When will The Last of Us Season 3 be released?

It is expected to premiere in 2027 per HBO executives. This accounts for production scale and Season 2’s release schedule.

Michelle Mao (Bridgerton's Rosamund Li) has been cast as the Seraphite teenager and Abby’s ally.

Kyriana Kratter (Skeleton Crew's KB) will play Lev, a 13-year-old Seraphite crucial to Abby’s journey.

Who are Lev and Yara in the game?

Siblings from the Seraphite cult ("Scars"). Yara (16) and Lev (13) flee persecution after Lev identifies as male, eventually saving Abby’s life.

Is Lev transgender in the TV series?

Yes, Lev remains a trans boy (born "Lily"). Identity is central to the plot and the siblings' status as apostates fleeing the cult.

How do they connect to Abby’s story?

They rescue Abby, who then protects them and seeks medical aid for Yara's injuries, forming a surrogate family that humanizes her.

What are the Seraphites?

A technology-rejecting religious cult at war with the WLF. They communicate via whistles and perform ritualistic killings of those who defy their norms.

Will Ellie and Dina return?

Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Isabela Merced (Dina) return, though Season 3 focuses on Abby's perspective until the storylines converge.

What is Abby’s role?

Abby is the Season 3 protagonist. The story covers her Seattle journey, ties to WLF comrades like Owen and Mel, and her growth through the siblings.

Is Season 3 the last season?

Not officially. It completes the Part II adaptation, but future seasons depend on potential new material like a Part III game.

Bridgerton and Star Wars Stars Join The Last of Us Season 3 as Lev and Yara: Cast, Characters, and What It Means

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The HBO series The Last of Us is gearing up for a pivotal third season, and it’s bringing in fresh talent from some very popular franchises. A star from Netflix’s Bridgerton and a young actor from Star Wars: Skeleton Crew have been cast in The Last of Us Season 3 to play the crucial roles of Yara and Lev – siblings whose storyline is central to The Last of Us Part II video game.

This casting news has fans buzzing about how these characters will shape the show’s narrative, especially as Season 3 shifts focus to a new perspective in the post-apocalyptic saga. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know – from who the actors are and their backgrounds, to who Yara and Lev are in the game, how their tale ties into Abby’s story, and what this all means for HBO’s adaptation.

We’ll also cover the latest on Season 3’s production, the full cast list of new and returning characters, and address some burning questions in the FAQ section. Let’s dive into the details of “Bridgerton and Star Wars Stars Join The Last of Us Season 3 as Lev and Yara.”

Yelzkizi bridgerton and star wars stars join the last of us season 3 as lev and yara: cast, characters, and what it means

Bridgerton star Michelle Mao cast as Yara in The Last of Us season 3

Michelle Mao, who plays Rosamund Li in Bridgerton Season 4 (2026), has been cast as Yara for Season 3 of The Last of Us. Yara is a 16-year-old member of the Seraphite cult who questions her faith and eventually protects her younger brother, Lev, by forging an alliance with Abby and the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Originally voiced by Victoria Grace in the game, the character’s arc focuses on growth and challenging dogma. Mao, who has over 40 acting credits, recently starred in Zi (2026) and appeared in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025).

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew actor Kyriana Kratter cast as Lev in The Last of Us season 3

Kyriana Kratter, known for playing “KB” in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, has been cast as Lev. In the source material, Lev is a 13-year-old who breaks away from the Seraphite cult. While the character was originally voiced by transgender actor Ian Alexander, HBO cast Kratter, a cisgender female, following an inclusive casting call. This decision has stirred some fan conversation regarding representation, though Kratter is noted for her emotional depth and screen presence. Lev is described as loyal, austere, and a skilled warrior.

Who are Lev and Yara in The Last of Us Part II

Lev and Yara are siblings from the Seraphite cult, or “Scars,” a militant group in Seattle that shuns technology. Yara was a trained warrior, while Lev was born “Lily” but identifies as male. After Lev shaved his head to live as his true self, he was declared an apostate. Yara chose to protect him, leading them to become outcasts. They meet Abby when they save her from execution; during the escape, Yara’s arm is shattered by a Seraphite and later amputated. The siblings become Abby’s moral compass, and Yara eventually sacrifices herself during a battle between the WLF and Seraphites so Lev and Abby can escape.

