The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us has added a powerhouse to its cast. Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actor Jeffrey Wright will be stepping into the role of Isaac, a formidable leader of a militia group caught in a relentless war against a cunning enemy. Wright previously brought this character to life in the acclaimed video game The Last of Us Part II, and his portrayal in the series is expected to add depth and gravitas to the storyline.
Returning and New Cast Members
Fans will be thrilled to know that the core cast from the first season is returning. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Joel, with Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as Maria. Their performances in the first season set a high bar, and their return promises continuity and further character development.
Joining them are new cast members who will bring fresh dynamics to the series:
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
- Isabela Merced as Dina
- Young Mazino as Jesse
- Ariela Barer as Mel
- Tati Gabrielle as Nora
- Spencer Lord as Owen
- Danny Ramirez as Manny
Additionally, Catherine O’Hara is set to make a guest appearance, adding another layer of talent to the already impressive lineup.
Production and Creative Team
The Last of Us series is crafted by the talented Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who are both writers and executive producers. The show is a coproduction with Sony Pictures Television, alongside production executives Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells. The series is brought to life by PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.
The Story Continues
Based on the critically acclaimed video game developed by Naughty Dog for PlayStation, the series is set twenty years after the collapse of modern civilization. Joel, a hardened survivor, is tasked with smuggling 14-year-old Ellie out of a quarantine zone. What begins as a simple job soon turns into a brutal, heart-wrenching journey across the United States, where both characters must rely on each other to survive.
Jeffrey Wright’s Stellar Career
Jeffrey Wright is celebrated for his versatile performances across theater, film, and television. Currently, he is receiving acclaim for his role in American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson. Wright’s performance as Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison earned him an Independent Spirit Award in 2024, along with nominations from the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and SAG Awards.
On television, Wright is known for his critically acclaimed role as Bernard Lowe in HBO’s Westworld, earning three Emmy nominations over the show’s four seasons. His recent film credits include Rustin (2023), Asteroid City (2023), The French Dispatch (2021), and The Batman (2022). Wright’s distinguished career also includes an Emmy-winning performance in HBO’s Angels in America and a Tony Award for Angels in America: Perestroika on Broadway.
With Wright joining the cast, the second season of The Last of Us promises to be even more compelling and intense. Fans eagerly await to see how his portrayal of Isaac will influence the unfolding narrative (Vader).