HBO has finally dropped a first look at The Last of Us Season 2 with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

On May 16, HBO gave a first look at Pascal and Ramsey's returns as Joel and Ellie, respectively. In the first image, Pascal's Joel is seen with longer hair and a more gruff look. Ramsey's Ellie is holding a gun in the second image as she appears shocked by something.

These are the first promotional images shared from the second season, which is currently in production. In the post, it was also revealed that The Last of Us Season 2 will be released in 2025.

Who is Pedro Pascal?

Pedro Pascal at the SAG Awards in 2024.
Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Pedro Pascal is known for his role in Disney+'s Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. Pascal also appeared in another Star Wars series, The Book of Boba Fett, as his signature role. He first gained notoriety for his performances in Game of Thrones, another HBO series, and Narcos.

His early film credits include Kingsman: The Golden Circle, The Great Wall, The Equalizer 2, and Triple Frontier. Since gaining fame for The Mandalorian, Pascal has gotten to star in other high-profile projects such as Wonder Woman 1984 and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

Coming up, Pascal will lead the MCU's Fantastic Four. He will play Reed Richards in the film and star alongside Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Bella Ramsey is widely associated with their role in The Last of Us. Similar to Pascal, Ramsey also appeared in Game of Thrones, playing Lyanna Mormont. Their other notable projects include Catherine Called Birdy and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

What is The Last of Us Season 2 about? 

The Last of Us Season 2 is the second season in HBO's hit adaptation of the video game series. This time, the season will adapt the second video game in the series. That means Abby will be introduced into the series, which doesn't bode well for the fate of Joel.

Kaitlyn Dever was cast in the role of Abby for the forthcoming season. She is known for starring in Last Man Standing and Booksmart. Her recent credits include Ticket to Paradise, No One Will Save You, and Dopesick.

The first season was based on the 2013 game of the same name and adapted that. It follows Joel as he is tasked with escorting an immune teenager, Ellie, across a post-apocalyptic country.

Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) developed the series Neil Druckmann, who worked in video game franchises including Uncharted and The Last of Us. Together, they served as co-showrunners and the writers of the first season. They also directed the first two episodes before handing the reins to others.

The first season premiered on January 15, 2023. One episode was released each week through March 12. The Last of Us received 24 nominations at the Emmys, which meant it was yet another big winner for HBO. It took home eight awards, including Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Nick Offerman.

In addition to Pascal and Ramsey, Nico Parker, Murray Bartlett, John Hannah, and Merle Dandridge also starred in the series.