The Last of Us Cast: Full List of Actors and Characters

The television adaptation of The Last of Us has captured audience hearts and critical acclaim by marrying nuanced character portrayals with immersive storytelling. From the brooding resilience of Joel to the evolving strength of Ellie, the series thrives on its powerful cast and the interactions between them. This article offers a comprehensive, human-like listing of the cast and characters—complete with small conversational quirks and narrative detours that reflect the show’s emotional unpredictability (and yes, a couple of little tangents—you’re welcome).

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Main Cast: Lead Characters Who Drive the Story Forward

Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller

Pedro Pascal brings Joel Miller to life, a hardened survivor who’s seen more than his fair share of loss. Haunted by his daughter’s death, Joel becomes the unlikely guardian of Ellie, smuggling her across a devastated America. Unlike the near-superhuman figure in the video games, the series paints him as more vulnerable—hard of hearing in one ear, knees that ache. It’s a subtle but powerful human detail.

Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, is a defiant yet emotionally tender 14-year-old girl with immunity to a fungal infection, possibly key to humanity’s survival. She has this mix of playfulness—puns included—and fierceness. In the second season, she’s older, changed… tougher, yet humor hasn’t slipped entirely.

Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller

Tommy Miller, directed by Gabriel Luna, is Joel’s younger brother and a former soldier who clings to hope. In Season 1 he appears as a guest, but in Season 2 he’s a central figure in Jackson, Wyoming—idealism intact but confronted with hard realities.

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Supporting Ensemble: Allies, Enemies, and Emotional Echoes

Isabela Merced as Dina

Dina is Ellie’s romantic interest—a free spirit and fierce ally. Merced brings warmth and levity while giving depth to a character who, in the games, existed more quietly. Her casting stemmed from her energy aligning with Dina’s, and she even played The Last of Us Part II before filming.

Young Mazino as Jesse

Jesse is a loyal community member in Jackson, marked by loss and a sense of responsibility. Young Mazino’s performance bridges action and quiet introspection. His preparation—horse riding, bonding with Ramsey—born out of careful direction.

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby

Joining in Season 2 (and increasingly central in Season 3), Abby, as played by Kaitlyn Dever, is a soldier with personal vendettas—a transition from the game’s villain to a deeply complex character in human form. Her rise to prominence shifts the narrative focus, promising a fresh emotional lens.

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Guest and Recurring Characters: Building the World Brick by Brick

Some standout additions include:

• Anna Torv as Tess—Joel’s partner in smuggling, pragmatic and staunch.
• Merle Dandridge as Marlene—Fireflies’ leader, bringing authority and loyalty.
• Nick Offerman as Bill and Murray Bartlett as Frank—a reimagined storyline of survival and unlikely companionship.
• Storm Reid as Riley, Nico Parker as Sarah, Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard as Henry and Sam, Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen, and others populate the apocalypse with tragedy, hope, and nuance.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and more (like Hettienne Park, Ben Ahlers, Alanna Ubach) expand the social and moral ecology of the world.

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Behind the Scenes Insights: Casting, Chemistry, & Creative Choices

Casting choices often reflect a layered approach to storytelling. For example:

• Pascal and Ramsey were cast via Zoom and had instant chemistry—even though they’d never met before production.
• Many guest roles were filled with actors who don’t typically do one-episode arcs—a bold choice that paid off.
• For Season 2, the casting shifted dramatically after the Writers Guild strike—some actors cast without auditions, relying on the showrunners’ faith in their fit.

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Quote from the Creators and Cast

“We approached season 2 with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew.”
— Craig Mazin on the expanding ensemble and deepening character arcs.

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Looking Ahead: Season 3 and the Shift to Abby’s Perspective

The third season, confirmed by HBO, is slated for 2027. It marks a narrative pivot toward Abby, stepping into the limelight with deeper exploration of her motivations, memories, and emotional footprint. Kaitlyn Dever begins preparations imminently and hints fans will appreciate this shift. Meanwhile, Neil Druckmann is stepping back to focus on game development, leaving Mazin as the lead showrunner.

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Conclusion

The cast of The Last of Us—from the core duo of Joel and Ellie to the richly layered supporting players—carries the emotional and thematic weight of this adaptation. Thoughtful casting, chemistry, and performance choices elevate the show beyond a simple game-to-screen transfer, building a living, breathing world that respects its video game roots while asserting its dramatic identity. As the saga moves into Seasons 2 and 3, especially through Abby’s eyes, the ensemble continues to anchor the series with compassion, unpredictability, and depth.

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FAQs

Who plays the lead characters in The Last of Us?

Pedro Pascal portrays Joel Miller, and Bella Ramsey plays Ellie. Their dynamic carries the emotional core of the story with a blend of vulnerability and fierce survival.

Which new characters are introduced in Season 2?

Season 2 brings in Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), Dina (Isabela Merced), Jesse (Young Mazino), and Isaac (Jeffrey Wright), among others—expanding the world and diversifying perspectives.

How are supporting roles approached in casting?

The creators frequently chose well-known actors even for guest roles, aiming for emotional weight in every appearance. Some casting in Season 2 occurred without auditions, emphasizing fit over formal process.

What’s changing in Season 3?

Season 3 shifts the narrative focus onto Abby, exploring her story and perspective. Kaitlyn Dever assumes a leading role, and the creative team emphasizes character-driven storytelling.