Lev and Yara explained: the Seraphites storyline coming to HBO

Season 3 will introduce the Seraphites, an ultra-orthodox cult that uses ritual facial scarring and whistles to communicate. They are locked in a violent war with the WLF, led by Isaac (Jeffrey Wright). The show will explore Seraphite rituals, their technology-free lifestyle, and their oppressive social rules. Clea DuVall has been cast in an undisclosed Seraphite role. A major expected set-piece is the WLF’s full-scale assault on the Seraphite island. The storyline highlights the human cost of extremist ideologies through the eyes of Lev and Yara.

How Lev and Yara connect to Abby in The Last of Us season 3

Season 3 shifts to Abby Anderson’s (Kaitlyn Dever) perspective, covering the same timeline as Season 2 but from her side. Abby’s chance encounter with Lev and Yara transforms her from a soldier driven by revenge into a protector. She risks her standing with the WLF to get medical supplies for Yara and forms a familial bond with Lev. This relationship leads Abby to defy her leader, Isaac, and eventually choose mercy over violence during her final confrontation with Ellie and Dina.

Is Lev transgender in The Last of Us season 3

Lev will be portrayed as a transgender boy in the series, maintaining his identity from the video game. His transition—defying the Seraphites by shaving his head—is the central reason the cult hunts him. The show is expected to cover his past as “Lily” and the rejection he faced from his community and mother. While the casting of a cisgender actress has raised questions about authentic representation, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have expressed a commitment to including explicit LGBTQ+ representation and handling the subject with care.

The Last of Us season 3 story focus: Abby’s perspective and the Seattle conflict

Season 3 focuses on the second half of The Last of Us Part II, retelling the Seattle timeline from Abby’s perspective. It will explore her PTSD, her relationships with WLF members like Owen and Mel, and her internal shift while protecting Lev and Yara. The season will delve into the morally gray war between the WLF and Seraphites and is expected to culminate in the theater showdown with Ellie. It remains unclear if the story will extend to the Santa Barbara arc or if that will be reserved for a potential Season 4.

The Last of Us season 3 cast list: new characters and returning stars

Season 3 features a mix of returning and new cast members:

Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson: Returning as the central protagonist for Season 3, focusing on her emotional journey following the events of Season 2.
Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams: Returning as a pivotal character whose story of trauma and revenge continues to parallel Abby’s.
Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller: Returning as Joel’s brother, dealing with the aftermath of Season 2’s events.
Isabela Merced as Dina: Returning as Ellie’s partner, likely appearing in Ellie-centric scenes or later parts of the season.
Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller: Expected to appear in flashbacks that explore his relationship with Ellie and the hospital reveal.
Michelle Mao as Yara: New addition playing a Seraphite sibling whose perspective is integral to Abby’s arc.
Kyriana Kratter as Lev: New addition playing Yara’s younger brother and Abby’s primary companion.
Patrick Wilson as Jerry Anderson: New addition as Abby’s father, appearing in flashbacks as the Firefly surgeon from Season 1.
Jason Ritter as Hanley: New character created for the show, portraying a WLF soldier in Abby’s unit.
Clea DuVall as (TBA Seraphite role): New addition in a secretive role, potentially an Elder or the siblings’ mother.
Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Manny: Taking over the role from Danny Ramirez due to scheduling conflicts; a close friend of Abby.
Spencer Lord as Owen Moore: Returning as Abby’s ex-boyfriend and a Firefly member seeking a more peaceful life.
Ariela Barer as Mel: Returning as a pregnant WLF medic whose relationship with Owen creates tension with Abby.
Tati Gabrielle as Nora Harris: Returning as a former Firefly and WLF member, potentially appearing in flashbacks.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon: Returning as the ruthless leader of the WLF, reprising the role he voiced in the original game.
Young Mazino: Unconfirmed but rumored for a role, possibly Jesse.

