HBO's latest film, "The Last of Us," is a dystopian zombie thriller that lives up to its advertising claims. The Last of Us" takes place 20 years after the end of civilization. A mutated fungus infects the human brain, transforming it into a monster that can be infected by a bite. In a new world where harsh military regimes and freedom fighters coexist, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) embark on a cross-country journey in search of a possible cure for the first time since the pandemic stopped the world.

Directed by Craig Mazin, creator of "Chernobyl," and Neil Drachman, creator of the original game, this new series has already become a can't-miss series after only three episodes have aired and is attracting not only game fans but new Viewers, both game fans and newcomers alike, have praised the terrifying tale led by an all-star cast. Among the familiar faces are two "Game of Thrones" (open in new tab) alumni, HBO favorites, and stars of "The Yellow Jackets" (open in new tab). Here's a look at the cast of "The Last of Us.

Before the Cordyceps outbreak, Joel was a builder living in Texas with his daughter Sarah; 20 years later, he lives in Boston's QZ (quarantine zone) and works as a smuggler, where he encounters an opportunity to save the world from a zombie-like plague.

Pascal worked in television for years before his breakout role as Prince Oberyn Martell in the fourth season of "Game of Thrones" brought him international fame. In addition to The Last of Us, he also played the lead role in Disney+'s Star Wars show The Mandolorian.

At the time of Outbreak, Joel was living with his 14-year-old daughter Sarah, who is played by Parker, daughter of "Westworld" actress Thandie Newton; the 18-year-old has previously appeared in Disney's live-action remake of "Dumbo" and the HBO mini-series "The Third Day, 2021 film "Remembrance" (with Newton).

Joel's brother Tommy survived the outbreak with him, and 20 years later they are living in separate places. Tommy hasn't been heard from in a while, so Joel decides to leave the Boston QZ and go looking for Tommy. Tommy is played by Luna, a longtime film and television star who has appeared in the second season of HBO's True Detective, Marvel's Agents of SHIELD, and the 2019 film Terminator: Dark Fate.

Ellie is a 14-year-old orphan who knows nothing but the current FEDRA-led dystopian society. After surviving an attack, this rebellious teenager discovers that she is immune to Cordyceps brain infection.

Sexually fluid, Ramsay is a 19-year-old actor whose first role as the young villainess Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones is also their most famous role. After her breakthrough, she continued to appear in several films and shows, including a starring role in the 2022 period film "A Catherine Called Birdie" and a guest appearance in the HBO epic "His Dark Materials."

Tess is an experienced smuggler and Joel's business partner who sets out with him on a journey to find Tommy, which eventually leads them to Ellie. She is played by Australian actress Tove, best known for her starring role in the sci-fi series FRINGE. Tove has also appeared in the Netflix series Mindhunter and the Australian show The Newsreader in 2021.

Marlene (pictured left) is the leader of Firefly, a resistance movement fighting for freedom against the oppressive military regime of FEDRA. When she discovers Ellie's immunity, she dedicates her life to keeping Ellie alive so that scientists can research a cure.

Dandridge appears in the live-action series in the same role he voiced in the original game franchise. She is a familiar actress to television fans, having appeared in Sons of Anarchy, Starcrossed, Greenleaf, Flight Attendant, and Station 19.

Bill is a survivalist who was already prepared for the apocalypse when the outbreak occurred. He lived alone in a self-made quarantine area for years until he met other survivors. He is friends with Joel and Tess.

Offerman is best known for playing the lovable curmudgeon Ron Swanson in the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. In addition to "Parks and Rec," he has appeared in countless popular shows and films, including "Gilmore Girls," "21 Jump Street," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "Will & Grace," and "Bob's Burgers.

Frank was on his way to Boston's QZ when he fell into Bill's trap; the two appear only briefly in the game, but the series features their epic love story.

Bartlett has appeared on HBO shows for decades, including guest starring on Sex and the City, starring in the drama Looking, and winning an Emmy for her role as Almond in season 1 of White Lotus. He also starred in 257 episodes of the soap opera The Guiding Light and recently appeared in the Hulu biopic Welcome to Chippendales.

The Yellowjackets star plays Kathleen, the ruthless leader of Kansas City's revolutionary movement. (We'll know more once her secretive character debuts in Episode 4.) Lynskey, a New Zealand native, made her debut in the 1994 film "Heavenly Creatures" and has appeared in "Two and a Half Men," "Up in the Air," "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," "Togetherness," Castle Rock, and Don't Look Up, among other shows and films.