HBO’s THE LAST OF US returns for Season 2, and the stakes have never been higher. Based on the blockbuster video game, the critically acclaimed series continues to explore a world ravaged by infection and moral ambiguity. With Season 2 picking up five years after the events of the first season, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is no longer a child, but a hardened survivor. Joel (Pedro Pascal), who still shares a complicated bond with Ellie, finds himself navigating a darker and more brutal world. Now their journey leads them into darker, uncharted territory filled with new allies and formidable enemies. Among them is a powerful figure named Isaac.
Fans of The Last of Us Part II will recognize Isaac as a key player in the ongoing conflict between two brutal factions. Now, the HBO adaptation is bringing this intense character to life—and it’s none other than Jeffrey Wright stepping into the role.
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JEFFREY WRIGHT PLAYS ISAAC IN THE LAST OF US SEASON 2
Isaac was a commanding presence in the video game—stern, composed, and dangerous. In the series, HBO describes him as “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.” That group is the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a militant organization fighting for dominance in a post-collapse world.
Wright, known for bringing gravity and emotional depth to his roles, will expand Isaac’s backstory in the show. In an interview with TV Insider, Wright teased, “Buckle up,” hinting that the show will reveal more about Isaac than the game ever did.
He warned with a smile, keeping further details under wraps. This tantalizing tease suggests Isaac’s narrative will be far more significant in the television adaptation, giving audiences a reason to take a closer look at this shadowy commander.
JEFFREY WRIGHT’S PATH TO THE ROLE OF ISAAC
Wright’s journey into the world of THE LAST OF US began at home. It was his son who first introduced him to the video game. “My son was a fan of the game and I met Neil Druckmann, who’s the creator,” Wright shared. Druckmann, who co-created the HBO series with Craig Mazin, invited Wright to participate in the game. That meeting led to his original involvement in the video game, where he first voiced Isaac.
Interestingly, Wright also cited his past HBO ties. “One of the writers from Westworld is a writer for the game and also the series—Halley Wegryn Gross,” he said, referencing his acclaimed role in the sci-fi drama. After getting the green light from his son, Wright voiced Isaac in Part II. Now, he’s stepping into Isaac’s boots once again — this time, on screen.
This transition is a familiar pattern in the series. Season 1 brought back Merle Dandridge as Marlene from the game, while Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson—the original Joel and Ellie—also made appearances. Wright now joins this elite group of actors bridging both worlds.
WHO IS ISAAC DIXON IN THE LAST OF US, PART II GAME?
In THE LAST OF US PART II, Isaac Dixon (played by Jeffrey Wright) is the strict and powerful leader of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), also called the Wolves. After FEDRA’s fall in Seattle, Isaac built the WLF into a dominant militia, feared by enemies and respected by allies like Abby Anderson (Laura Bailey) and Manny Alvarez (Alejandro Edda).
Isaac is focused on wiping out the Seraphites, a religious cult, leading a violent war against them. Though his screen time is limited, his influence is felt deeply throughout the story, especially in his confrontations with Abby, who begins to question his harsh tactics.
He ultimately dies during a WLF raid on the Seraphite island, shot by Yara (Victoria Grace) while trying to stop Abby from saving Lev (Ian Alexander). Isaac symbolizes how power and vengeance can erode humanity.
In the show, Isaac’s role will likely be more substantial. Wright hinted that viewers will get glimpses into his past—offering greater emotional depth to a character who, in the game, symbolized how war can erode compassion.
JEFFREY WRIGHT: BRINGING DEPTH TO ISAAC
Born in Washington, D.C., Wright graduated from Amherst College and began his career on stage, earning a Tony for Angels in America. He later won an Emmy and Golden Globe for reprising the role in HBO’s 2003 miniseries. Known for performances in Westworld, The Batman, and American Fiction, Wright consistently brings nuance and weight to complex roles.
That skill set is essential for THE LAST OF US, where characters live in a morally gray world. Isaac isn’t just a villain—he’s a leader shaped by loss, war, and necessity. With Wright behind the role, viewers can expect a hauntingly human portrayal.
As Season 2 unfolds, fans will be watching closely. Will Isaac become an obstacle to Joel and Ellie—or someone whose pain reveals a deeper truth?
Keep visiting tvacute.com for more exclusive insights, previews, and updates on THE LAST OF US Season 2.
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