Alright The Last Of Us fans get hyped! Season 2 is officially on its way and things are about to get even more intense (if that's even possible). We've got a bunch of fresh faces joining the cast some first look images to drool over and all the juicy details you need to get ready for the next chapter of Joel and Ellie's journey.

New Faces Alert! Joe Pantoliano Alanna Ubach and More Join The Last Of Us Season 2 Cast in Exciting Roles

HBO just dropped a bomb of casting news for Season 2 and it's packed with talent. We are getting a whole crew of new actors joining the already stellar cast and some of them are playing characters you might vaguely remember from The Last of Us Part II game but with expanded storylines. Let's break down who is joining the party (or should we say apocalypse?).

  • Joe Pantoliano as Eugene: Yes THAT Joe Pantoliano from The Matrix and Bad Boys! He is playing Eugene a character who was only mentioned in the game. Remember that cannabis growing lab Ellie and Dina stumble upon? That was Eugene's spot. The showrunners are taking a page from the Bill and Frank playbook from Season 1 and giving Eugene way more screen time and backstory. Get ready for a deeper look at this character.
  • Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan: From Euphoria and voice acting fame Alanna Ubach is joining as Hanrahan a character created just for the show. Intriguing right? We don't know much yet but Ubach always brings her A-game.
  • Ben Ahlers as Burton: The Gilded Age star Ben Ahlers is also joining in an original role named Burton. These original characters hint at some fresh storylines Season 2 might be cooking up.
  • Hettienne Park as Elise: Fans of Hannibal and the Sundance hit Sorry Baby will recognize Hettienne Park. She is playing Elise Park another original character for the series.
  • Robert John Burke as Seth: A familiar face from Law & Order: SVU and many other shows Robert John Burke is set to play Seth. Game fans will recognize Seth as the guy who runs the bar in Jackson Wyoming.
  • Noah Lamanna as Kat: Netflix's Ginny & Georgia alum Noah Lamanna is taking on the role of Kat who game players know as Ellie's ex-girlfriend. Expect some flashbacks or exploration of Ellie's past relationships.

These new additions join returning stars Pedro Pascal (Joel) Bella Ramsey (Ellie) Isabela Merced (Dina) and a bunch of other previously announced cast like Kaitlyn Dever (Abby) and Young Mazino (Jesse). Season 2 is looking stacked!

First Look Images Revealed: Joel Ellie Abby and Dina in Action (and Things Look Tense!)

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HBO did not just give us casting news they also dropped a batch of first look images for Season 2 and they are giving us all the feels (and maybe a little bit of anxiety). We get glimpses of:

  • Joel and Ellie: Of course Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are front and center. They look weathered and serious hinting at the heavy stuff they will be facing this season.
  • Abby: Kaitlyn Dever's Abby is here and she looks ready for anything. Game fans know Abby is a major player in Part II and these images are just the beginning.
  • Dina: Isabela Merced's Dina is also featured. She seems to be right there with Ellie through thick and thin as always.
  • New Environments: The images also tease some of the new locations we will be seeing in Season 2 hinting at a world that has gotten even more dangerous and unpredictable five years after Season 1.

These images don't give away too much plot-wise if you are worried about spoilers but they definitely set the mood. Expect things to be intense emotional and probably heartbreaking. Just like The Last of Us Part II game right?

Season 2 Episode Count Shorter But "High-Calorie": What to Expect Episode Density Wise

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Co-creator Craig Mazin has revealed that Season 2 will have seven episodes which is two less than Season 1. Does that mean less story? Nope. Mazin promises every episode will be like a "meal" a "high-calorie dense episode." He says they are packing a "wallop" of action drama and scope into each one. So get ready for a leaner meaner and maybe even more emotionally draining season.

Mazin also mentioned that they expect "furor" from fans this season just like in Season 1 and just like with the game. They are not trying to please everyone on social media they are just trying to tell the story they feel is right even if it is tough to watch sometimes. Prepare yourselves folks.

Beyond Season 2? HBO Execs Hint at Potential for Four Seasons Total

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While Season 2 is the focus right now there is already talk about the future of The Last Of Us series beyond this season. HBO executive Francesca Orsi recently suggested that they are thinking about a total of four seasons for the show. Nothing is set in stone yet but it sounds like Season 2 might cover part of The Last of Us Part II story with potentially two more seasons to wrap things up. We will have to wait and see but it seems like HBO is in it for the long haul with this franchise.

Mark Your Calendars: The Last Of Us Season 2 Premieres April 13 - Get Ready!

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The wait is almost over! The official premiere date for The Last Of Us Season 2 is April 13. That's just around the corner. Start stocking up on tissues snacks and maybe some stress balls because this season is bound to be an emotional rollercoaster. Get ready to dive back into the heartbreaking and beautiful world of The Last Of Us. It is going to be one heck of a ride.

Key Things to Know About The Last Of Us Season 2:

  • Release Date: Premieres April 13.
  • New Cast Members: Joe Pantoliano Alanna Ubach Ben Ahlers Hettienne Park Robert John Burke and Noah Lamanna join the cast.
  • Expanded Roles: Joe Pantoliano's Eugene and Robert John Burke's Seth will have bigger roles than in the game similar to Bill and Frank in Season 1.
  • Original Characters: Alanna Ubach Ben Ahlers and Hettienne Park play characters created for the show.
  • First Look Images: HBO released images featuring Joel Ellie Abby and Dina hinting at the season's tone and characters.
  • Shorter Season: Season 2 will have seven "high-calorie" dense episodes.
  • Potential 4 Seasons: HBO is considering a total of four seasons for the entire series.