"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, bringing with it a mix of familiar faces and exciting new additions. Just as in the first season, key characters from the beloved video game series will be portrayed on screen, including Kaitlyn Dever's Abby. Additionally, the show introduces intriguing new characters like Catherine O'Hara's Gail, adding depth and mystery to the unfolding narrative.

To help you prepare for the continuation of Joel and Ellie's journey through this gripping post-apocalyptic world, we've put together a comprehensive guide to the cast of Season 2. Here's everything you need to know about the new and returning members of *The Last of Us* on HBO.

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 burning question for fans heading into Season 2 was who would portray Abby. HBO has answered this by casting Booksmart and Justified star Kaitlyn Dever in the role.

Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part 2, plays a significant part in the upcoming story. Without diving into spoilers, Abby is a member of the Fireflies who encounters Joel and Ellie early in the game. HBO describes her 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

Beef star Young Mazino joins Season 2 as Jesse, 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 is a leader of the patrol groups in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel, Ellie, and Tommy reside at the start of the game. He is a close friend of Ellie and an ex-boyfriend of Dina.

"Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him," Mazin and Druckmann commented. "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 Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight, steps into the role of Dina, a vital character in the Jackson community and Ellie's partner. Dina's relationship with Ellie is central to the story, evolving in meaningful ways throughout the game.

"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's Gail is a new character created for the series. While details are scarce, it appears Gail serves as Joel's therapist, aiding him in dealing with the consequences of his actions from Season 1.

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

Fans of The Last of Us Part 2 will be pleased to see Jeffrey Wright reprise his role as Isaac, the ruthless leader of the Washington Liberation Front. His actions in the game are pivotal, and he is expected to have a significant impact in Season 2.

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

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez, known for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Top Gun: Maverick, plays Manny Alvarez, a member of the Washington Liberation Front and a former Firefly. He is a friend of Abby and considered one of the best soldiers by the 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 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, recognized from Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Uncharted, will play Nora, another member of Abby's 'Salt Lake Crew' alongside Owen, Manny, and Mel. 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, takes on the role of Owen, a member of the 'Salt Lake Crew' and a former Firefly now serving as a soldier in the WLF. He is dating Mel but was previously involved 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 recently announced six more actors joining the cast of Season 2, including Joe Pantoliano, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna, who will portray characters from the games with expanded roles.

Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, a pot-smoking friend of Dina from The Last of Us Part 2. While his role in the game was minor, he will have a more significant impact in the series.

“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.”

Robert John Burke will play Seth, the bar owner and bigot sandwich-giver from The Last of Us Part 2, and Noah Lamanna 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 have joined the cast as newly created characters Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively.

*Image Credits: Alanna Ubach (Monica Schipper/Get