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

The highly anticipated second season of *The Last of Us* is scheduled to premiere on April 13, 2025, promising to introduce new characters alongside beloved returning ones. Among the notable additions is Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, a key figure from the game, and Catherine O'Hara's enigmatic character, Gail. This guide aims to prepare you for the next chapter of Joel and Ellie's journey through the post-apocalyptic landscape.

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

19 Images The Last of Us TV Show Season 2 New Cast

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

One of the most eagerly awaited casting announcements for Season 2 was the role of Abby, which HBO confirmed would be played by Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified. Abby is a pivotal character in The Last of Us Part 2, a skilled soldier and Firefly member whose journey intersects with Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes her as someone 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," 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, recognized from Beef, joins the cast as Jesse, described as a "pillar of the community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost." Jesse, introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, and 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 praised. "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, steps into the role of Dina, a member of the Jackson community and Ellie's partner. Her relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving and deepening throughout the game.

"Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable," Mazin and Druckmann remarked. "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, shrouded in mystery. She appears to be Joel's therapist, assisting him in dealing with the repercussions 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 set significant events in motion in the game, 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, takes on the role of Manny Alvarez, a Washington Liberation Front member and former Firefly. A close friend of Abby, Manny is regarded as one of the best soldiers by WLF leader 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," 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 portray Mel, a medic in the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. She is a friend of Abby and is romantically involved 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 for her roles in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play 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 of Nora reads.

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 portray Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly turned WLF soldier. 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 additional actors joining The Last of Us Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will play characters from the game with expanded roles.

Joe Pantoliano, known for Memento and The Matrix, will play Eugene, Dina's pot-smoking friend who had a brief appearance in the game but will have a more significant role in the series.

“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.”

Robert John Burke, from RoboCop 3, will play Seth, the bar owner and bigot sandwich-giver from The Last of Us Part 2. Noah Lamanna, from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, will portray Kat, who dated Ellie before the events of the second game.

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 join the cast as newly created characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively. Their roles are expected to add fresh dimensions to the series.

*Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Get