The Last of Us Season 2

As the only known person immune to the Cordyceps infection, Ellie is a fiercely loyal, tough-as-nails survivor who journeyed across America with Joel, a smuggler tasked with delivering her to the Fireflies—a revolutionary militia group seeking a cure. At the start of The Last of Us Part II, she struggles to come to terms with Joel’s fateful decision to save her, questioning what it means for humanity and her own purpose, all while trying to build a life in Jackson. But when new threats arise, Ellie is thrust into a relentless journey shaped by love, loss, and the brutal choices survival demands. In HBO’s adaptation, she is brought to life by Bella Ramsey.

Joel Miller is a hardened survivor who has spent decades navigating the brutal, unforgiving world shaped by the Cordyceps outbreak. Once a grieving father, he became a smuggler willing to do whatever it took to survive—until he was tasked with transporting Ellie, a girl immune to the infection, across the country. Their journey forged an unbreakable bond, leading Joel to make a devastating choice that would change both of their lives forever. As The Last of Us Part II unfolds, he grapples with the weight of that decision, knowing that the past has a way of catching up. In HBO’s adaptation, he is portrayed by Pedro Pascal.

Tommy Miller is Joel’s younger brother and a former soldier who, despite the brutality of the world around him, holds onto a sense of hope and a desire to rebuild. Unlike Joel, Tommy sought purpose beyond mere survival, eventually finding a home in Jackson, Wyoming, where he helps lead a thriving community. Though he and Joel have had their differences, their bond remains strong—until the weight of past actions and new dangers put them to the test. In HBO’s adaptation, Tommy is portrayed by Gabriel Luna.

Dina is a sharp-witted, adventurous, and fiercely loyal member of the Jackson community who shares a deep bond with Ellie. She provides a sense of warmth and stability in Ellie’s life, offering moments of love and laughter in a world defined by violence and loss. But when Ellie embarks on a dangerous quest for revenge, Dina chooses to stand by her, despite the growing risks and the emotional toll it takes. In HBO’s adaptation, she is portrayed by Isabela Merced.

Jesse is a dependable, level-headed member of the Jackson community and a close friend to both Ellie and Dina. As a natural leader, he takes on responsibilities to help keep the town safe, always putting others before himself. Ellie, Dina and Jesse often patrol together to keep the borders of Jackson safe from the infected. In the HBO adaptation, Jesse is brought to life by Young Mazino.

Abby is a skilled soldier and fierce survivor whose world is shaped by loss, duty, and an unrelenting drive for justice. Trained by the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) in Seattle, she is strong, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she cares about. But beneath her hardened exterior is a woman grappling with the cost of vengeance and the cycle of violence she finds herself trapped in. In the HBO adaptation, she is played by Kaitlyn Dever.

Owen is a complex and conflicted member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), whose life is defined by a series of personal and emotional struggles. Once a close friend and romantic interest of Abby, his loyalty is tested when he begins to question the WLF’s methods and the violence they perpetuate. Owen's relationship with Abby becomes strained as he grapples with his growing disillusionment, ultimately choosing to leave the WLF with her. In HBO’s adaptation, Owen is portrayed by Spencer Lord.

Mel is a skilled doctor and a member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), known for her compassion and practicality. She’s in a complicated relationship with Owen, and while she’s deeply committed to her work and the WLF cause, her loyalty is tested by the growing conflict around her. She is portrayed by Ariela Barer in the HBO adaptation.

Nora is a vital member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), working as a medic and one of the group's key medical staff. Her role often places her in high-stakes situations, tending to the injured and ensuring the survival of her comrades. She’s fiercely committed to the WLF's cause, especially when it comes to protecting her friends and ensuring their well-being. Nora is played by Tati Gabrielle in the HBO adaptation.

Manny is a loyal soldier of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), deeply committed to Abby and their cause. Despite the pain of his past, he maintains a jovial attitude, using humor to mask the emotional weight of the world around him. He is played by Danny Ramirez in the HBO adaptation.

I am most looking forward to how Abby is portrayed in this season. Based on casting we know, it doesn't look like some of the major characters that shape Abby's future actions are going to appear this season, so it will be interesting to see what angle they go for and how much they'll reveal. We are either going to love to hate her, or we're going to heartbreakingly sympathize, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out this season.

— Shelby, Marketing Coordinator

The hook is arguably the most crucial moment in any show, and The Last of Us Part II boasts one of the best opening sequences I’ve ever experienced in a video game. The upcoming show adaptation is set to tackle one of the franchise's most intense moments—a horde of infected attacking Jackson City. From the trailer, it seems like they may approach this scene a little differently. We’ll get to witness these events from Joel and Tommy's perspective. For instance, while the game shifted to Ellie to build tension, the show will provide more context for Joel and Tommy as they’re overwhelmed by clickers. The addition of Tommy (Joel's brother) taking the lead to snipe clickers from a distance at one of their lookout points promises to add another layer of excitement. I’m eager to see how they elevate this moment, and I have a hunch it may play out a bit differently than in the game.

— Tim, Marketing Coordinator