HBO’s The Last of Us has set the bar for video game adaptations with its meticulous re-imagination of scenes and characters from the beloved series. Now that the first season has reached its epic conclusion, it’s time to gear up for the next Infected fight with a new cast of characters, key among them being Abby, Dina, and Jesse.
Although Jesse’s role was relatively minor compared to others, his compelling storyline and kind-hearted personality truly captivated players; establishing a dedicated fanbase where many consider him their absolute favorite. But now, the question remains: Who can take on the mantle of this incredibly loyal and courageous friend? Here are our picks for 10 actors who could play Jesse in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2.
Ross Butler
Ross Butler has certainly made a name for himself over the years, from his outstanding performances in the To All the Boys movie franchise to his heroic debut in Shazam!
Yet, out of all these characters, his part of Zach Dempsey in 13 Reasons Why makes him an excellent candidate for Jesse in the next season of The Last of Us. He offered a mesmerizing turn in the role by portraying someone who was both a benevolent friend and a complex human being with their own struggles and issues to grapple with.
Since Jesse is known for being a humane individual, Butler could expand on it with his portrayal of emotions that truly make you feel like he would do anything for his companions. He could also excel in the Last of Us’ tense moments as the actor has done in the past with various petrifying scenes.
Mackenyu
Mackenyu’s notoriety has been on the rise as he branches out into new roles, including Roronoa Zoro in One Piece and Seiya in Knights of the Zodiac.
With each project, he continues to charm both the audience and castmates, given that many have praised him for his willingness to stay in character. Considering the multiple action sequences of the Last of Us, Mackenyu would likewise be perfect for Jesse due to his history of numerous adventurous films and TV shows.
The actor also knows how to express his compassionate side, especially with his breakout role in Chihayafuru. Mackenyu could unify these two aspects to fit Jesse’s persona of being the caring, valiant ally to Ellie and others.
Alex Landi
Longtime Grey’s Anatomy veteran, Alex Landi, introduced fans to the first Asian male surgeon of the show, who was likewise one of the only openly gay characters.
Those who watch the series can see the actor’s extraordinary talents through his vulnerability and sincerity in each scene, which would pair well with all the meaningful interactions between Jesse, Dina, and Ellie. Additionally, Landi has further developed his acting career with dramatic roles, a key factor that drives the Last of Us’ riveting storyline.
Justin H. Min
Out of all the potential actors for Jesse, numerous Reddit users have petitioned Justin H. Min, who is known for his iconic character Ben Hargreeves from Umbrella Academy.