The Last of Us Season 2: HBO Sets April 2025 Release with New Cast and Darker Storyline

The Last of Us Season 2: What We Know So Far

If you felt the wait after Season 1 was long, buckle up—The Last of Us finally returns for Season 2 on April 13, 2025. That’s more than two years since Joel and Ellie mesmerized everyone with their gritty journey across post-pandemic America. HBO isn’t rushing this, and creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are promising something even more ambitious.

Season 2 picks up five years after the last season’s emotional finale. Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, and Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, have tried to build a life amid the ruins, but peace doesn’t stick around. When one horrific event shatters their attempt at normalcy, Ellie finds herself caught in a storm of rage and revenge, kicking off a journey that’s even more harrowing than before.

This time, expect a much darker mood. The story will lean deeply into themes like violence, loss, and complex moral choices. The source material—The Last of Us Part II—splits audiences for good reason. Mazin and Druckmann have said the show will stick close to major, heart-breaking story beats, but you should still expect surprises. Not everything plays out the same way as in the video game, and the showrunners are using the weekly release to build suspense and conversation.

Release, Episodes, and New Faces

The Last of Us Season 2 will offer seven episodes, rolling out one at a time every week on HBO Max and HBO’s traditional channel. One of those episodes will run longer—likely to give a pivotal moment the space it deserves. HBO is stretching the adaptation over several seasons, so this batch only covers about half of the second game’s story. More seasons are on the horizon to wrap up the tale.

The returning faces are what fans hoped for: Pascal’s weary, conflicted Joel and Ramsey’s tough-yet-vulnerable Ellie return to the spotlight. But Season 2 cranks things up by adding new, game-changing characters. Kaitlyn Dever steps in as Abby, a figure who completely changes the pace and perspective, while Isabela Merced brings Dina, Ellie's close companion, to life. Young Mazino joins as Jesse, supporting Ellie in her quest.

If you’ve played the game, these names carry a ton of weight. Abby’s arrival, in particular, signals a huge narrative shift, and fans are already theorizing about what tweaks the show might make. HBO is betting big here—these aren’t small, peripheral roles. Each new character is tied to moments that define this season’s direction and mood. From cast announcements to teaser trailers, it’s clear that the team is pulling no punches with the adaptation.

So, where do you watch all this unfold? The answer’s simple: HBO Max will stream every episode, week by week, starting from April 13. If you still watch on cable, HBO’s usual slot will have your back too. Nothing drops all at once. The slow, old-school rollout means speculation and fan chatter will be in full swing for months.

With these details, The Last of Us isn’t just back—it’s setting the stage for another intense run, with deeper character dives, more complicated emotions, and a relentless focus on what people are willing to do for revenge—or forgiveness. For anyone not up to speed, now’s the perfect excuse to revisit the first season and dust off that game controller.