The Last Of Us Video Game Cast: Where Are The Original Stars Now And Their Shocking HBO Crossovers

The Last of Us stands as a monumental achievement in video game storytelling, but its success rests squarely on the shoulders of its extraordinary cast. Unlike traditional voice acting, Naughty Dog's ambitious project utilized full performance capture, where actors simultaneously recorded voice and physical movement, creating a deeply intimate and realistic performance that few games have ever matched. As of late 2025, with the HBO series' second season casting news dominating headlines, fans are constantly revisiting the original, iconic performers who breathed life into Joel, Ellie, and Abby.

This article dives deep into the legendary performers of The Last of Us Part I and Part II, exploring the full ensemble, the groundbreaking techniques they used, and their lasting legacy—including the surprising ways some of them have crossed over into the live-action adaptation. Their work set a new standard for dramatic performance in the medium, making the characters feel profoundly human and unforgettable.

The Core Trinity: Joel, Ellie, and Abby’s Iconic Video Game Cast

The emotional weight of The Last of Us universe is carried by three central figures, whose performances are considered some of the greatest in video game history. These actors were not just voices; they were the physical and emotional foundation of their characters through years of motion capture work with director Neil Druckmann.

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Troy Baker as Joel Miller

• Role: Joel Miller, the hardened survivor and surrogate father.
• Biography: Born in Dallas, Texas, Troy Baker is one of the most prolific and recognizable voice actors in the industry, known for roles like Booker DeWitt (BioShock Infinite) and Pagan Min (Far Cry 4).
• TLOU Legacy: Baker’s performance as Joel in both The Last of Us Part I and Part II defined the character’s gruff exterior and deep, hidden vulnerability.
• Recent Updates: Baker had a significant cameo role in the HBO series' first season as James, a member of David's cannibalistic group, showcasing his full-circle involvement with the franchise.

Ashley Johnson as Ellie Williams

• Role: Ellie Williams, the immune teenager and co-protagonist.
• Biography: Ashley Johnson is an Emmy-nominated actress who began her career as a child, notably as Chrissy Seaver on the sitcom Growing Pains. She is also a main cast member on the popular web series Critical Role.
• TLOU Legacy: Her portrayal of Ellie, evolving from a curious, witty child to a traumatized, revenge-driven adult, earned her numerous awards and critical praise for her emotional depth in Part I and Part II.
• Recent Updates: Johnson also appeared in the HBO series as Anna, Ellie’s mother, in a powerful flashback sequence, directly interacting with her video game character's live-action counterpart, Bella Ramsey.

Laura Bailey as Abby Anderson

• Role: Abby Anderson, the co-protagonist of The Last of Us Part II and a member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF).
• Biography: A titan of voice acting, Laura Bailey is famous for voicing characters like Black Widow (Marvel), Jaina Proudmoore (World of Warcraft), and Vex'ahlia (Critical Role).
• TLOU Legacy: Her intense, physically demanding performance as Abby was central to the controversial narrative of Part II, earning her the Best Performance award at The Game Awards 2020.
• Recent Updates: While not officially cast in the HBO series' second season, her character, Abby, will be played by Kaitlyn Dever, a casting decision that has sparked significant online discussion about the differences and similarities between the video game and TV portrayals.

The Lasting Impact of the Supporting Cast and Motion Capture

The world of The Last of Us is rich with complex, often tragic, secondary characters whose performances are just as integral to the narrative. The commitment of Naughty Dog to full motion capture meant that every actor, no matter the size of their role, contributed their physical presence and dramatic delivery to the final product. This technique, where the actors are in full capture suits, allows for subtle, non-verbal communication that elevates the storytelling beyond what traditional voice acting alone can achieve.

The Last of Us Part I Ensemble

The original game introduced a cast of characters whose brief appearances left indelible marks on the player’s journey. These performances established the high dramatic standard for the entire franchise:

• Annie Wersching as Tess: Wersching delivered a powerful, world-weary performance as Joel’s partner. Her passing in early 2023 was a profound loss to the acting community, but her work in Part I remains a cornerstone of the game's opening act.
• Merle Dandridge as Marlene: Dandridge is unique as the only actor to reprise her exact role in both the video game and the HBO live-action series, playing the leader of the Fireflies in both adaptations.
• Jeffrey Pierce as Tommy Miller: Pierce, who played Joel’s brother Tommy in both games, also transitioned to the TV series, taking on the role of Perry, a rebel in the Jackson community, demonstrating another key crossover between the two mediums.
• Ashley Scott as Maria: Scott’s portrayal of Tommy’s wife, Maria, established her as the compassionate but firm leader of the Jackson community.

The Last of Us Part II’s Expanded Roster

Part II dramatically expanded the cast, introducing a large ensemble of characters across Ellie’s and Abby’s intertwining stories. The performances for these characters were critical for exploring the game's themes of empathy and cyclical violence:

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• Shannon Woodward as Dina: Woodward, known for her role in Westworld, brought a grounded, loving, and fiercely protective presence as Ellie’s girlfriend.
• Stephen A. Chang as Jesse: Chang’s performance gave Jesse a charismatic, loyal, and often humorous role, providing a much-needed emotional anchor for Ellie and Dina.
• Ian Alexander as Lev: Alexander, a transgender actor, delivered a sensitive and moving performance as the young Seraphite, Lev, whose journey with Abby is central to the game's themes of found family and prejudice.
• Patrick Fugit as Owen: Fugit, known from films like Almost Famous, played the former boyfriend of Abby and a key member of her group, adding complexity to the WLF faction.
• Derek Phillips as Jerry Anderson: Phillips' brief but crucial performance as Abby's father, Jerry, is the catalyst for the entire plot of Part II.

The Newest Updates: Remastered and the HBO Crossover Legacy

The enduring popularity of the video game cast continues to be highlighted by recent releases and news. The 2024 launch of The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PlayStation 5, for example, brought a fresh wave of attention to the original performances. While the remaster did not introduce new cast members for the main story, it did feature a new roguelike mode called 'No Return,' which made several beloved secondary characters playable for the first time.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered: 'No Return' Playable Cast

The ‘No Return’ mode utilized the existing voice lines and character models for fan-favorite characters, effectively expanding the playable video game cast. This included the surprise addition of characters like:

• Bill: The grumpy survivalist from Part I.
• Marlene: The Firefly leader.
• Yara: Lev's protective older sister.
• Mel: The WLF medic.
• Manny: A key member of Abby’s group.

The ability to step into the shoes of these characters, all voiced and performed by their original actors, reinvigorated the appreciation for the entire ensemble's work. It serves as a testament to the depth of the world Naughty Dog created, where even minor characters are fully fleshed out with unique combat styles and personalities.

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The Unprecedented Video Game to TV Crossover

The most significant and current update regarding the original video game cast is their continued involvement with the HBO series. The decision by creator Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to cast the original actors in new, pivotal roles is an unprecedented move in video game adaptations. This overlap is not just a nod to the fans; it’s a powerful acknowledgment of the foundational performances that made the franchise a global phenomenon. The original Ellie voice actor, Ashley Johnson, and the Joel voice actor, Troy Baker, appearing on screen is a rare, emotional bridge between the two mediums.

As The Last of Us Season 2 prepares to adapt the events of Part II, the video game cast’s legacy will only grow. Their original, motion-captured performances are the blueprint, the emotional core, and the gold standard against which all future iterations of these beloved characters will be measured. The work of this ensemble, from Troy Baker’s gruff tenderness to Laura Bailey’s raw intensity, ensures that the original The Last of Us video game cast will forever remain the definitive versions of these characters in the eyes of millions of players worldwide.