Everything We Know About The Last of Us Season 2
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey will return for more post-apocalyptic adventures on the forthcoming second season of HBO’s The Last of Us.
Based on the 2013 video game of the same name, the series follows Joel (Pascal), a grizzled survivor charged with transporting Ellie (Ramsey) across the nation, 20 years after a zombie-like fungus, cordyceps, wiped out much of civilization. As they continue on their adventure, the unusual couple create a surrogate father-daughter connection along the road.
Upon the show’s launch in January 2023, the series — cocreated by Craig Mazin and the game’s writer and creative director, Neil Druckmann — was renewed for season 2 after just two of the season’s nine episodes had aired.
The second season is set to follow the scenario of the computer game’s 2020 sequel, The Last of Us Part II, which starts up a few years after the initial story. Though the program hasn’t been picked up for a third part, Mazin recently suggested that the series’ crew may require more than one more season to fully represent Part II’s events.
“The amount of remaining story would take us more than a season to tell. But obviously, I don’t see this as something that carries on and on and on,” he told Collider in January 2023. “We don’t have that ambition. Our objective is to present the tale that exists, as best as we can, in a different medium.”
Scroll further to find out all we know about The Last of Us season 2:
When Will Season 2 of ‘The Last of Us’ Premiere?
HBO showcased the streaming schedule for 2025 in August 2024, offering The Last of Us fans an early glimpse at the upcoming episodes. “I saved her,” Pascal as Joel exclaims to the camera with tears in his eyes, delivering an iconic phrase from the video game franchise.
The network stated in January 2025 that the show will launch in April.
Is There a ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Trailer?
HBO aired a teaser film in September 2024 to honor The Last of Us day. O’Hara can be seen sitting face-to-face with Pascal, asking whether he wants to “start.”
The two-minute film highlighted what viewers may expect to see in the program – including a first peek at some of the new characters. Plus, it looks more Clickers will be adding the drama.
“You can’t heal something unless you’re brave enough to say it outloud. Say the thing you’re frightened to say,” O’Hara’s voiceover could be heard saying. “What did you do?”
What Will Season 2 of ‘The Last of Us’ Be About?
Season 2 is supposed to be inspired by the events of the video game's sequel, The Last of Us Part II. Without ruining what lays in store, the tale continues up with Joel and Ellie some years after the first game's events. In addition to working through challenges in their relationship, a big incident puts Ellie on a risky mission for retribution.
As for whether the show will “deviate” from The Last of Us Part II’s story, Pascal told Deadline in January 2024, “I think that they’re always gonna find ways to build on the incredible source material that they have and surprise us with how they can use that material in a different format, like a television show.”
Which Cast Members Are Returning for ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?
Pascal and Ramsey are expected to return as Joel and Ellie, respectively, along with Gabriel Luna as Joel’s brother, Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as Tommy’s wife, Maria.
Will ‘The Last of Us’ Go Beyond Two Seasons?
Having previously indicated the program may go over into a third season, Mazin told The Hollywood Reporter in August 2023 that he could see the series continuing for four seasons overall.
“Some seasons, because of the story we’re telling, will need fewer episodes and some will need more. The wonderful news is the crowd wants more,” he shared. “We will not indulge a desire for more simply to make them happier when they hear how many episodes are announced. And if they don’t like how many episodes are in a season because they want more, well, OK.”
He continued: “But when all is said and done, I think the wisdom of how we lay it out will hopefully be clear. I don’t know if any season will truly have the same amount of episodes. But, anyway, the number’s not relevant. What’s important is when they get to the conclusion of the season, they’re like, 'That was a good season.'”
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Who Is Kaitlyn Dever Playing in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?
HBO revealed Dever was cast in the second season in January 2024 as Abby. Video game players will remember the name well. The network described Abby as a "skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those who loved."
Who Is Catherine O’Hara Playing in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?
The Schitt’s Creek alum was revealed as a season 2 guest appearance in February 2024. Her role was not revealed at the time, leaving fans guessing who O’Hara may be portraying. It is possible her part might be a new character developed for the program, similar to the manner that Melanie Lynskey’s season 1 character, revolutionary leader Kathleen, did not exist in the video game.
One day before her casting announcement, O’Hara confirmed she was in discussions to join the series during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. She also mentioned that one of her two boys works as a set dresser on the HBO series. O’Hara has kids Matthew and Luke with her husband, Bo Welch.
Will Any Actors from the Video Games Appear in Season 2?
It was reported in May 2024 that Jeffrey Wright will reprise his role as Isaac from The Last of Us Part II video game in season 2 of the series. Per Variety, the character is defined as “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.”
Who Else Is Joining ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Cast?
Not shortly after Dever was hired as Abby, HBO revealed that Young Mazino and Isabela Merced would be joining The Last of Us season 2 as Jesse and Dina, respectively. Dina, in particular, plays a big role as Ellie’s love interest.
Ramsey revealed their joy on Merced’s casting via their Instagram Story in January 2024, saying, “We’re gonna take over the world.”
The following month, HBO announced the addition of Danny Ramirez, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle and Spencer Lord to the cast. Ramirez will play Manny, a devoted soldier whose cheery outlook masks a concern that he’ll let his teammates down, while Barer will depict Mel, a young doctor determined to saving lives despite conflict and tribalism. Gabrielle will play Nora, a military doctor attempting to come to terms with her past, while Lord enters as Owen, a delicate spirit in a warrior’s body who’s battling an enemy he refuses to hate.