HBO’s hit series “The Last of Us,” an adaptation of the acclaimed Naughty Dog video game, is gearing up for its second season with a notable new addition to its cast. Young Mazino, known for his role in Netflix’s “Beef,” has been confirmed to play the character of Jesse, adding fresh talent to the already star-studded ensemble.
Young Mazino, an actor on the rise since his debut in 2013, has been making waves in the industry with roles in series like “New Amsterdam” and “Blue Bloods.” His breakthrough performance as Paul Cho in “Beef,” where he starred alongside Stephen Yeun, has earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. This casting news follows the recent announcement of Kaitlyn Dever from “Booksmart” joining the show as Abby, indicating a significant expansion in the series’ character roster.
We're so excited for Young Mazino to step into the shoes of Jesse in @TheLastOfUsHBO Season 2. 🎉 https://t.co/GurthEHRZU
— Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) January 10, 2024
Creators Neil Druckmann and showrunner/director Craig Mazin expressed their excitement about Mazino’s casting, describing him as a rare talent with undeniable presence. They shared their anticipation for audiences to see Mazino bring Jesse to life in the series.
Jesse, as portrayed in “The Last of Us Part II,” is a complex character, often seen as a community pillar who prioritizes others’ needs, sometimes at his own expense. In the game, his character, played by Stephen Chang, was the leader of the Jackson patrol troops and the love interest of Dina. Fans of the game have expressed particular fondness for Jesse, making Mazino’s portrayal highly anticipated.
“The Last of Us,” starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, has been a triumph for HBO, garnering eight Creative Emmy wins and five main Primetime Emmy nominations, including Best Drama. The show’s first season was a hit among fans and critics alike, and expectations are high for the upcoming season, which is set to adapt the events of “The Last of Us Part II.”
With filming scheduled for later this year and a release planned for the next, excitement is mounting for season two of “The Last of Us.” The quick succession of casting announcements suggests that more news about other roles could be on the horizon.
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