Young Mazino Prepares for Breakout Role in HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2

LOS ANGELES, CA — Young Mazino is poised for a major leap in his career as he takes on the role of Jesse in the second season of HBO‘s acclaimed series, ‘The Last of Us‘. Following his earlier appearance as Paul Cho in season one of the show, Mazino’s character will play a significant part in the unfolding post-apocalyptic narrative. The series returns to screens on April 13, 2025.

In a recent interview, Mazino described Jesse as a ‘Boy Scout’, reflecting a sunnier disposition compared to his own darker personality. “I never judged my character,” he remarked. “He definitely tapped into the brighter, warmer side of myself.” He candidly shared his journey through this newfound fame, stating, “I’m still perplexed by everything. I don’t know where this world is headed, but it seems to get more and more surreal.”

‘The Last of Us’, based on the popular video game, presents a world devastated by the cordyceps fungus, which transforms humans into zombie-like creatures. As the narrative continues, viewers will see the characters navigate the complex emotional and physical terrain of their existence in a world marked by danger and loss.

Born Christopher Young Kim to Korean immigrants in Silver Spring, Maryland, Mazino pursued his education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, before honing his acting skills at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City. The decision to adopt his stage name stemmed from practical reasons, as there were multiple actors registered under the name Christopher Kim with SAG-AFTRA. Mazino embraced his Korean name ‘Young’ while ‘Mazino’ is inspired by a character from the animated series ‘Tower of God‘.

Before diving full-time into acting, Mazino balanced auditions with a corporate job, fearing the repercussions of leaving early or taking spontaneous vacation days for shoots. “I was terrified that I would lose my job if they found out I was running to auditions during lunch,” he reflected in a previous discussion.

The anticipation for ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 is palpable, not just among the cast but also fans of the original video game and its first season. Co-creator Neil Druckmann along with fellow show developer Craig Mazin are back for this season, which promises to explore deeper emotional connections and new character developments that diverge from the game.

“The second season is set five years after the first,” explained Mazin during a press conference, hinting at an evolving dynamic between the main characters Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). He emphasized the depth of the storytelling, suggesting that the emotional distance between the pair will be palpable.

Bella Ramsey expressed her nerves about the premiere, acknowledging the heightened expectations that accompany a successful first season. “I’m trying to see it as a celebration of all the hard work that we did,” she stated, hopeful that the audience will embrace the upcoming episodes.

Kaitlyn Dever, joining the cast as Abby Anderson, shared her excitement about participating in a project she has been a fan of for a long time. “I felt less nervous once I got onto set because of this wonderful group of people,” she said, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by the creative team.

As the cast prepares for the show’s debut, Young Mazino is embracing the opportunity in front of him. “I feel incredibly fortunate to join a second season of such an established show,” he said, reflecting on the large-scale production and warm atmosphere on set. “There was no ego on set. I had such a blast. It was chill.”

‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 promises to build on the acclaimed storytelling of its predecessor, offering a blend of suspense, emotional connection, and thrilling plot developments. With knowledgeable creators at the helm and talented actors like Mazino stepping into pivotal roles, audiences are eager to see how this season unfolds.