The Last of Us Season 3 Casts Michelle Mao and Kyriana Kratter as Yara and Lev

Key Takeaways

• Michelle Mao (Bridgerton Season 4) will play Yara, and Kyriana Kratter (Star Wars: Skeleton Crew) will play Lev in The Last of Us Season 3.
• Returning cast includes Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabella Merced, Gabriel Luna, and Jeffrey Wright.
• Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord have all been promoted to series regular status.
• Craig Mazin will be the sole showrunner for Season 3 after Neil Druckmann's departure.

HBO's critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us has locked in two significant casting additions for its highly anticipated third season. Michelle Mao will star as Yara, while Kyriana Kratter will take on the role of Lev — two fan-favorite characters from the beloved video game source material.

Rising Stars

Both newcomers bring impressive credentials. Michelle Mao is currently appearing in Season 4 of Netflix's Bridgerton as Rosamund Li, and her feature film Zi premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Kyriana Kratter recently starred in the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and has also appeared in the Disney series Bunk'd.

A Stacked Returning Cast

Season 3 features a loaded ensemble. Returning favorites include Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabella Merced, Gabriel Luna, and Jeffrey Wright. In a notable move, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, and Spencer Lord have all been promoted to series regular status.

Previously announced new additions include Clea Duvall, Patrick Wilson, Jason Ritter, and Jorge Lendeborg Jr., with Lendeborg taking over the role of Manny from Danny Ramirez.

A New Era Behind the Camera

Season 3 marks a significant shift in the show's creative leadership. Co-creator Neil Druckmann, who also created the original video game at Naughty Dog, has exited the series. Craig Mazin will serve as sole showrunner, writer, and executive producer for the upcoming season. The series is a co-production between HBO and Sony Pictures Television.

Our Take

The casting of Yara and Lev is one of the most anticipated pieces of the Season 3 puzzle, and HBO appears to have made strong choices. Michelle Mao's breakout turn in Bridgerton and Sundance credibility, combined with Kyriana Kratter's franchise experience from Skeleton Crew, suggest both actors have the range needed for these emotionally complex roles.

The real story here, though, might be behind the camera. Neil Druckmann's departure leaves Craig Mazin navigating what is essentially the most divisive section of The Last of Us Part II's storyline — without the game's original creator. Season 2 proved Mazin is more than capable, but the pressure to stick the landing on a story that polarized even hardcore fans of the game will be immense. With this ensemble locked in, expectations for Season 3 just went through the roof.