The Last of Us, the critically acclaimed HBO series, captivated audiences globally with its poignant storytelling and stellar performances in Season 1. As of late 2025, anticipation has reached a fever pitch for the second season, which promises to dive into the dark, complex narrative of the video game sequel, The Last of Us Part II. This new chapter brings back the beloved core cast while introducing a host of pivotal new characters—many of whom are central to the story’s most dramatic and controversial moments.
The success of the series hinges on its casting, with showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann earning praise for finding actors who embody the spirit of the characters while bringing fresh depth. From the returning veterans like Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to the highly-anticipated new faces, here is the ultimate, updated guide to the full cast of The Last of Us for Season 2 and beyond.
The Core Survivors: Main Cast Biographies and Profiles
The foundation of the series rests on the shoulders of its main actors, whose chemistry and commitment brought the post-apocalyptic world to life. Season 2 will see their characters face even greater emotional and physical challenges.
- Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller
Biography: Born in Santiago, Chile, and raised in the United States, Pedro Pascal is one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. He first gained widespread fame as Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones and later cemented his status as the title character in The Mandalorian. His portrayal of Joel Miller, a hardened survivor and surrogate father, has been lauded for its emotional nuance and authenticity. Pascal continues as a lead in Season 2, navigating the consequences of his actions from the Season 1 finale.
- Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams
Biography: English actor Bella Ramsey rose to prominence as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones. Their casting as Ellie Williams, the immune and fiercely independent young woman, was initially met with debate but quickly won over critics and fans alike due to their powerful, empathetic performance. Season 2 will see Ellie mature and grapple with themes of trauma, revenge, and loss, mirroring the events of The Last of Us Part II.
- Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller
Biography: Known for roles in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Terminator: Dark Fate, Gabriel Luna plays Tommy Miller, Joel’s younger brother and the leader of a thriving community in Jackson, Wyoming. Tommy’s role becomes increasingly important in the events of Season 2 as the narrative expands beyond the initial duo.
- Rutina Wesley as Maria Miller
Biography: Rutina Wesley is best known for her roles as Tara Thornton in True Blood and Nova Bordelon in Queen Sugar. She plays Maria Miller, Tommy’s wife and a key figure in the Jackson community. Maria's character offers a grounded, moral compass in the harsh world of the series.
The Highly Anticipated New Cast for Season 2
The second season adapts the story of The Last of Us Part II, which introduces several characters who become central to the escalating conflict. The casting announcements for these roles were some of the most talked-about events in recent television news, with the actors facing the immense pressure of living up to fan expectations.
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson: The New Protagonist
The most crucial and controversial new character is Abby Anderson, and the role has been awarded to American actress Kaitlyn Dever.
Dever is a highly respected young actress with a strong filmography, including critically acclaimed performances in Booksmart, Unbelievable, and Dopesick. Her casting was met with significant praise from fans and critics due to her range and ability to portray complex, emotionally damaged characters.
Abby’s Role: Abby is a soldier driven by a singular mission of revenge. Her journey is a mirror to Ellie's, exploring the devastating cycle of violence in the post-apocalyptic world. Her character is a powerhouse of physical strength and emotional turmoil, making Dever’s portrayal one of the most anticipated aspects of the new season.
The Jackson Crew: Dina and Jesse
Ellie’s life in Jackson introduces two other pivotal figures from the game, both of whom have been cast with rising stars:
- Isabela Merced as Dina: Merced is a Peruvian-American actress and singer known for her roles in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Transformers: The Last Knight. She is set to play Dina, a young woman in Jackson who becomes Ellie's love interest and partner. Their relationship is central to Ellie’s emotional arc and the events that unfold in Season 2.
- Young Mazino as Jesse: Mazino, an actor who gained acclaim for his Emmy-nominated role in the Netflix series Beef, will portray Jesse. Jesse is a kind, loyal, and capable young man from Jackson, and he is Dina’s ex-boyfriend and a close friend to Ellie. His character is a grounding force amidst the chaos that Season 2 promises.
The Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and Other Key Figures
The narrative of The Last of Us Part II heavily features the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a militant group, and their allies. Several actors have been cast to bring these characters to life, adding incredible depth to the ensemble:
- Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon: Wright is a veteran actor known for his work in Westworld and The Batman. He will be reprising his role as Isaac Dixon, the leader of the WLF, a role he originally voiced in the video game. His return provides a powerful link between the game and the series.
- Catherine O’Hara as Gail Lynden: The casting of comedy legend Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone) in an undisclosed guest role as Gail Lynden has generated immense buzz. While the character is new to the Last of Us universe, her involvement suggests a powerful, potentially unexpected, dramatic turn for the beloved actress.
- Tati Gabrielle as Nora: Known for Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and You, Tati Gabrielle is set to play Nora, a WLF medic who has a significant, albeit brief, encounter with Ellie.
- Spencer Lord as Owen: Lord will play Owen, a former member of the Fireflies and Abby's close friend. His character is integral to Abby’s backstory and her moral conflicts.
- Ariel Stachel, Danny Ramirez, Ariela Barer, and Barry Sloane: These actors have also been cast in key roles tied to the WLF and the Seraphites (another antagonistic group), further expanding the world and the conflict that will define Season 2.
Returning Cast and Supporting Characters
While the focus is on the new faces, several actors from the first season will reprise their roles, solidifying the continuity and emotional weight of the story. The return of these entities ensures the topical authority of the series remains strong.
- Merle Dandridge as Marlene: Dandridge is the only actor to reprise her role from the original video game, playing Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies. Her character's final appearance in Season 1 is a crucial plot point that drives the entire narrative of Season 2.
- Nico Parker as Sarah Miller: Though her character tragically died in the Season 1 premiere, Nico Parker’s portrayal of Joel’s daughter, Sarah, was incredibly impactful. It is highly likely she will appear in flashbacks, which are a cornerstone of the storytelling in The Last of Us Part II.
- Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett as Bill and Frank: While their characters' storyline was largely contained to the acclaimed Episode 3 of Season 1, the impact of Bill and Frank’s relationship continues to resonate. Their existence and the community they built serve as a powerful thematic counterpoint to the violence that dominates the main narrative.
The cast for The Last of Us Season 2 is a carefully curated ensemble of celebrated veterans and exciting newcomers. With the series scheduled to premiere in 2025, the stage is set for a dramatic, heart-wrenching, and deeply complex adaptation of one of the most beloved and divisive video game stories ever told. The talent assembled, from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to Kaitlyn Dever and Isabela Merced, ensures that the emotional stakes will be higher than ever as the characters navigate a world consumed by both the Infected and the relentless pursuit of revenge.
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