Here’s the lowdown on the new characters you can expect to see in the new season of 13 Reasons Why, and how they could affect the show as it looks back at Hannah’s story.
Chloe
Chloe enters the show associated with rapist Bryce Walker. The latest trailer suggests she could be his girlfriend. She’s head cheerleader and tries to befriend Jessica, one of Bryce’s victims in Season 1, recruiting her into the cheerleading squad.
Actress Anne Winters, who plays Chloe, told Pop Sugar that her character will cause “a bit of drama” and that she fits a “mean girl” stereotype.
She also said: “It’s funny because I always forget that all the episodes that we filmed are going to come out at the same time. So, in my head I’ve been thinking throughout the season people might have a different opinion of me, but if people binge-watch it then I feel like people will see the entirety of my character throughout the whole season in a day or two.”
This suggests that our attitude to Chloe will change as the season progresses. Could something happen to make us change our minds about her?
Nina
New addition Nina is played by Samantha Logan who previously appeared in Teen Wolf. She’s on the school athletics team but there’s more to her than meets the eye. Will she reveal her secret and could it affect proceedings? A track star, she could well cross paths with cheerleaders Chloe and Jess.
Cyrus
Cyrus is a punk-loving outsider at Liberty High who befriends fellow outcast, amateur photographer Tyler Down. Played by Bryce Cass, Cyrus is out to make mischief at the same time as acting as an advocate for the downtrodden. Will Cyrus help or hinder a new Tyler who seems to have developed a penchant for guns, as seen at the end of Season 1?
Mackenzie
Cyrus’s sister, Mackenzie is a young woman who plays by her own rules. Confident and forthright, she’s sharp and funny. She’s played by Chelsea Alden who you might know from American Horror Story: Roanoke. Her story will most likely tie in with her brother Cyrus and his new pal Tyler.
Barry and Nora Walker
Season 2 introduces us to Bryce’s parents. There’s something off about this pair – who could give us an insight into why Bryce is the way he is. Barry, played by Jake Weber, earns a lot of money as a hedge fund manager, but his ethics seem questionable. Nora, meanwhile, played by Brenda Strong, is a woman who seems — on the surface anyway – pretty ruthless and intent on keeping up appearances. But how might she feel if she learns the truth about her rapist son? If Bryce ends up facing the consequences of his actions, plenty should be revealed about these two characters.
Justin Prentice, who plays Bryce, told Refinery 29: “I think [entitlement] is a part of who Bryce is, who Bryce’s father is and the background that he comes from. When you’re a part of a power family, in their eyes anyway, you’ve gotta do what you need to do to reach the top and stay on top.”
Caleb
Played by RJ Brown, Caleb is Tony’s boxing trainer, and is a fiercely competitive but also gentle and understanding. He helps Tony process his anger issues. Could the two become confidantes, or closer?
Sonya
Joining Wilson Cruz’s Dennis in the courtroom is Allison Miller’s Sonya. She’s an ambitious lawyer who is wily and clever – and could bring Bryce to justice.
Rick
Played by Ben Lawson, Rick is the school sports coach. A teacher dedicated to supporting and protecting his rising baseball stars. The Australian actor, who had a long-running role in Aussie soap Neighbours, has appeared in a number of high-profile TV series including Billions, Grimm, Modern Family and Designated Survivor.
Carolyn
Following what happens to Alex at the end of Season 1, it was perhaps inevitable we’d meet his mother in Season 2. She’s played by Dawson’s Creek actress Meredith Monroe. She’ll presumably help in his rehabilitation — as well as his mum, she’s also a nurse.
Jackie
An advocate for victims of bullying, Jackie, played by Kelli O’Hara, becomes involved in the Bakers’ legal case against the school, lending her support and counsel to Hannah’s mother.
13 Reasons Why Season 2 hits Netflix on May 18.