Cast of the Last of Us – Complete Guide to HBO Series Actors

The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us brought one of gaming’s most beloved stories to television with a cast that has drawn widespread acclaim. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey anchor the series as Joel and Ellie, while a deep ensemble of supporting actors fills out the post-pandemic world. With Season 2 on the horizon, the cast is expanding to include key characters from the second game, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson.

The series premiered in January 2023 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its fidelity to the source material and its performances. Season 1 covered the events of the first game, while Season 2 will adapt the first half of The Last of Us Part II, shifting the setting from the devastated cities of the east to the mountain community of Jackson, Wyoming, and later to Seattle.

What follows is a complete breakdown of the cast across both seasons, covering who plays whom, which actors are returning, and which roles remain unconfirmed. All information is drawn from official HBO announcements and verified industry sources.

Who Are the Main Cast Members of The Last of Us?

Key insights about the cast

• Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return for Season 2 as Joel and Ellie.
• Kaitlyn Dever was cast as Abby in January 2024, marking a major addition.
• Isabela Merced (Dina) and Young Mazino (Jesse) are series regulars in Season 2.
• Gabriel Luna continues as Tommy, reprising his Season 1 role.
• The cast reflects HBO’s commitment to game-accurate adaptation with some new faces.

Who Plays Ellie, Joel, and Other Key Characters?

Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Joel Miller is the hardened survivor at the center of Season 1. Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian, brings a weathered gravitas to the character. Joel’s bond with Ellie drives the entire narrative of the first season, and Pascal’s performance was widely praised for balancing stoicism with emotional vulnerability. Pascal returns for Season 2, where Joel remains a pivotal figure early in the story before a major turning point reshapes the plot.

Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams

Bella Ramsey plays Ellie, the teenage girl who may hold the key to a cure. Ramsey’s portrayal captures Ellie’s toughness, curiosity, and trauma. Series co-creator Neil Druckmann has stated plainly, “Bella Ramsey is Ellie,” reflecting the show’s confidence in the casting. In Season 2, Ellie’s story expands as she grows older and more independent, becoming the emotional anchor of the series after key developments.

Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller

Gabriel Luna portrays Tommy, Joel’s younger brother and a former Firefly who now leads a settled life in Jackson. Luna appears in both seasons, bridging the two storylines as Tommy’s role grows in importance when the narrative moves toward Seattle.

Lamar Johnson as Henry

Henry is a key supporting character in Season 1, played by Lamar Johnson. He and his younger brother Sam (Keivonn Montreal Woodard) form a poignant side story alongside Ellie and Joel in Kansas City. Henry’s fate is closely tied to that season’s events, and his return in Season 2 has not been confirmed.

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

Season 2 introduces a wave of new characters drawn from The Last of Us Part II. The returning core includes Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, and Rutina Wesley as Maria Miller. Below are the major new additions confirmed through official announcements.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson

Kaitlyn Dever plays Abby, one of the most important characters in the game’s sequel. Her casting, announced in January 2024, was one of the most discussed pieces of The Last of Us news. Dever had previously been considered for the role of Ellie during an earlier film adaptation attempt, adding a layer of franchise history to her casting. Abby is a central figure in the narrative conflict of Season 2, and her storyline is expected to be a major focus.

Isabela Merced as Dina

Isabela Merced joins the cast as Dina, Ellie’s love interest and a resident of Jackson. Dina is a key emotional support for Ellie and becomes a significant presence in the story as the characters move toward Seattle. Merced was cast in February 2024.

Young Mazino as Jesse

Young Mazino plays Jesse, a fellow Jackson resident and a close friend to both Ellie and Dina. Mazino’s casting was announced in March 2024. Jesse is a grounded, loyal character who plays a critical role in the Seattle segment of the story.

Are There Any Unconfirmed or Rumored Cast Members?

While HBO has confirmed most major roles for Season 2, some details remain unannounced or subject to speculation. The following overview separates what is established from what is still unclear.

When Were the Key Casting Announcements Made?

1. January 15, 2023 — The Last of Us Season 1 premieres on HBO, introducing the main cast.
2. February 13, 2023 — HBO renews the series for a second season, clearing the way for new casting.
3. January 9, 2024 — Kaitlyn Dever is announced as Abby, the first major Season 2 casting.
4. February 13, 2024 — Isabela Merced is cast as Dina.
5. March 13, 2024 — Young Mazino joins the cast as Jesse.
6. 2025 (expected) — Season 2 release anticipated; filming expected in late 2024 or early 2025.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About the Cast?

The table earlier in this article separates established facts from ambiguities. To summarize: all major roles for Season 2 are confirmed, including the returns of Pascal, Ramsey, Luna, and Wesley, plus the additions of Dever, Merced, Mazino, O’Hara, Wright, and many others. What remains unconfirmed includes any casting for a potential Season 3, the exact release date for Season 2, and whether certain minor characters from the game will appear. HBO has not yet officially ordered further seasons beyond the second.

What Does the Casting Reveal About the Adaptation’s Approach?

The casting choices for The Last of Us reflect a deliberate strategy of balancing game accuracy with fresh interpretation. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey were not the most obvious choices from a physical resemblance standpoint, but both were selected for their emotional range and ability to carry the narrative weight. Kaitlyn Dever’s casting as Abby, while a departure from the character’s in-game physique, was met with widespread approval from fans and critics alike.

The show also leans on a mix of established stars (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Wright) and rising talents (Isabela Merced, Young Mazino) to build depth across the ensemble. This approach mirrors the game’s structure, which expanded its cast significantly in the second installment. The inclusion of actors who voiced their game counterparts—Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, along with the game’s original voice actors in cameo roles—adds continuity for fans.

What Have the Showrunners and Casting Team Said About the Process?

“I think the casting process was very collaborative with Neil Druckmann and HBO.”

— Casting director Victoria Thomas, interview with The Hollywood Reporter (2023)

“We are incredibly excited to bring Kaitlyn Dever into The Last of Us family.”

— Craig Mazin, HBO press release (January 2024)

“Bella Ramsey is Ellie.”

— Neil Druckmann, IGN interview (2023)

Who Makes Up the Complete Cast of The Last of Us?

The complete cast of The Last of Us spans two seasons and dozens of actors. Season 1 is anchored by Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, and a supporting cast that includes Anna Torv, Nick Offerman, Murray Bartlett, Storm Reid, and Lamar Johnson, among others. Season 2 adds Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Wright, and a broad ensemble of new characters as the story expands beyond Jackson. For a detailed recap of Season 1 events and how they set up the new season, see The Last of Us Season 1 Recap. For an overview of what to expect in the upcoming season, visit The Last of Us Season 2: Everything We Know.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Last of Us Cast