'The Last of Us' Season 2: Meet the New Cast

Fitting for a video game adaptation, The Last of Us is getting some new players for season 2. 

The hit HBO show returns for its highly anticipated second season on Sunday, April 13. While lead actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are both returning as Joel and Ellie, much of the cast is new (or at least new to those who haven’t played the video game). To get you ready for the seven-episode second season, here’s a look at the new cast of The Last of Us season 2. To watch new episodes Sunday nights on HBO and Max, follow this link to add HBO to your DISH package.  

Who is in the Cast of The Last of Us Season 2?

In addition to Pascal and Ramsey, Gabriel Luna returns as Joel’s brother Tommy, as well as Rutina Wesley as Maria, Tommy's wife and co-leader of the group of survivors in Jackson, Wyoming. Here’s a look at the cast members joining the show in season 2.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

For fans of the franchise who have been following its journey from game-to-screen, the casting of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby (“a soldier seeking vengeance,” according to The Hollywood Reporter) is a full circle moment. Back when there were talks to adapt the game into a feature film, Dever was a favorite for the role of Ellie. 10 years later, she now finds herself in a different, albeit still pivotal, role.

Isabela Merced as Dina

Another important character in The Last of Us Part II, Dina is a romantic interest for Ellie who is described as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.” As young as she is, Merced already has an extensive resume, having appeared as the titular explorer in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, as well as last year’s Alien: Romulus. 

Young Mazino as Jesse

An ex-boyfriend of Dina’s, Jesse is “a pillar of his community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost.” Based on that description, it appears they nailed the casting with Young Manzino, who was one of the breakout stars of the Emmy-winning Netflix series Beef. Mazino played the little brother to Stephen Yeun’s character and “selfless to a fault” is a good descriptor of his role, which nabbed him an Emmy nomination.

Ariela Barer as Mel

Described as “a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is challenged by the realities of war and tribalism,” Mel will be played by Ariela Barer, best-known for Runaways and the 2022 film How to Blow Up a Pipeline.

Tati Gabrielle as Nora

“A military medic struggling to come to terms with the sins of her past,” Nora will be played by Tati Gabrielle. Interestingly, Gabrielle is a veteran of Naughty Dog, the video game company that developed The Last of Us. She played Jo Braddock in the film adaptation of Uncharted, and will play the main character in the upcoming Naughty Dog video game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Spencer Lord as Owen

Owen is said to be “a gentle soul trapped in a warrior’s body, condemned to fight an enemy he refuses to hate.” The actor portraying him, Spencer Lord, has appeared on shows like Riverdale and Family Law.

Danny Ramirez as Manny

Danny Ramirez – who has recently appeared in hits like Top Gun: Maverick and Captain America: Brave New World – will play Manny, “a loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear that he will fail his friends when they need him most.” 

Jeffrey Wright as Isaac

One of the coolest bits of casting news is that Jeffrey Wright will reprise his role as Isaac, a character he played in the video game as well. Wright’s character is described as “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.” Wright joins Merle Dandridge and Ashley Johnson as actors who have appeared in both the Last of Us video game and the show. 

Catherine O’Hara as Gail

Perhaps the most surprising new addition to the cast, comedy veteran Catherine O’Hara will play Joel’s therapist Gail. Her character is one of several new roles that were written specifically for the show and who do not appear in the video game. In season 2, her character will be married to Eugene (played by the great character actorJoe Pantoliano), a minor character whose story is expected to be fleshed out similar to Bill and Frank in season one.