.

*Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Get