‘The Last of Us’ season 2 trailer reveals Seraphites, WLFs, and more key game scenes

Some of the cast and creators for the hotly anticipated next chapter in the Emmy-winning saga assembled for their first public appearance at a panel at the Austin-based festival, out of which emerged the brand-new trailer. The footage gives us more in-depth looks at some of the key game moments to come, including ones involving some groups that we will meet along the way — straight from the games.

The Last of Us season 2, consisting of seven episodes, picks up five years after Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) dramatic odyssey across a pandemic-scarred America. They settled in the Jackson, Wyo., community run by Joel’s sister-in-law, Maria (Rutina Wesley), but the ghosts of their past refuse to die. It’s during this time of relative peace when the arrival of a strange group led by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), a skilled soldier seeking vengeance for those she loved, upends their lives.

The trailer reveals more looks at two additional groups that are integral to the story: the Seraphites and the WLFs. Without getting into too many story details, to preserve some of the plot points, the Seraphites are a deeply religious cult-y group, while the WLFs are a large militia faction led by Jeffrey Wright’s Isaac, who’s also seen prominently in the teaser. Wright reprises the role after originating Isaac in the Part II video game.

Pascal, Ramsey, and Dever joined co-showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, as well as cast members Gabriel Luna (Joel’s brother, Tommy), Isabela Merced (Ellie’s love interest, Dina), and Young Mazino (Ellie’s best friend and Dina’s ex, Jesse) at SXSW to preview season 2.

Additional season 2 casting includes Spencer Lord as Owen, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, and Danny Ramirez as Manny, all members of Abby’s crew. Catherine O’Hara also guest stars as Joel’s therapist in Jackson.

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More recently, HBO confirmed that Joe Pantoliano will play Eugene, a small character from the game who will have a bigger presence on the show; Robert John Burke will play Seth, a local bar owner in Jackson; Noah Lamanna will play Kat, Ellie’s ex-girlfriend; and Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, and Hettienne Park will play Hanrahan, Burton, and Elise Park, all new characters created for the drama.