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

The highly anticipated second season of HBO's *The Last of Us* is officially set to deliver one of the most intense and controversial narratives in television history, with filming having wrapped as of August 2024. This new chapter promises to adapt the brutal, emotionally complex story of *The Last of Us Part II*, and the ensemble cast assembled for the task is nothing short of phenomenal, featuring returning favorites alongside a slate of critically acclaimed newcomers ready to embody the characters fans love—and the ones they absolutely love to hate. The new season, which is expected to premiere in April 2025, will see the core dynamic between Joel and Ellie tested like never before, introducing pivotal figures like Abby, Dina, and Jesse, whose presence will irrevocably change the course of the post-apocalyptic saga. The casting choices, announced throughout early 2024, have been a major topic of discussion, signaling HBO's commitment to a faithful yet expanded adaptation that will shock both newcomers and longtime video game fans.

The New Faces of the Apocalypse: Complete Main Cast Profiles

The core of *The Last of Us Part II* revolves around a cycle of violence and revenge, driven by powerful new characters. HBO has secured top-tier talent to bring these figures to life, ensuring the emotional weight of their story arcs lands with maximum impact.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson (The Catalyst)

• Full Name: Kaitlyn Rochelle Dever
• Born: December 21, 1996 (Age 28 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
• Notable Works: *Booksmart* (2019), *Unbelievable* (2019), *Dopesick* (2021), *No One Will Save You* (2023), *Dear Evan Hansen* (2021).
• Role in TLOU S2: Abby is the co-protagonist of the story, a hardened and muscular soldier of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) whose life is defined by a quest for vengeance against Joel Miller.
• Topical Authority: Dever is a Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actress known for her versatility, effortlessly transitioning between comedy (*Booksmart*) and heavy drama (*Unbelievable*). The casting announcement in January 2024 was highly scrutinized, particularly regarding Abby's imposing physique in the game, but showrunners have emphasized that the performance will focus on the character's emotional depth as a "really broken person" rather than simply her physical bulk.

Isabela Merced as Dina (Ellie's Partner)

• Full Name: Isabela Yolanda Moner (changed to Merced in 2019)
• Born: July 10, 2001 (Age 23 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
• Notable Works: *Dora and the Lost City of Gold* (2019), *Sicario: Day of the Soldado* (2018), *Transformers: The Last Knight* (2017), *Madame Web* (2024), *Alien: Romulus* (Upcoming).
• Role in TLOU S2: Dina is a spirited and playful resident of the Jackson community who becomes Ellie's romantic interest and eventual partner in the journey for revenge.
• Topical Authority: Merced is a rising star in Hollywood, known for her singing and acting talents. Her casting as Dina was praised by fans, and early reports suggest the show will expand on her character, giving her a deeper connection to the Jackson community and a more pronounced presence in the narrative's early stages.

Young Mazino as Jesse (The Loyal Friend)

• Full Name: Christopher Young Kim
• Born: August 27, 1991 (Age 33 as of late 2024)
• Birthplace: Montgomery County, Maryland, U.S.
• Notable Works: *Beef* (2023), *New Amsterdam* (2018), *Blindspot* (2016).
• Role in TLOU S2: Jesse is a kind, loyal, and capable member of the Jackson patrol, a close friend of both Ellie and Dina, and a crucial figure in the group that follows Ellie to Seattle.
• Topical Authority: Mazino broke out with his critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated role in the Netflix series *Beef*. His casting as Jesse was one of the earliest and most positively received announcements, with many noting his natural fit for the character's calm and grounded demeanor, which will be essential as a foil to Ellie's escalating rage.

The Returning Veterans: Joel, Ellie, and the Jackson Crew

The foundation of the series remains the compelling performances of the original cast, who will face their toughest emotional challenges yet as the story shifts into the dark territory of *Part II*.

• Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller: The beloved actor returns as the protective, emotionally guarded father figure. His actions at the end of Season 1 set the stage for the entire conflict of Season 2.
• Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams: Ramsey, who received widespread praise for their portrayal, returns as a now 19-year-old Ellie, grappling with the truth of her immunity and driven by a fierce, all-consuming need for justice.
• Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller: Joel's younger brother and the leader of the thriving Jackson community, Tommy’s role becomes significantly more complex as he is drawn into the conflict.
• Rutina Wesley as Maria: Tommy's wife and a strong leader in Jackson, Maria's character embodies the stability and hope that Ellie and Joel are fighting to protect.

Expanded Universe: New Supporting Characters and WLF Soldiers

Season 2 will significantly expand the world beyond Boston and Jackson, introducing the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites (Scars), two warring factions in Seattle. This requires a large ensemble of supporting actors, many of whom are playing characters directly from the game, while others are new additions to the HBO universe.

The WLF and Seattle Conflict Entities

The WLF, a militaristic group that controls Seattle, is central to Abby's story. The casting of these roles is crucial for representing the morally gray nature of the conflict.

• Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon: Wright reprises his role from the video game, where he voiced the character. Isaac is the powerful, ruthless leader of the WLF, a military dictator who demands absolute loyalty and is engaged in a brutal war against the Seraphites. His presence in the series is a major point of continuity and dramatic weight.
• Danny Ramirez as Manny: A loyal WLF soldier and one of Abby's closest friends, Manny is known for his humor and steadfast support. Ramirez is known for his work in *The Falcon and the Winter Soldier*.
• Ariela Barer as Mel: A medic in the WLF and part of Abby's core group, Mel is a key figure whose moral compass is often tested by the group's actions. Barer is known for *Runaways*.
• Spencer Lord as Owen: A former WLF member and one of the most complex figures in Abby’s circle, Owen is a gentle soul struggling with the violence of the world.
• Tati Gabrielle as Nora: A WLF medic who plays a significant, albeit brief, role in the story’s inciting incident. Gabrielle is known for *You* and *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina*.

The Mystery of Gail: A New Character for the HBO Series

One of the most intriguing new additions is a character not found in the original source material, signaling the showrunners' intent to deepen the emotional and psychological landscape of the survivors.

• Catherine O’Hara as Gail: The Emmy-winning star of *Schitt's Creek* and *Home Alone* joins the cast as Gail, a character described as Jackson's "unconventional psychotherapist."
• Topical Authority: Gail is a completely original character created for the show. Her role as a therapist in the post-apocalypse is unique, suggesting that the series will explore the deep, unaddressed trauma of the survivors, particularly Joel and Ellie, in a more formal, therapeutic setting. This narrative expansion adds a fresh layer of psychological depth to the adaptation.

Why This Cast Guarantees a Must-Watch Season

The casting for *The Last of Us* Season 2 is a deliberate strategy to balance star power, dramatic range, and faithfulness to the source material. By selecting actors like Kaitlyn Dever, who can handle immense dramatic weight, and Young Mazino, who brings a grounded authenticity, the show is poised to tackle the emotionally draining themes of the *Part II* narrative. The inclusion of a new character like Gail, played by a veteran like Catherine O'Hara, demonstrates the show's willingness to use the adaptation to explore new facets of the world, specifically the mental health toll of the Cordyceps outbreak and the ensuing human conflict. With the main pillars—Ellie's rage, Abby's revenge, and the survival of the Jackson community—firmly cast, the stage is set for a season that will be both a critical success and a lightning rod for fan discussion when it finally premieres in 2025. This season is not just a continuation; it is a profound, darker examination of what it truly costs to survive.