​‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 character guide: From Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey to Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced all you need to know

The Emmy-winning series The Last of Us returns for its second season, and the stakes are higher than ever. Set 5 years after Joel and Ellie’s fateful journey ended in an uneasy sanctuary, the show adapts the emotional and morally complex The Last of Us Part II, for its next big chapter in the zombie saga. This one will see emotions run high as it expands the narrative of the games and reshapes relationships, and also introduces characters who will change everything.
As fans gear up for the next exciting adventure, Here’s a closer look at the Season 2 cast — from returning leads Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to newcomers like Kaitlyn Dever and Isabela Merced — and how their characters connect to the world of the video game.

Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Joel Miller, the hardened survivor tasked with protecting teenager Ellie as they navigate a broken, fungus-ravaged world. Pascal's portrayal of Joel in the first season was widely praised for its emotional depth, capturing the character’s internal conflict and grief with nuance and grit.

Returning as Ellie Williams is Bella Ramsey, whose breakout performance in Game of Thrones, going up against the White Walkers, set her up as the central pillar of this show and its success. According to reports, Season 2 will take Ellie into even more emotionally intense territory, with critical developments that mirror key moments from the original video game sequel.

Once nearly cast as Ellie in the scrapped Last of Us film adaptation, Kaitlyn Dever finally joins the franchise, this time as Abby, one of its most complex and controversial characters. Described as Season 2’s primary antagonist, Abby arrives with a score to settle backed by an army ready to go to battle with her.

Returning to his role of Isaac, which originated in the game, Jeffrey Wright brings the stoic, enigmatic character to the screen. Leader of a militant faction, his past — and motivations — will be explored in depth in season 2.

Isabela Merced joins the cast as Ellie’s close friend and eventual love interest, Dina who adds emotional and playful nuances to the show. Unlike the other characters, this one beams of warmth, mischief and rebellion. However, much like the other relationships on this series, this will also be put to the test.

Young Mazino, fresh off his breakout role in Beef, steps in as Jesse — the heart of Jackson’s next generation. Practical, selfless, and deeply loyal, Jesse finds himself pulled between duty and emotion, especially as tensions escalate between Ellie and Dina.

Gabriel Luna is set to reprise his role as Tommy Miller, Joel’s idealistic younger brother. A standout element of Season 1 was the emotional depth of their reunion, and in Season 2, Tommy’s role is expected to evolve significantly. Reports suggest he’ll take on a more independent and complex presence, as the story delves into the shifting personal and political dynamics within the fragile community of Jackson.

Keivonn Woodard, who portrayed the deaf child Sam in the first season’s most heart-wrenching story arcs, will be back for another season. A little known fact is that Woodard made history as the first Black deaf actor to receive an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor.

Danny Ramirez plays Manny — a charismatic, loyal soldier in Abby’s camp. Introduced in the game’s second chapter, Manny is both comic relief and fierce protector, adding depth to Abby’s morally grey world.