The Last Of Us Season 2 Cast: Full List Of New And Returning Stars Confirmed For The Apocalypse

The anticipation for the second season of HBO’s *The Last of Us* is reaching a fever pitch, especially with the official confirmation of the full cast list, which includes both beloved returning stars and critical new additions. As of December 12, 2025, the production is moving forward, promising to adapt the darker, more expansive narrative of the video game sequel, *The Last of Us Part II*.

The casting announcements for *The Last of Us* Season 2 have been the biggest news in the television world, signaling the show’s commitment to tackling the game's controversial and complex storyline. Fans are eager to see how the new actors embody key characters like Abby, Dina, and Jesse, whose roles are central to the tragic and brutal events that unfold in the post-apocalyptic world.

The Main Cast: Returning Heroes and Critical Newcomers Profile

The success of the first season was built on the stellar performances of the core cast. Season 2 introduces a host of new actors, many of whom are already established stars, ready to take on the emotionally demanding roles from the WLF (Washington Liberation Front) and Jackson communities. Here is a detailed profile of the main actors confirmed for the upcoming season.

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Returning Core Cast

• Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller: The Chilean-American actor, born in 1975, is a global superstar known for his roles as Oberyn Martell in *Game of Thrones* and the title character in *The Mandalorian*. His portrayal of the hardened survivor Joel in Season 1 earned widespread critical acclaim, solidifying his status as a leading man in premium television.
• Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams: Born in 2003, the English actor rose to prominence playing Lyanna Mormont in *Game of Thrones*. Ramsey’s nuanced and powerful performance as Ellie, the immune teenager, was a cornerstone of the first season, and their return for the darker, more mature arc of the character is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
• Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller: Luna, known for his work in *Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.* and *Terminator: Dark Fate*, reprises his role as Joel’s younger brother, Tommy. His character is a key figure in the safe haven of Jackson, Wyoming.
• Rutina Wesley as Maria: Wesley, celebrated for her roles in *True Blood* and *Queen Sugar*, returns as Maria, Tommy's wife and a leader of the Jackson settlement.

Key New Cast Members

• Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson: Dever, born in 1996, is an American actress with an impressive dramatic and comedic resume. She is best known for her critically acclaimed roles in the miniseries *Unbelievable* and the film *Booksmart*, as well as her long-running role in *Last Man Standing*. Her casting as Abby, a central and highly controversial character from *The Last of Us Part II*, is arguably the most talked-about announcement of the new season.
• Isabela Merced as Dina: Merced, born in 2001, is a Peruvian-American actress and singer. Her notable roles include Izabella in *Transformers: The Last Knight* and the titular character in *Dora and the Lost City of Gold*. She will play Dina, Ellie’s new romantic interest and companion in Jackson, whose relationship forms a vital emotional core of the new narrative.
• Young Mazino as Jesse: Mazino, an Emmy-nominated Korean-American actor, had his breakout role as Paul Cho in the critically acclaimed Netflix series *Beef*. He will portray Jesse, a charismatic and loyal member of the Jackson community and Dina's former boyfriend, who plays a crucial role in the story’s unfolding events.

The Last of Us Season 2: New Characters and Their Impact on the Story

The second season is set to cover the events of *The Last of Us Part II*, which is a narrative of revenge, trauma, and moral ambiguity. The introduction of several new, complex characters is essential to this sprawling story, particularly the members of the WLF, the militia group based in Seattle.

The new cast members are not just supporting players; they are central figures whose actions directly drive the plot and challenge the audience's loyalties. The casting choices, overseen by showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, reflect a deep commitment to the source material's character depth and diversity.

The most significant new character is Abby Anderson, whose journey runs parallel to Ellie's. Abby is a formidable soldier in the WLF, and her presence is the catalyst for the season's core conflict. Kaitlyn Dever’s proven ability to handle intense, emotionally raw roles makes her a compelling choice for this demanding part.

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Dina and Jesse, played by Isabela Merced and Young Mazino, respectively, represent the life and hope that Ellie has found in Jackson. Their relationships with Ellie—one romantic, one a deep friendship—provide the grounding humanity before the world is violently upended once again.

The WLF Companions: Crucial Supporting Entities

Beyond the primary trio of Abby, Dina, and Jesse, Season 2 will introduce several other characters who are integral to Abby's story and the overall narrative structure. These individuals are members of the WLF, often referred to as the "Wolves," who are locked in a brutal conflict with the Seraphites, or "Scars," in the ruins of Seattle.

The casting of these supporting entities is crucial for building the world and showing the different facets of survival in the post-Cordyceps apocalypse. Their stories weave together to form a tapestry of complex motivations and survival ethics.

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The confirmed actors for Abby’s WLF companions include:

• Danny Ramirez as Manny: Ramirez, known for his role in *Top Gun: Maverick*, will play Manny, a loyal and compassionate soldier in the WLF who is a close friend of Abby’s. His character provides a moral compass within the aggressive militia.
• Tati Gabrielle as Nora: Gabrielle, recognizable from her work in *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina* and *You*, is cast as Nora, a WLF medic who has a significant, albeit brief, encounter with Ellie.
• Ariela Barer as Mel: Barer, from *Runaways*, plays Mel, a pregnant WLF medic who struggles with the moral compromises of the war against the Seraphites.
• Spencer Lord as Owen: Lord will portray Owen, a former Firefly and one of the most morally conflicted members of Abby's group. His relationship with Mel is a source of tension and drama.

This ensemble cast, featuring established talent like Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey alongside fresh, dynamic actors like Kaitlyn Dever and Young Mazino, promises a faithful yet innovative adaptation. The sheer volume of new, complex characters confirms that *The Last of Us* Season 2 will be a sprawling, emotionally intense television event, delving deeper into the themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the cost of survival in a world ravaged by the infected and fractured by human conflict.

Fans are preparing for a narrative that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking, driven by a cast that is more than capable of handling the emotional weight of one of the most celebrated and controversial video game stories ever told. The series is expected to premiere in 2025, continuing the legacy of high-quality, prestige television for HBO.