The Last Of Us Season 2: Full Cast List, Shocking New Characters, And Who Plays Abby

The highly anticipated second season of HBO's *The Last of Us* has officially premiered, ushering in a new and darker chapter for Joel and Ellie. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the series has moved past the events of the first game, *The Last of Us Part I*, and is now diving into the emotionally devastating narrative of *The Last of Us Part II*, which introduces a slew of pivotal and often controversial new characters. The casting for these roles—especially the highly scrutinized role of Abby—has been a major talking point among fans and critics alike, setting the stage for a season filled with high drama and intense performances. The show's success hinges on the chemistry of its lead actors and the faithful, yet nuanced, adaptation of its source material, a task made even more challenging by the complex moral ambiguity of the second game. This season not only sees the return of fan-favorites like Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey but also introduces a powerful ensemble of new talent, including the actress tasked with bringing the formidable Abby Anderson to life. The full cast list is a testament to the showrunners' commitment to star-studded, impactful storytelling.

The Core Survivors: Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey Complete Biography Profile

The success of *The Last of Us* television adaptation is inextricably linked to the compelling performances of its two leads, who have masterfully captured the complicated, paternal bond between Joel Miller and Ellie Williams.

Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

• Full Name: José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal
• Character Role: Joel Miller, a hardened survivor and smuggler tasked with escorting Ellie across a post-apocalyptic United States.
• Birthplace: Santiago, Chile
• Career Highlights: Before becoming Joel, Pascal was already a global star, known for his roles as Oberyn Martell in *Game of Thrones* and the title character in *The Mandalorian*.
• Awards/Accolades: He received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for his performance in *The Last of Us* Season 1.

Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams

• Full Name: Isabella May Ramsey
• Character Role: Ellie Williams, a 14-year-old girl who is immune to the Cordyceps brain infection and represents humanity's last hope.
• Birthplace: Nottingham, England
• Career Highlights: Ramsey first gained widespread recognition for her breakout role as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in *Game of Thrones*.
• Awards/Accolades: Their portrayal of Ellie earned significant praise, including nominations for major acting awards.

Both actors have returned for the new season, with the narrative exploring the fallout of Joel's decision at the end of Season 1 and Ellie's subsequent journey into adulthood and revenge.

The Controversial New Cast Members for Season 2

The second season, which largely adapts the events of the video game *The Last of Us Part II*, introduces characters who are central to the story's themes of revenge, trauma, and cyclical violence. The casting announcements for these roles sparked intense online discussions, particularly the choice for Abby.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson

The most scrutinized casting announcement was for Abby Anderson, the character who serves as Ellie's narrative foil and the catalyst for the second game's events. The role went to actress Kaitlyn Dever. Dever is known for her powerful dramatic performances in works like *Unbelievable* and *Dopesick*, proving her range to tackle a role that requires immense emotional and physical commitment. Abby's character is crucial, and Dever’s casting signals the show's intent to deliver a nuanced portrayal of a character many fans love to hate, or learn to sympathize with.

Isabela Merced as Dina

The role of Dina, Ellie's romantic interest and a key companion in the journey of *Part II*, is played by Isabela Merced. Merced, an American actress and singer, has starred in films such as *Dora and the Lost City of Gold* and *Sweet Girl*. Dina's relationship with Ellie is a cornerstone of the emotional narrative, providing moments of tenderness and hope amidst the brutality of their world.

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Young Mazino as Jesse

Young Mazino joins the cast as Jesse, a loyal friend to Dina and a prominent member of the survivor community in Jackson. Mazino is best known for his Emmy-nominated role in the Netflix series *Beef*. Jesse is a pragmatic and brave character whose presence is vital to the group's dynamics and survival in the harsh post-pandemic landscape.

Other Key Season 2 Additions

The new season also features a deep bench of supporting actors taking on roles from the game and new characters created for the show by co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.

• Catherine O'Hara as Gail: A notable and intriguing addition, O'Hara is cast as a new character named Gail. Her involvement, given her iconic comedic background, suggests a potentially complex or darkly humorous new survivor in the Pacific Northwest setting.
• Danny Ramirez as Manny: Ramirez (known from *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*) plays Manny, a kind-hearted and loyal member of Abby's group.
• Tati Gabrielle as Nora: Gabrielle (*Chilling Adventures of Sabrina*) takes on the role of Nora.
• Ariela Barer as Mel: Barer (*Runaways*) is cast as Mel.
• Spencer Lord as Owen: Lord portrays Owen.
• Jeffrey Wright as Isaac: The acclaimed actor Jeffrey Wright, who voiced Isaac Dixon in *The Last of Us Part II* video game, is listed among the cast. Isaac is the leader of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a militia group in Seattle.

The Enduring Ensemble: Key Cast Members from Season 1

To maintain topical authority, it is essential to remember the incredible actors who helped establish the world and tone of the first season. While many characters met a tragic end, their performances are fundamental to the series' foundation.

Returning Season 1 Cast

Alongside the leads, a few key players from Season 1 are confirmed to return for the second installment:

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• Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller: Joel’s younger brother, a former Firefly who now lives in the secure community of Jackson.
• Rutina Wesley as Maria: Tommy’s wife and a leader within the Jackson community.

Iconic Season 1 Guest Stars and Characters

The first season was celebrated for its self-contained, powerful episodes featuring high-profile guest stars, many of whom played roles adapted directly from the game's narrative:

• Anna Torv as Tess: Joel’s smuggling partner who helps him escort Ellie out of Boston.
• Nick Offerman as Bill and Murray Bartlett as Frank: The beloved duo from the third episode, whose story provided a touching, expanded narrative of love and survival in the apocalypse.
• Merle Dandridge as Marlene: The leader of the Fireflies and the one who entrusts Joel with Ellie's life. Dandridge reprises her role from the original video game.
• Nico Parker as Sarah Miller: Joel’s daughter, whose death in the opening sequence sets the tone for the entire series.
• Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen: A new character created for the show, Kathleen was the ruthless leader of a revolutionary movement in Kansas City.

The expansion of the cast for Season 2 reflects the grander, more complex scope of the narrative. With the introduction of characters like Abby, Dina, and Jesse, the show is poised to tackle the difficult themes of the *Part II* game, promising a deeply emotional and potentially polarizing viewing experience. The ensemble of returning stars and accomplished newcomers ensures that the quality of acting will remain a high benchmark for the acclaimed HBO series.