Max gave video game fans what they wanted most in 2023: The live-action adaptation of The Last of Us. The series not only became one of the most popular on the platforms but also managed to break several records and receive multiple accolades, including eight awards at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey bring the main characters, Joel Miller and Ellie Williams, to life in the 10 episodes that make up the first season. Both will be back to continue the story, and the production has already confirmed new actors joining the cast, portraying some classic game characters.
The second season was set to premiere shortly, but due to the actors’ and writers’ strike, the date was postponed, along with the filming and production by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. This time, the plot will have a five-year jump, introducing many changes that have been in the works for some time.
Who are the cast of The Last of Us?
As expected, the protagonists have not changed, and Pedro Pascal along with Bella Ramsey will return to portray the classic characters, Joel and Ellie. Despite the first season’s strong and acclaimed ending by fans, the new episodes will bring more drama, conflicts, and challenges to their lives.
Although it is expected that the actors from the first installment will return for the second, it has not been confirmed who has agreed to come back, besides the main characters. HBO has not announced whether Gabriel Luna and Rutina Wesley will return once again. However, there were many other additions, such as Young Mazino in the role of Jesse.
On the other hand, it has been revealed who will take on the role of Abby Anderson, and it is the young actress Kaitlyn Dever (No One Will Save You, Dopesick and Booksmart). The news was published by Max’s official site on X and by its creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. They commented:
“Our casting process for the second season has been identical to the first: we sought world-class actors who embody the essence of the characters from the original material. Nothing matters more than talent, and we are delighted that such an acclaimed performer as Kaitlyn is joining Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our family”.
On Friday, January 2, 2024, it was confirmed that the great Catherine O’Hara joined the second part as a guest star in an undisclosed role. The star of Beetlejuice and Home Alone is the first major guest figure to be announced, following several cast additions by HBO for the new episodes.
Jeffrey Wright, Danny Ramirez, Spencer Lord, Ariela Barer and Tati Gabrielle were confirmed to play supporting roles in the second installment. Several other stars will also be participating. Here, check out their respective roles and official descriptions:
- Ariela Barer will be Mel, a young doctor whose commitment to saving lives is confronted with the reality of war and tribalism.
- Tati Gabrielle will be Nora, a military doctor who has to deal with the sins of her past.
- Spencer Lord will be Owen, a noble soul trapped in the body of a warrior, condemned to fight an enemy he cannot hate.
- Danny Ramirez will be Manny, a loyal soldier whose cheerful demeanor conceals the pain of old wounds and the fear of letting his friends down when they need him the most.
- Jeffrey Wright will be Isaac, the military leader of the Lobos.
What will TLOF season 2 be about?
Without giving away too many spoilers for the new episodes, the second season will continue to follow Joel and Ellie. According to what the creators have assured, the story will be set after the harrowing experience at the Firefly hospital, and there they will cross paths with Abby Anderson.
This is not only one of the most significant developments in the narrative but will be involved in some crucial moments. HBO provided an official description of the character, stating that she is “an expert soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged when she seeks revenge for those she loved”.
The second part of the adaptation also features a five-year time jump, and this time we won’t see a 14-year-old Ellie; instead, in the new installment, she will be 19 years old. As a young adult, she embarks on a quest alongside the unfamiliar Abby, following her and her faction across the country to the dilapidated outskirts of Seattle.
When will the new episodes be released on Max?
During an interview with Collider, Pedro Pascal spoke about the start of filming for the second season, and everything indicated that it would begin in 2023, wrapping up at some point in 2024. Therefore, although there is still no confirmed date, the new episodes should arrive in early 2025.