HBO’s critically acclaimed adaptation of The Last of Us is gearing up for its second season. As the production resume date nears, rumors are starting to heat up surrounding the new faces set to join the live action adaptation. Specifically, there’s talks that HBO is closing in on the actress who will play Abby in the second season.
Season 1, lauded for its faithful and powerful translation of the source material, set high expectations for the show’s continuation. Now, reports indicate that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in No One Will Save You and Booksmart, is in talks to bring Abby to life in the series’ anticipated second season.
Abby, a key character in The Last of Us Part II, is known for her strength, tactical acumen, and her crucial role in the dark and emotionally charged narrative. Her character arc, which weaves into and disruptively intersects with the journeys of protagonists Joel and Ellie, requires an actress capable of delivering a nuanced and layered performance. The potential casting of Dever, as reported by journalist Jeff Sneider and corroborated by sources familiar with the project, suggests that HBO is committed to finding an actress who can embody Abby’s complex persona.
Dever’s potential involvement with The Last of Us is noteworthy, especially given her history with Naughty Dog. She’s the voice of Nathan Drake’s daughter, Cassie, in the epilogue of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. This existing connection to Naughty Dog’s storytelling universe, coupled with her acclaimed performances in both dramatic and comedic roles, positions her as a fitting choice for the intense and multi-dimensional role of Abby.
Furthermore, it’s been said that Dever previously audition for the role of Ellie. Thus, her familiarity with both Naughty Dog and the game should put her atop the casting list, even though her body type doesn’t necessarily fit Abby’s description to a tee.
The second season of The Last of Us is expected to adapt a portion of the events of The Last of Us Part II, a game that heavily expands upon the world and violent themes established in the first installment. The narrative complexity and emotional depth of the sequel suggest that the upcoming season (and the ones after it) will be a challenging but also potentially rewarding endeavor for the creative team. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who successfully helmed the first season, will continue to shepherd the series, ensuring consistency in vision and storytelling.
Dever’s potential casting as Abby also raises intriguing questions about the portrayal and development of the character in the series. In the game, Abby’s physicality and moral ambiguity sparked much discussion among players. Her journey, which both contradicts and parallels Ellie’s path, adds a rich layer of complexity to the story’s exploration of the themes such as revenge, empathy, and the cycle of violence.
Regardless of who HBO casts for the role, translating this intricate narrative to the small screen will require a delicate as well as thoughtful approach, requiring an actress with a proven range.
With filming set to officially commence in January 2024 ahead of its release some time in 2025, The Last of Us fans are waiting for the next bit of information regarding the upcoming season. Fingers crossed, we’ll get an update at The Game Awards in December, an event that The Last of Us Part 2 dominated when it came out a few years back.
Naughty Dog is currently working on a multiplayer spin-off to The Last of Us, which is part of Sony’s ambitious plan to launch several live service games through 2026. However, it’s believed that the company is slowing down its multi-billion-dollar endeavor ahead of the resignation of Jim Ryan in March 2024.
