Fans assumed that the season 1 finale of The Last Thing He Told Me was its last. But author and series developer Laura Dave returned with a sequel book, which was written to parallel the show’s second season. Now that we’re approaching the season 2 February 20, 2026, premiere date, viewers will meet some new faces who bring a fresh level of tension to the story.
Viewers should recognize quite a few of the season 2 additions! Below, meet the main cast — new and returning — behind season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me.
Jennifer Garner – Hannah
One of Hollywood’s favorite veteran stars, Jennifer Garner is reprising her role as Hannah Hall. Hannah forms an unexpected relationship with her stepdaughter, Bailey, as the two struggle with the repercussions of Hannah’s husband — Bailey’s father — Owen’s secrets.
Fans recognize Jennifer from a variety of films and television series, including 13 Going on 30, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Valentine’s Day, Dallas Buyers Club, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Love, Simon, Peppermint and the Elektra films.
Angourie Rice – Bailey
Angourice Rice plays the role of Bailey, Hannah’s stepdaughter and Owen’s daugther. Throughout season 1, her initially icy relationship with Hannah gradually thaws, and the two form a closer bond.
Fans know Angourice from multiple films and shows, including The Nice Guys, the Mean Girls movie musical, the Marvel Cinematic Universe Spider-Man films and Mare of Easttown.
While speaking exclusively with Hollywood Life ahead of the show’s season 2 premiere, Angourie explained how viewers will see her character, Bailey, start to question those around her who have “betrayed her trust,” which includes her father, Owen.
“Bailey is questioning, ‘how does someone earn her trust once they’ve broken it?’” Angourie said. “I think that’s a really big question, especially with family members. What happens when that kind of implied constant loyalty is called into question?”
Meanwhile, Bailey’s relationship with her stepmother, Hannah (Jennifer), has become “so strong, so connected and so trusting” over the past five years that she is now “rightfully suspicious of people who have betrayed her trust because Hannah never has,” Angourie concluded.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Owen/Ethan
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays the complicated character Owen, whom we later learn is actually named Ethan. His season 1 disappearance set the stage for season 2’s dramatic journey.
Viewers recognize Nikolaj from The Other Woman, Gods of Egypt, Against the Ice and Black Hawk Down.
Augusto Aguilera – Grady
Augusto Aguilera plays Grady, the ambiguous and mysterious U.S. Marshal who investigates Owen’s disappearance.
Viewers recognize Augusto from Chasing Life, Too Old To Die Young and, most recently, I Love LA.
Judy Greer
Judy Greer is one of the newcomers to this season, and her character details were largely kept under wraps in the months leading up to the second season’s premiere. She has been seen in countless films, including The Descendants, Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills, Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
On TV, Judy has starred in The Big Bang Theory, Arrested Development, Two and a Half Men, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Kidding.
During an exclusive interview with Hollywood Life ahead of season 2, Judy recalled how it felt joining a series in its sophomore season.
“Coming into something that was already a well-oiled machine, it kind of felt like marrying into the greatest family and not wanting to mess it up, and not wanting to get kicked out of the family,” Judy said with a laugh.
Since she has worked with Jennifer in the past on 13 Going on 30, Judy also reflected on her reunion with her friend in this new on-screen role.
“Working with Jen is great because I love her as an actress. Obviously, we’re good friends; it’s really nice to get paid to hang out with people that you love,” Judy quipped.
Rita Wilson
Rita Wilson‘s character has also been kept mostly away from the limelight in the lead-up to the season 2 premiere. She is known for various on-screen roles, including in Sleepless in Seattle, Jingle All the Way, The Story of Us, Runaway Bride, The Good Wife, Girls and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
