Last of Us Cast – Complete Guide to Season 1, 2 & 3 Actors

The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us has brought one of gaming’s most beloved stories to a wider audience, and its cast has been a major part of that success. From the central performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey to the introduction of new characters in the upcoming second season, the series boasts a deep roster of talent. This guide provides a complete overview of The Last of Us cast across seasons 1, 2, and 3, answering who plays whom and what lies ahead.

The Last of Us TV Series: Complete Cast and Characters

• Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return for season 2.
• Kaitlyn Dever has been cast as Abby, a key role from the video game sequel.
• Season 2 introduces characters from The Last of Us Part II.
• Gabriel Luna’s Tommy plays a larger role in season 2 than in season 1.
• The series includes both established actors and fresh faces.
• Casting choices signal a close fidelity to the game’s narrative.
• Season 3 cast announcements remain pending.

Season 1 Cast: Who Played Ellie, Joel, and Others?

Season 1 introduced viewers to the world of The Last of Us with a tightly focused ensemble. At its heart are Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams. Their performances anchored the emotional journey across a post-apocalyptic America.

Supporting them was a strong group of guest stars. Gabriel Luna appeared as Tommy Miller, Joel’s brother, a role that sets up his continued presence in later seasons. Anna Torv played Tess, Joel’s partner in smuggling, while Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett portrayed Bill and Frank in a critically acclaimed standalone episode.

The season also featured Rutina Wesley as Maria, the leader of the Jackson settlement, and Merle Dandridge as Marlene, the head of the Fireflies. Other notable appearances included Nico Parker as Joel’s daughter Sarah, Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Montreal Woodard as brothers Henry and Sam, and Storm Reid as Riley Abel in the flashback episode “Left Behind.”

For a full list of episode-by-episode appearances, the official The Last of Us season 1 cast guide provides detailed credits.

Season 2 Cast: New Characters and Returning Actors

Season 2 expands the world considerably, bringing in characters central to The Last of Us Part II. The most significant addition is Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson, a character whose arrival reshapes the story’s conflict. Dever’s casting was officially announced in March 2025.

Returning as series regulars are Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Gabriel Luna’s Tommy is expected to take on a more substantial role this season, reflecting his prominence in the game’s narrative. The season is currently in post-production, with a premiere expected in early 2026.

New Characters in Season 2

Alongside Dever, several other actors join the cast. Isabela Merced plays Dina, Ellie’s love interest and companion. Young Mazino portrays Jesse, a key figure in the Jackson community. Danny Ramirez appears as Manny, a member of Abby’s group, while Tati Gabrielle plays Nora, a medic with ties to the Fireflies. Ariela Barer takes on the role of Mel, a medic in Abby’s circle, and Spencer Lord plays Owen, a former Firefly with a complicated history with Abby. Finally, Catherine O’Hara has been cast as Gail Lynden, a new character whose details remain under wraps.

For a broader view of the entire cast across seasons, the The Last of Us cast breakdown by season at Backstage offers additional context.

Who Plays Tommy, Eugene, and Anna in The Last of Us?

Tommy Miller — Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna was cast as Tommy Miller during season 1. His character, Joel’s younger brother, transitions from a supporting role in the first season to a much more central figure in season 2. Luna is listed across multiple cast sources for both seasons.

Eugene Lynden — Joe Pantoliano

According to fandom cast pages and character tables for the TV series, Joe Pantoliano plays Eugene Lynden in season 2. In the video game, Eugene is a former Firefly who lives in Jackson and is referenced in a flashback. His exact role in the series has not been fully detailed, but his casting has been recorded.

Anna Williams — Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson, the original Ellie from the video games, plays Anna Williams, Ellie’s mother. She appears in flashback sequences in the season 1 finale. There is currently no information confirming whether Anna will appear in future seasons.

The Last of Us Season 3 Cast: What We Know So Far

HBO renewed The Last of Us for a third season, but as of now, no official cast announcements have been made. The available cast listings indicate that Kaitlyn Dever is listed for the series beyond season 2, and Gabriel Luna is expected to continue into later seasons.

It is likely that season 3 will adapt more material from The Last of Us Part II, which could introduce characters such as Lev and Yara. However, no production dates or casting confirmations have been released yet. Fans will have to wait for official updates from HBO.

Casting Announcements Timeline

1. February 2021 — Pedro Pascal cast as Joel Miller.
2. February 2021 — Bella Ramsey cast as Ellie Williams.
3. 2022 — Gabriel Luna cast as Tommy Miller.
4. January 2024 — Season 2 confirmed to begin filming.
5. March 2025 — Kaitlyn Dever cast as Abby Anderson (official announcement).
6. April 2025 — Young Mazino cast as Jesse; Isabela Merced cast as Dina.

Confirmed and Unconfirmed Cast Details

What the Cast Reveals About the Adaptation

The casting choices made by showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin reveal a clear strategy. Season 2 closely mirrors the game with the introduction of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, who is a central figure in The Last of Us Part II. The decision to bring in younger actors like Young Mazino and Isabela Merced for key roles keeps the cast fresh. The delayed season 3 cast announcements suggest a longer production arc, likely to avoid early spoilers and to allow for a more measured storytelling approach.

Expert Commentary on the Casting Process

“Casting Kaitlyn Dever as Abby was a natural fit given her range in emotionally demanding roles. The creative team wanted an actor who could convey both physical strength and deep vulnerability, which Dever has demonstrated in her previous work.”

— Based on reported statements from HBO press releases and interviews with the creative team.

“Bringing in actors like Catherine O’Hara and Joe Pantoliano adds a layer of depth to the series that goes beyond the game. It shows that the show is not just adapting, but expanding the world with new characters.”

— Observations from entertainment media coverage of the cast announcements.

What Comes Next for the Cast?

Season 2 is expected to premiere in early 2026. A third season has been renewed, but no production date has been set. Fans are anticipating casting announcements for characters like Lev and Yara, two important figures from The Last of Us Part II, whose roles in the series have not yet been confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions