With the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 quickly approaching, we can’t help but excitedly look ahead at what’s in store for Joel, Ellie and the countless newcomers that are set to fill our screen and bring this second installment to life. Season 1 of the HBO hit series took viewers on an emotional adventure of sacrifice and turmoil as it chronicled life after a deadly fungal outbreak changed the world as we know it. A smuggler named Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, is tasked with bringing young Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, to a faraway hospital, as her immunity to the virus means she could be the ticket to finding a cure. Their treacherous journey is full of danger and heart, and if the second season is anything like the first, we can only brace ourselves for what’s to come. Here, get to know the cast bringing Season 2 of The Last of Us to life.
Pedro Pascal as Joel
Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
Pascal will reprise his role as Joel, a smuggler hardened by the outbreak that continues to rage on into Season 2. While the specifics of what’s in store for his character are unknown, the second season will jump five years ahead of the first, as he and Ellie are “drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.”
Bella Ramsay as Ellie
Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
Ramsay continues her run as Ellie, the young girl whose bond with Joel continues to evolve.
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
Kaitlyn Dever, The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
Dever will bring to life one of the main antagonists of this season, Abby, a soldier who arrives on the scene to avenge someone she loves.
Gabriel Luna as Tommy
Gabriel Luna, The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
Joel’s younger brother returns in the second season, once again played by Gabriel Luna.
Rutina Wesley as Maria
Gabriel Luna and Rutina Wesley, The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
Tommy’s wife Maria, played by Rutina Wesley, helps lead the Jackson community.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac
Wright will bring to life the character of Isaac, who is the leader of a militia group up against a powerful enemy.
Catherine O’Hara
Catherine O’Hara, The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
One of the characters that has us most excited about Season 2 is that of Catherine O’Hara. Though not much is known about her character yet, based on the teaser for the upcoming season, it seems as though she is something along the lines of a therapist.
Young Mazino as Jesse
Young Manzino, The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
Young Mazino will play the part of Jesse, one of Ellie’s close friends at the compound in which they live.
Isabela Merced as Dina
Isabela Merced and Bella Ramsey, The Last of Us, Season 2, 2025Liane Hentscher/HBO
Merced will bring to life the love interest of Ellie in the second season.
Danny Ramirez as Manny
Ramirez will play Manny, a soldier a part of Abby’s group.
Tati Gabrielle as Nora
The part of Nora, a medic also a part of Abby’s group, will be played by Tati Gabrielle.
Spencer Lord as Owen
Spencer Lord will play another member of Abby’s group.
Ariela Barer as Mel
Mel is another doctor joining Abby and her crew.
New cast members announced
It was recently revealed that a few additional cast members would be joining the Season 2 lineup. Joe Pantoliano will play the part of Eugene, Alanna Ubach will bring to life Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers will play Burton, Hettienne Park is Elise, Robert John Burke will play Seth and lastly, Noah Lamanna will play Kat.
Don’t miss the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 on April 13 at 9 p.m. on HBO and streaming on Max. Catch up with Season 1 on Max today.
