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

The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, continuing the gripping journey of Joel and Ellie in a world ravaged by the Cordyceps outbreak. Season 2 promises a powerful mix of returning fan-favorite characters and compelling new additions, including major figures from The Last of Us Part II and original characters created exclusively for the HBO series.

To prepare you for the next chapter of this emotional and intense post-apocalyptic saga, here’s a comprehensive guide to the cast of The Last of Us Season 2—both the familiar faces and the exciting new arrivals.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who’s New and Returning to the HBO Series?

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The Last of Us Season 2 – New Cast Members

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most talked-about casting decisions in recent television history has been resolved: Booksmart and Justified star Kaitlyn Dever will portray Abby, one of the central figures in The Last of Us Part II. Abby is a skilled soldier and former Firefly whose life becomes deeply entangled with Joel and Ellie. Driven by a quest for justice, her moral journey challenges the black-and-white notions of revenge and redemption.

Series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann praised Dever’s talent, stating, “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 II? Laura Bailey

Young Mazino as Jesse

Young Mazino, known for his breakout role in Beef, takes on the role of Jesse, a dependable and selfless member of Jackson’s patrol team. Jesse is a close friend of Ellie and a former partner of Dina. His strong moral compass and loyalty make him a pillar of the community—and a key player in the unfolding conflict.

Mazin and Druckmann described Mazino as “one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him.”

Who Voiced Jesse in The Last of Us Part II? Stephen Chang

Isabela Merced as Dina

Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Transformers: The Last Knight) steps into the role of Dina, Ellie’s romantic partner and a resilient member of Jackson. Warm, intelligent, and fiercely loyal, Dina becomes one of Ellie’s most trusted allies as their relationship deepens amid growing danger.

The creators called Dina “warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable”—a description they say Merced embodies perfectly.

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

Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Acclaimed actress Catherine O’Hara joins the cast in a newly created role: Gail, who appears to be Joel’s therapist. Though Gail doesn’t exist in the original game, her presence suggests a deeper exploration of Joel’s psychological state following the traumatic events of Season 1. Her character may play a crucial role in unpacking the emotional weight of his choices.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Jeffrey Wright (Westworld, The Batman) reprises his role as Isaac, the commanding and uncompromising leader of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). In The Last of Us Part II, Isaac is a driving force behind the WLF’s military actions, and his decisions have far-reaching consequences. Wright’s return ensures a powerful, grounded performance as this morally complex antagonist.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Top Gun: Maverick) plays Manny Alvarez, a dedicated WLF soldier and close ally of Abby. Once a Firefly, Manny now fights under Isaac’s command and is regarded as one of the group’s most capable warriors. Despite his upbeat demeanor, he carries the burden of past failures and fears letting his friends down.

HBO describes Manny as “a loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds.”

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Ariela Barer (Runaways) portrays Mel, a WLF medic and former Firefly who shares a romantic relationship with Owen. As a doctor committed to saving lives, Mel faces increasing moral dilemmas in a world where survival often demands sacrifice.

HBO’s official description calls her “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 II? Ashly Burch

Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Tati Gabrielle (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Uncharted) takes on the role of Nora, a military medic and member of Abby’s “Salt Lake Crew.” A former colleague of Dr. Jerry Anderson, Nora struggles with guilt from her past actions, adding depth to her character’s motivations.

Described as “a military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past,” Nora’s arc promises emotional intensity.

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

Spencer Lord as Owen

Spencer Lord (Family Law, Heartland) plays Owen, a gentle yet battle-hardened WLF soldier and former Firefly. Romantic with Mel but previously involved with Abby, Owen is torn between duty and personal loyalty. His internal conflict mirrors the broader themes of the season.

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 II? Patrick Fugit

Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, Robert John Burke as Seth, and Noah Lamanna as Kat

HBO has confirmed three more cast members from the game, along with three new characters.

• Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) plays Eugene, Dina’s laid-back friend from Jackson. Though minor in the game, Eugene’s expanded role will explore Joel and Ellie’s relationship from a fresh perspective.
• Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) portrays Seth, the WLF bar owner known for his hostility and infamous “bigot sandwich.”
• Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) plays Kat, a character said to have dated Ellie prior to the events of Part II.

Neil Druckmann noted that Eugene’s expanded story “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

Three entirely new characters have been introduced for the series:

• Alanna Ubach (Euphoria, Bombshell) as Hanrahan
• Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) as Burton
• Hettienne Park