Much to fan delight, Naughty Dog started rolling out announcements for The Last of Us Season 2. HBO is painting a clearer picture of their second installment after confirming the actors portraying integral characters including Abby, Dina, and Jesse.
Each of these characters plays a crucial part in The Last of Us: Part II‘s story as they embark on their respective life-shaping journeys surrounding Ellie. With plenty of familiar faces joining the The Last of Us Season 2 cast, let’s discuss these new additions and learn a bit more about their characters.
Kaitlyn Dever Joins ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 as Abby Anderson
Kaitlyn Dever is primarily known for her knock-out performance in No One Will Save You, and also starred in the underrated gem Booksmart. She now adds The Last of Us to her roster in which she will adapt the phenomenal character of Abby.
Abby is undeniably the most crucial character in The Last of Us: Part II as she becomes the primary antagonist to Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Fans have been split since the game’s release as to whether Abby is actually a villain, or simply just someone trying to avenge her loved ones — like Ellie. Viewers who are unaware of the source material are bound to see her as the big bad following her initial actions, but the story does an incredible job of humanizing Abby and allowing audiences to empathize with her.
She cares deeply about her loved ones and community, only wanting what is best for everyone. She is strong-headed, determined, and a straight-up badass. Dever’s filmography proves she has what it takes to tackle both Abby’s depth and range.
‘Beef’s Young Mazino Is Tapped as Jesse
You may recognize Young Mazino from his performance as Paul Cho in Netflix’s Beef for which he bagged himself an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series. Mazino looks to capitalize on his career momentum by taking on the role of Jesse in The Last of Us Season 2.
Jesse’s journey is a rough one in Part II, traveling alongside Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) on their mission for vengeance across Seattle. Judging by his friendship with Ellie and strained relationship with Dina, Jesse is a character who puts his friends’ troubles above his own and stands by their side no matter what. He is skilled in combat, and confident while doing so. His cockiness is highly entertaining and Mazino should blend beautifully alongside Ramsey and Merced in this golden trio.
Isabela Merced To Play Dina in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2
Isabela Merced has a packed schedule coming up as she stars in upcoming projects Madame Web and Superman: Legacy, and now joins the cast of HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 as Dina. “Let the love story begin,” Merced teased on her Instagram story following Naughty Dog’s announcement of her playing Dina in The Last of Us.
Dina is Ellie’s anchor during the events of Part II. She wholeheartedly supports every single one of Ellie’s decisions and wants to stand by her side eternally. Dina is loyal and dedicates her entire being to ensuring Ellie’s safety and happiness.
There has been some controversy surrounding Merced’s casting as an integral part of Dina’s backstory is her Jewish heritage. She often tells Ellie about her relationship with her sister and their struggles with practicing their religion post-apocalypse. Because her religion is such a large portion of her identity, it remains to be seen how the series will the character, but Merced is sure to make her mark on the franchise either way.
More The Last of Us Season 2 Cast Announcements Are Sure To Come
Further announcements are bound to follow soon for the rest of The Last of Us Season 2 cast as characters such as Lev, Owen, Mel, and the rest of Abby’s crew are yet to be revealed.
For updates on future casting announcements stay tuned to the Agents of Fandom socials.
