THE LAST OF US Season 2 Casting Update

Let’s break down all the recent news updates around The Last of Us Season 2.

First, production on the hit HBO show has moved from Alberta to British Columbia for season 2. Construction is currently under way on “New Jackson, Wyoming” a major location from the The Last of Us Part 2.

The series boasted an upward trend around its viewership which is exceptional in its own right. The season finale managed 8.2 million same day audience. The show’s number are split between HBO (cable) ansd HBO Max with total viewership per episode averaging around 30 million.

The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed by a fungal pandemic. Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle teen Ellie (Bella Ramsey) out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse across the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.

The season 1 finale saw Ellie and Joel reaching New Jackson, Wyoming, a thriving community of survivors from the fungal pandemic.

For season 2 there are a number of new cast members joining the show, let’s break it down.

Abby

Abby is a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved. Fans of the game will know Abby as one of the playable protagonists in the second game.

Kaitlyn Dever (No One Will Save You) will play Abby. Dever starred in the long running sitcom Last Man Standing. She was also one of the leads in teen comedy Booksmart.

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. Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro [Pascal], Bella [Ramsey] and the rest of our family. — The Last of Us showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann in a joint statement.

Jesse

Jesse is a pillar of his community [in Jackson]. He often puts everyone else’s needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost.

Young Mazino will play Jesse. Mazino played Paul Cho in Netflix series Beef. That role earned him a PrimeTime Emmy nomination Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie.

Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him. We’re so lucky to have him, and we can’t wait for the audience to see Young shine in our show. — Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann in a joint statement.

Dina

Isabela Merced also joins the recent cast announcements. She will play Dina, Ellie’s love interest (in the video game) and chief ally in her mission for revenge. She played Dora in Dora and the Lost City of Gold and has numerous film credits to her name.

“Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann in a statement via Variety. “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.”

SOURCE: hollywoodnorthbuzz.com