The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us premieres on April 13, 2025, introducing new characters alongside beloved returning cast members. Like the first season, it brings key figures from the games to life, such as Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, while adding intriguing new roles like Catherine O'Hara as Gail.

To prepare you for Season 2 of The Last of Us, we’ve compiled a guide to the cast members you need to know before Joel and Ellie’s journey continues in this gripping yet haunting post-apocalyptic world.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: New and Returning Stars on HBO

The Last of Us Season 2: New Cast Members

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

A major question for Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO answered with Booksmart and Justified star Kaitlyn Dever taking the role.

Abby, a playable character in The Last of Us Part 2, plays a pivotal role in the story. Without revealing spoilers, she’s a Firefly member who encounters Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes Abby as a “skilled soldier whose rigid worldview is tested as she pursues vengeance for those she loved.”

“Our casting for Season 2 mirrors Season 1: we seek world-class actors who embody the essence of the game’s characters,” said co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “Talent is paramount, and we’re excited to have Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and our cast.”

Who Voiced Abby in The Last of Us Part 2? Laura Bailey

Young Mazino as Jesse

Beef’s Young Mazino joins Season 2 as Jesse, a selfless community pillar who often prioritizes others at great personal cost.

Introduced in The Last of Us Part 2, Jesse leads patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, the home of Joel, Ellie, and Tommy. A friend of Ellie and Dina’s ex-boyfriend, he’s a key figure in their community.

“Young is a rare talent who captivates instantly,” said Mazin and Druckmann. “We’re thrilled to have him, and we can’t wait for audiences to see him shine.”

Who Voiced Jesse in The Last of Us Part 2? Stephen Chang

Isabella Merced as Dina

Isabella Merced of Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight stars as Dina in Season 2. A Jackson resident and Ellie’s partner, Dina is central to the story. Her evolving relationship with Ellie is a cornerstone of the narrative, though whether Ellie heeds her guidance remains to be seen.

“Dina is warm, brilliant, fierce, funny, moral, and instantly lovable,” said Mazin and Druckmann. “Isabela Merced embodies all these qualities effortlessly.”

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

Catherine O'Hara as Gail

Little is known about Catherine O'Hara’s Gail, a new character created for the series. She appears to be Joel’s therapist, aiding him in processing his momentous Season 1 decision.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be thrilled that Jeffrey Wright reprises his game role as Isaac, the formidable Washington Liberation Front leader. His actions drive major events, and he’s expected to be equally pivotal in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick plays Manny Alverez, a Washington Liberation Front member and former Firefly. A close friend of Abby, he’s one of Isaac’s top soldiers.

“A loyal soldier with a sunny demeanor masking deep pain and fear of failing his friends,” HBO describes Manny.

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

Ariela Barer as Mel

Runaways’ Ariela Barer portrays Mel, a Washington Liberation Front medic and former Firefly. A friend of Abby, she’s in a relationship with Owen.

“A young doctor whose dedication to saving lives is tested by war and tribalism,” HBO describes Mel.

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

Tati Gabrielle as Nora

Tati Gabrielle of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted plays Nora, part of Abby’s ‘Salt Lake Crew’ and a former medic under Dr. Jerry Anderson.

“A military medic grappling with her past sins,” HBO describes Nora.

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

Spencer Lord as Owen

Spencer Lord, known for Family Law and The Good Doctor, plays Owen, a former Firefly and Washington Liberation Front soldier. Dating Mel but previously involved with Abby, he’s part of the ‘Salt Lake Crew.’

“A gentle soul in a warrior’s body, fighting an enemy he refuses to hate,” HBO describes Owen.

Who Voiced Owen in The Last of Us Part 2? Patrick Fugit

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

HBO recently added six actors to Season 2, with limited details. Three portray expanded roles from the games, and three are new characters.

Joe Pantoliano (Memento, The Matrix) plays Eugene, Dina’s friend from The Last of Us Part 2, with a larger role this season. Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3) plays Seth, a bar owner from the game, and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) plays Kat, Ellie’s former partner.

“Eugene’s brief game appearance left room to explore,” said showrunner Neil Druckmann. “His expanded story deepens Joel and Ellie’s relationship.”

Image Credits: Joe Pantoliano (Theo Wargo/Getty Images), Robert John Burke (Jim Spellman/FilmMagic), Noah Lamanna (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)

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

Alanna Ubach (Euphoria), Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age), and Hettienne Park (Don’t Look Up) join as new characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively.

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 Season 2: Returning Cast

Pedro Pascal as Joel

Pedro Pascal returns as Joel, who, in Season 1, went on a violent rampage to save Ellie from the Fireflies. Marlene explained the procedure to find a cure would kill Ellie, but Joel rejected this, rescuing her and leaving devastation behind. He lied to Ellie, claiming the Fireflies failed to find a cure and no longer needed her, withholding the truth of his actions. Ellie’s uneasy “Okay” hinted at tension to come.

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

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Bella Ramsey reprises her role as Ellie, last seen grappling with Joel’s lie about the Fireflies. Unaware of the fatal procedure she faced or Joel’s violent rescue, Ellie’s uncertainty sets the stage for Season 2 to explore their strained bond.

Who Voiced Ellie in The Last of Us Part 2? 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 offered Joel and Ellie a home after Joel initially hesitated to escort Ellie to the Fireflies.

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

Rutina Wesley as Maria

Rutina Wesley returns as Maria, Jackson’s leader and Tommy’s wife. Last seen advising Ellie to be cautious, her role in Season 2 is eagerly anticipated.

Will Marlene or Tess Return in Season 2?

Merle Dandridge as Marlene

Merle Dandridge’s Marlene was killed by Joel in Season 1’s finale, ruling out her return in the present timeline. However, flashbacks, as seen in The Last of Us Part 2, could bring her back.

Anna Torv as Tess

Anna Torv’s Tess, Joel’s close ally, sacrificed herself in Season 1 after a bite, killed by a Clicker in a controversial scene. While absent in The Last of Us Part 2, a flashback could explore her past with Joel.

Will Bill and Frank Return in Season 2?

Unlikely, but not impossible.

The episode centered on Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank was a standout, earning a rare 10/10 from IGN.

“Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett deliver with grace, leaving a lasting impact,” wrote IGN’s Simon Cardy. “Their story shows a side of humanity worth fighting for.”

Though their arc concluded, a flashback could revisit their story. Offerman hinted at a prequel spin-off, but Mazin clarified it was a joke. “We’re proud of Bill and Frank’s episode,” Mazin said. “There won’t be more of them.”

For more, explore our analysis of The Last of Us Season 1’s ending, Season 2 predictions, and the debate over Joel’s decision to save Ellie.

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