Get ready for the highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us*, premiering on April 13, 2025. This season promises to introduce compelling new characters alongside beloved returning ones, drawing from the rich narrative of the games. Among the notable newcomers is Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a character central to the unfolding drama. Additionally, the mysterious Gail, portrayed by Catherine O'Hara, adds an intriguing layer to the series.

To ensure you're fully prepared for Joel and Ellie's next journey through the hauntingly beautiful and terrifying post-apocalyptic world, 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?

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The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

The biggest mystery heading into Season 2 was the casting of Abby. HBO delighted fans by announcing that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, will portray her. Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, is a skilled soldier and Firefly member whose journey is driven by vengeance. HBO describes her as someone whose black-and-white worldview is challenged as she seeks justice for those she loved.

"Our casting process for season two mirrored that of the first: we seek out world-class actors who embody the essence of the characters from the source material," stated series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. "Talent is paramount, and we're thrilled to welcome an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn to join Pedro, Bella, and our exceptional ensemble."

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, a community pillar in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel, Ellie, and Tommy reside. Jesse is a leader of the patrol groups, a friend to Ellie, and Dina's ex-boyfriend. Mazin and Druckmann praised Mazino's undeniable talent and expressed excitement about his addition to the 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 play Dina, a key figure in Jackson and Ellie's partner. Her relationship with Ellie deepens throughout the story, making her a vital influence on Ellie's journey. Mazin and Druckmann lauded Merced for effortlessly embodying Dina's warmth, brilliance, and complexity.

Who Voiced Dina in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Shannon Woodward

Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Catherine O'Hara joins the cast as Gail, a new character crafted specifically for the series. While details are scarce, Gail appears to be Joel's therapist, assisting him in dealing with the monumental choices he made in Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of the game will recognize Jeffrey Wright reprising his role as Isaac, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions significantly impact the narrative, and his presence is expected to be equally crucial in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, will play Manny Alvarez, a Washington Liberation Front soldier and former Firefly. A close friend of Abby, Manny is described by HBO as a loyal soldier with a sunny disposition that masks his deep-seated fears and past pains.

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer, known from Runaways, will portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and former Firefly. She shares a romantic connection with Owen and is a friend of Abby. HBO describes Mel as a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is tested by the realities of war.

Who Voiced Mel in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Ashly Burch

Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Tati Gabrielle, from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, a member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former medic. Nora struggles with her past sins, as described by HBO.

Who Voiced Nora in The Last of Us Part 2 Game? Chelsea Tavares

Spencer Lord as Owen

Spencer Lord, known for roles in Family Law, Heartland, and The Good Doctor, will take on the role of Owen, another member of the 'Salt Lake Crew'. A former Firefly turned WLF soldier, Owen is currently dating Mel but was once involved with Abby. HBO describes him as a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body.

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 the addition of Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna to the cast. Pantoliano will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend from the game, who will have an expanded role. Burke will portray Seth, the bar owner from The Last of Us Part 2, and Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie's former girlfriend. Showrunner Neil Druckmann expressed excitement about fleshing out these characters, especially Eugene, to explore deeper connections with Joel and Ellie.

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 join the cast as new characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively. Their roles are original creations for the series, adding fresh dimensions to the narrative.

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 returns as Joel, whose actions at the end of Season 1—rescuing Ellie from the Fireflies at the cost of many lives—set the stage for the upcoming season. The final scene saw Joel lying to Ellie about the Fireflies' failed attempts to develop a cure, leaving their relationship fraught with tension.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, whose relationship with Joel is central to the series. After being lied to by Joel about the events at the hospital, Ellie's trust in him is shaken, and Season 2 will delve into the ramifications of this deception.

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 and a significant figure in The Last of Us Part 2. Last seen in Jackson with his wife Maria, Tommy's role will continue to be pivotal in the unfolding story.

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 character's advice to Ellie about trust hints at the complex dynamics to come in Season 2.

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

Merle Dandridge as Marlene

Merle Dandridge's Marlene met her end at Joel's hands in Season 1, but her presence in flashbacks from The Last of Us Part 2 suggests she might appear in similar sequences in Season 2.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv's Tess, who sacrificed herself in Season 1, might also return in flashbacks to provide more depth to Joel's backstory.

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

Unfortunately, it appears that Bill and Frank, played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, will not return. Their poignant episode in Season 1 received high acclaim, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN. While Offerman humorously suggested a prequel spin-off, co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that no such project is in the works, expressing satisfaction with the story told in their episode.

For more insights, explore our analysis of the Season 1 ending, predictions for Season 2, and reflections from the creators on Joel's controversial decision to save Ellie.

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