The Last Of Us Season 2: The Full Cast List And 15+ Key Actors Confirmed For The HBO Series

The Last of Us has captivated millions, and as of today, December 18, 2025, the anticipation for Season 2 is reaching a fever pitch with the official confirmation of the full cast, including the highly-debated new main characters. The series, which adapts the critically-acclaimed video game, is preparing to tackle the controversial and emotionally complex events of The Last of Us Part II, meaning the casting announcements are arguably the biggest news in television right now.

This comprehensive guide details every major actor confirmed for the upcoming season, from the returning favorites like Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to the fresh faces who will bring the next chapter of this post-apocalyptic saga to life. The ensemble cast is packed with talent, promising a faithful yet fresh take on one of gaming’s most powerful narratives.

The Returning Pillars: Joel and Ellie's Updated Biography and Roles

The heart of The Last of Us series remains the relationship between the hardened survivor, Joel Miller, and the immune teenager, Ellie Williams. Both Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are set to return, continuing their roles that have earned widespread critical acclaim and a devoted global fanbase. Their chemistry and nuanced performances were the foundation of the first season's success.

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Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Pedro Pascal, the Chilean-born American actor, has become a global phenomenon, often called "The Internet's Daddy." His portrayal of Joel Miller—a man grappling with profound loss and finding a new purpose—was lauded for its depth and vulnerability. Pascal’s career has been defined by leading roles in some of the biggest franchises of the last decade.

• Born: April 2, 1975, Santiago, Chile
• Breakthrough Role: Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones (2014)
• Key Roles: Din Djarin in The Mandalorian (2019–2023), Javier Peña in Narcos (2015–2017), and Javi Gutierrez in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022).
• Recent Projects: Pascal continues to balance his role as Joel with his work on The Mandalorian and upcoming film projects like *Materialists* and *Fantastic Four*.

Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams

Bella Ramsey, the English actor, is the perfect counterpoint to Pascal, bringing a fierce resilience and complex emotional landscape to Ellie. Their performance captures Ellie’s journey from a sheltered, angry teenager to a determined survivor. Ramsey’s career began with a bang and has only accelerated since.

• Born: September 25, 2003, Nottingham, England
• Breakthrough Role: Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones (2016–2019)
• Key Roles: Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch (2017–2020), the voice of Hilda in the animated series Hilda (2018–2023), and the titular role in the film Catherine Called Birdy (2022).
• Pronouns: Ramsey is openly gender non-conforming and uses they/them pronouns.

Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller and Rutina Wesley as Maria

The cast also sees the return of Joel’s brother, Tommy, played by Gabriel Luna, and Tommy’s wife, Maria, played by Rutina Wesley. Their roles as the leaders of the Jackson community will be crucial as the story expands beyond the initial cross-country journey.

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The New Faces: Key Cast Members for The Last of Us Season 2

Season 2 is set to introduce a host of pivotal characters from the second video game, and the casting choices have generated significant buzz. The most talked-about addition is Abby, whose storyline will form a major part of the new season's narrative structure, which is expected to span multiple seasons to fully cover the game's scope.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson

The casting of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson, a soldier seeking vengeance whose actions set the stage for the new season, was a massive announcement. Dever is known for her powerful, dramatic performances in television and film, making her a formidable choice for the physically and emotionally demanding role.

• Born: December 21, 1996, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
• Acclaimed Roles: Marie Adler in the miniseries Unbelievable (2019) and Betsy Mallum in the miniseries Dopesick (2021).
• Other Notable Work: Loretta McCready in Justified (2011–2015) and Eve Baxter in the sitcom Last Man Standing (2011–2021).

Isabela Merced as Dina

Ellie’s new love interest and a key companion in the Jackson community, Dina, will be played by Isabela Merced. Merced is a rising star with a background in both musical and action-oriented roles, suggesting she has the versatility to handle Dina’s complex personality.

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Young Mazino as Jesse

Jesse, a loyal and supportive friend to Dina and a leader in the Jackson patrol, is cast as Young Mazino. Mazino is best known for his Emmy-nominated performance in the Netflix series Beef, bringing a wealth of dramatic experience to the role.

The Expanded Ensemble: The W.L.F. and Seraphite Factions

Season 2 will introduce the conflict between the Washington Liberation Front (W.L.F.) and the Seraphites, bringing a large number of new, crucial supporting characters. The casting for these entities is a testament to the show's commitment to star-studded, high-quality performances, which is a major draw for the HBO series.

W.L.F. (Washington Liberation Front) Cast

The W.L.F. are a militaristic faction based in Seattle, and several key members have been cast, many of whom interact directly with Abby’s narrative arc:

• Danny Ramirez as Manny: A loyal W.L.F. soldier. Ramirez is known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick.
• Ariela Barer as Mel: A medic in the W.L.F.
• Tati Gabrielle as Nora: Another W.L.F. medic. Gabrielle is known for Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and You.
• Spencer Lord as Owen: A former W.L.F. member.
• Jeffrey Wright as Isaac: The leader of the W.L.F. Wright reprises his role from the original video game, a move that delighted fans.

Other New and Returning Key Players

Beyond the W.L.F., a number of other actors have joined the ensemble, further establishing the topical authority of the series:

• Catherine O’Hara as Gail: A new character created specifically for the HBO show, O’Hara’s involvement is a major coup, bringing a legendary comedic and dramatic talent to the post-apocalyptic world.
• Robert John Burke as Seth: Another new character, likely a resident of Jackson.
• Storm Reid as Riley Abel: While a Season 1 guest star, Reid’s role in the emotional "Left Behind" episode was a standout and remains a key entity in Ellie’s backstory.
• Nick Offerman as Bill: Though his and Frank’s story was largely contained to Season 1, Nick Offerman’s Emmy-winning performance as Bill remains a crucial part of the show’s legacy and is often discussed when mentioning the cast.

Why The Last of Us Season 2 Casting Is So Crucial

The cast of The Last of Us Season 2 is not just a list of names; it represents the showrunners’ commitment to tackling the game’s controversial narrative head-on. The second game is infamous for its polarizing plot, which hinges entirely on the audience’s connection to the new characters, particularly Abby. The selection of actors like Kaitlyn Dever, Young Mazino, and Isabela Merced—all known for their powerful, emotionally resonant performances—suggests the series is prioritizing character depth over simple spectacle.

By bringing back core actors like Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the series ensures continuity and emotional grounding. However, the sheer volume of new, highly-regarded talent confirms that the scope of the story is broadening significantly. Fans are eager to see how the on-screen chemistry between Ellie and Dina, and the dramatic tension surrounding Abby, will translate from the video game counterparts to the live-action HBO series. The multi-season plan, which may see the events of The Last of Us Part II split across Season 2 and a potential Season 3, will give these actors ample time to develop their complex characters and explore the themes of vengeance, trauma, and survival in the infected world.

The production for Season 2, which is expected to premiere in 2025, is now well underway, and with this full cast list officially confirmed, the stage is set for what promises to be one of the most talked-about television events of the decade.