The Last of Us season 3 release date and production updates

Release Date: Expected to premiere in 2027, according to HBO’s Casey Bloys.
Renewal and Writing: Renewed in 2025; the storyline of the second game is being split across multiple seasons. Craig Mazin serves as the sole showrunner and lead writer for Season 3.
Filming Timeline: Filming is anticipated for 2025-2026, primarily in Vancouver, to allow for extensive post-production.
Scale and Production Design: The season will depict a large-scale war between the WLF and Seraphites, requiring significant set building and effects.
Episodes and Structure: Likely 8-10 episodes, focusing on the second half of the game’s narrative.
Casting and Pre-production: Major casting was finalized by early 2026, with actors undergoing physical and stunt training for their roles.

What Michelle Mao has been in: Bridgerton role and recent credits

Michelle Mao is a rising talent known for her role in Bridgerton Season 4 as Rosamund Li, a “spoiled and snooty” stepsister in a Cinderella-inspired plot. She has over 40 acting credits, including the lead role in the film Zi (2026), which premiered at Sundance, and a role in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) alongside Margot Robbie. Her background includes a master’s degree from Tsinghua University and a global upbringing that allows her to bring authentic representation to her characters.

What Kyriana Kratter has been in: Skeleton Crew role and recent credits

Kyriana Kratter gained recognition as “KB” in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2025). Her character featured cybernetic enhancements, allowing Kratter to showcase her ability to convey emotion through subtle expressions. With a background in regional theater, dance, and singing, Kratter is noted for her physical adeptness and natural screen presence. The Last of Us marks her second major franchise role.

What this casting means for The Last of Us Part II adaptation on HBO

The casting of Mao and Kratter confirms that Season 3 will focus heavily on Abby’s arc and her interactions with the Seraphites. Key implications include:

Narrative Focus: The show will fully explore the Seraphite vs. WLF war and Abby’s journey toward redemption.
Themes: The adaptation will tackle complex topics such as religious extremism, gender identity, and the humanization of enemies.
Representation: The inclusion of Lev ensures the series continues its commitment to inclusive storytelling, featuring one of gaming’s most prominent transgender characters.
Fidelity to Source: The presence of these characters reassures fans that major subplots from the game are being maintained rather than minimized for television.
Season Trajectory: Season 3 will likely cover the majority of the remaining game content, possibly concluding with the theater confrontation or the Santa Barbara epilogue.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will The Last of Us Season 3 be released?
It is expected to premiere in 2027 per HBO executives. This accounts for production scale and Season 2’s release schedule.
Who is playing Yara?
Michelle Mao (Bridgerton’s Rosamund Li) has been cast as the Seraphite teenager and Abby’s ally.
Who is playing Lev?
Kyriana Kratter (Skeleton Crew’s KB) will play Lev, a 13-year-old Seraphite crucial to Abby’s journey.
Who are Lev and Yara in the game?
Siblings from the Seraphite cult (“Scars”). Yara (16) and Lev (13) flee persecution after Lev identifies as male, eventually saving Abby’s life.
Is Lev transgender in the TV series?
Yes, Lev remains a trans boy (born “Lily”). Identity is central to the plot and the siblings’ status as apostates fleeing the cult.
How do they connect to Abby’s story?
They rescue Abby, who then protects them and seeks medical aid for Yara’s injuries, forming a surrogate family that humanizes her.
What are the Seraphites?
A technology-rejecting religious cult at war with the WLF. They communicate via whistles and perform ritualistic killings of those who defy their norms.
Will Ellie and Dina return?
Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Isabela Merced (Dina) return, though Season 3 focuses on Abby’s perspective until the storylines converge.
What is Abby’s role?
Abby is the Season 3 protagonist. The story covers her Seattle journey, ties to WLF comrades like Owen and Mel, and her growth through the siblings.
Is Season 3 the last season?
Not officially. It completes the Part II adaptation, but future seasons depend on potential new material like a Part III game.

Conclusion

Season 3 of The Last of Us tackles the powerful narratives of Part II with Mao and Kratter in key roles. The cast includes Patrick Wilson as Abby’s father Jerry, with returning stars Dever, Ramsey, and Luna under solo showrunner Craig Mazin. Planned for 2027, the season explores themes of empathy and representation, mirroring the game’s complex dual-narrative structure.