The Last Of Us Voice Actors: Where Are The Original Stars Now & The Shocking HBO Season 2 Cast List

The world of The Last of Us is defined not just by its post-apocalyptic landscapes and terrifying Infected, but by the raw, emotionally devastating performances of its cast. As of December 2025, the franchise is at a pivotal moment, with the highly anticipated second season of the HBO adaptation currently in production, bringing major new names to the forefront of the globally successful series. This deep dive uncovers the legendary voice actors who brought the groundbreaking video games to life and provides the essential, updated list of the new stars taking on these iconic roles in the live-action world.

The transition from game to television has sparked intense discussion among fans, particularly concerning the casting of characters central to the narrative of *The Last of Us Part II*. Understanding the original cast's profound impact is key to appreciating the monumental task faced by the new actors, who must capture the essence of characters already beloved (or reviled) by millions of players worldwide.

The Complete Cast: Video Game Icons vs. HBO's New Faces

The original Naughty Dog video game series utilized advanced performance capture technology, allowing the voice actors to simultaneously provide the voice, facial expressions, and body movements for their characters. This created an unparalleled realism that set a new standard for storytelling in video games.

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The Last of Us Video Game Core Cast (Part I & II)

• Joel Miller: Troy Baker
• Ellie Williams: Ashley Johnson
• Abby: Laura Bailey
• Tommy Miller: Jeffrey Pierce
• Marlene: Merle Dandridge
• Dina: Shannon Woodward
• Jesse: Stephen A. Chang
• Lev: Ian Alexander
• Owen: Patrick Fugit
• Maria: Ashley Scott

The Last of Us HBO Series Main Cast (Season 1 & 2 Updates)

The HBO series, developed by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, features a new set of actors for the lead roles, though several original game actors have returned in new or reprised live-action roles, creating a unique bridge between the two mediums.

• Joel Miller: Pedro Pascal
• Ellie Williams: Bella Ramsey
• Tommy Miller: Gabriel Luna (Reprising)
• Maria: Rutina Wesley (Reprising)
• Marlene: Merle Dandridge (Reprising her game role)

Major New Cast for Season 2 (Based on Part II)

The most significant casting news surrounds the key characters from *The Last of Us Part II*, whose storylines will dominate the second season.

• Abby: Kaitlyn Dever
• Dina: Isabela Merced
• Jesse: Young Mazino
• Owen: Spencer Lord
• Manny: Danny Ramirez

The Enduring Legacy of Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson

The emotional core of the entire *Last of Us* universe rests on the shoulders of Troy Baker (Joel) and Ashley Johnson (Ellie). Their performance capture work is widely regarded as a masterclass in video game acting, setting a benchmark for the industry.

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Troy Baker's Joel Miller: Baker's portrayal is a complex study of a man broken by loss, whose gruff exterior slowly melts into paternal devotion. His voice work captures the weight of his past, making his character arc—from smuggler to surrogate father—incredibly compelling. Baker has frequently discussed the emotional toll of the role and the unique collaborative process with Naughty Dog's director, Neil Druckmann.

Ashley Johnson's Ellie Williams: Johnson, who essentially grew up with the character over the course of the games, infused Ellie with a blend of teenage sarcasm, deep vulnerability, and ferocious survival instinct. Her work in *Part II*, navigating trauma and revenge, is particularly lauded for its intensity and nuance.

Both actors have had touching cameos in the HBO series. Troy Baker appeared in the Season 1 finale as James, a member of David's cannibalistic cult, while Ashley Johnson delivered a poignant live-action performance as Anna, Ellie's mother, in a flashback scene. These appearances served as a powerful nod to the franchise's origins and were celebrated by fans.

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The Controversial Casting of Abby and the New Generation of Stars

The character of Abby, introduced in *The Last of Us Part II*, is one of the most polarizing and complex figures in modern gaming. Her story is central to the themes of cyclical violence and empathy, and the casting for the HBO series was arguably the most scrutinized decision by showrunners.

Laura Bailey: The Game's Abby: Voice actress Laura Bailey delivered a physically and emotionally demanding performance as Abby, earning her a BAFTA Award for Best Performer in a Leading Role. Bailey's work, which included extensive motion capture, brought a rugged, sympathetic humanity to a character many fans initially struggled to accept.

Kaitlyn Dever: HBO's Abby: The announcement that Kaitlyn Dever would play Abby in Season 2 was met with overwhelming praise. Dever is a critically acclaimed actress known for her roles in *Booksmart* and *Unbelievable*. Her casting signals the show's commitment to finding actors capable of handling the character's immense emotional and physical demands, ensuring the complex narrative of *Part II* translates effectively to the screen.

Other key casting choices for Season 2 include Isabela Merced as Dina and Young Mazino as Jesse, both of whom are poised to become major fan-favorite characters. Dina, originally voiced by Shannon Woodward, is Ellie's romantic interest, while Jesse, originally voiced by Stephen Chang, is a key figure in the Seattle group. These new actors are tasked with capturing the chemistry and tension that defined the relationships in the second game.

The Future: Rumors of The Last of Us Part III and Returning Voices

While the focus remains on the HBO adaptation, the video game community is constantly buzzing with speculation about *The Last of Us Part III*. The possibility of a third installment raises the question of whether the original voice actors will return to their roles.

Voice Actor Intentions: Both Ashley Johnson (Ellie) and Laura Bailey (Abby) have publicly expressed their desire to return for a third game, underscoring their deep connection to the characters they helped create. Their willingness to reprise the roles adds fuel to the fan theories and hopes for a continuation of the video game saga.

Current Status of Part III: As of late 2025, reports from those close to the production, including some of the main voice actors, suggest that a script for *Part III* has not yet been received, indicating that the project has not officially entered the full production phase. This aligns with Naughty Dog's current focus, which is likely on other projects while the HBO series takes center stage. Any current "leaks" regarding casting or plot details should be treated as unconfirmed rumors until an official announcement is made by Naughty Dog or Sony.

The success of the franchise—across both the gaming and television spheres—is a testament to the power of performance capture and voice acting. The original cast members are not merely voice actors; they are the emotional architects who built the foundation of this post-apocalyptic world. As new actors join the ranks for HBO's Season 2, they carry the weighty responsibility of honoring the performances of the game's legends, ensuring that the story of Joel, Ellie, and Abby continues to resonate with a global audience.