It has been an exciting week for The Last of Us fans. Not only is the Part II Remaster a week away, the first season of HBO’s The Last of Us recieved a bunch of awards and nominations, including 3 Golden Globe nominations, 25 Emmy nominations, and 8 Emmy Awards at the Creative Arts presentation. But that’s not why we’re here today. As season two looms over us, with production approaching, HBO have been expanding their cast ready for the dramatic events of the next season. We wouldn’t be surprised if new characters are added to the lore, but this week has seen a few integral characters from the second game join the live-action adaptation.
Kaitlyn Dever, The No One Will Save You and Last Man Standing star, has joined season two as Abby, a pivotal character in the second game.
“Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” said showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro [Pascal], Bella and the rest of our family.”
Young Mazino, who starred in Netflix’s Beef, will appear in season two as Jesse, a close friend of Ellie’s who is described as “a pillar of his community who puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost.”
“Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him,” said Mazin and Druckmann. “We’re so lucky to have him, and we can’t wait for the audience to see Young shine in our show.”
Lastly, Transformers: The Last Knight and Madame Web star Isabela Merced has joined The Last of Us as Dina, another very important character from Part II. Dina is described as “a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit.”
“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said Mazin and Druckmann. “You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family.”
Season two feels like a lifetime away, but we are so incredibly happy with how the series is gradually taking shape. It’s definitely going to be a divisive one, just like the game, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. What do you think of the current castings? Make sure you let us know in the comments.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more exciting news… And maybe the odd Clicker.
