HBO's The Last of Us Season 2, premiering this April, expands its impressive cast with six noteworthy additions. Variety revealed the new actors joining the show: Joe Pantoliano ( Memento, The Matrix), Alanna Ubach (Euphoria, Bombshell), Ben Ahlers (The Gilded Age, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Hettienne Park (Don't Look Up), Robert John Burke (RoboCop 3), and Noah Lamanna (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds).
These actors will portray both established characters from The Last of Us Part II and entirely new ones. Pantoliano will play Eugene, Ellie and Dina's friend, whose role will be significantly expanded from the game. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann explained to Variety that, much like Bill's storyline in Season 1, Eugene's backstory will be explored in greater depth. Druckmann noted the opportunity to delve deeper into Eugene's character, stating that the game's portrayal was "somewhat superficial" and that this expansion will enrich Joel and Ellie's relationship.
Burke takes on the role of Seth, the bigoted bar owner from Part II, while Lamanna will play Kat, a character who dated Ellie before the events of the game. Ubach, Ahlers, and Park will portray new characters: Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, respectively.
These newcomers join the already stellar ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Isabela Merced as Dina, Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, and Gabriel Luna as Tommy. With previous hints from the showrunners suggesting that Part II's events will unfold over multiple seasons, more surprises are undoubtedly in store.
The Last of Us Season 2 adapts the events of The Last of Us Part II, premiering April 13th. For further insights, explore articles detailing the show's potential four-season arc and Druckmann's comments on the inclusion of "pretty brutal" cut content from the game.
