Joel and Ellie travel through a world full of zombies

Joel and Ellie still have many battles ahead of them The Last of Us Season 2.

On Monday, January 6, HBO announced that the series’ long-awaited second season – based on the 2013 video game of the same name – will premiere on Max in April. The streamer also revealed an exciting new teaser, giving fans a first look at some new additions to the cast and what’s to come.

“It doesn’t matter if you have code like me, there are just some things that everyone agrees are just wrong,” says a voice in the teaser announcement, with a look at Kaitlyn Dever as Abby begins.

There are still plenty of zombies for Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) to fight – while Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and Maria (Rutina Wesley) continue to defend their settlement in Jackson, Wyoming – but this season the risks are higher.

Ellie loves Dina (Isabela Merced) and viewers also learn the fate of Tommy and Maria’s baby, as it was revealed in season 1 that she is pregnant.

According to the official season two logline, season two takes place five years after the events of season one, as “Joel and Ellie become embroiled in conflict with each other and in a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.” .”

In addition to Dever and Merced, Jeffrey Wright will appear in the new season as Isaac, while Danny Ramirez will appear as Manny. Other new additions include Young Mazino Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora and Spencer Lord as Owen.

Catherine O’Hara will also guest star.

Filming for season two began early last year and at the 2024 SAG Awards, Pascal, 49, told reporters in the press room that things went “amazing” from the start.

“It’s kind of impressive how focused and dedicated everyone is going into season two,” he said. “(Co-creators) Craig Mazin and Bella Ramsey are that guide and guidance to me that I’ve never experienced before. So it’s incredible to be back with them.”

“Everyone, our entire crew, is working harder than I can even imagine, even harder than our first season – which is almost impossible,” said Pascal, fresh off a win for Outstanding Male Actor in a Drama Series for this season had achieved 1, added.

Merced, 23, is also raving about the second season. She teased the “romance” that will develop between her and Ramsey’s characters in Josh Horowitz Happy, sad, confused Podcast in August.

“I think it’s the romance between the two of us that really… Ugh, that brings tears to my eyes,” she said when asked what she most wants to see on screen. “I have a whole playlist for Dina and Ellie. She’s beautiful.”

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Season 2 of The Last of Us Premiering in April on HBO.