Is Florence Pugh playing Abby in The Last of Us on HBO?

If nothing else, casting Pugh would align with the show's pattern of tapping into established talent, as seen with Pedro Pascal. Moreover, Abby's pivotal and potentially polarizing role, needs a likeable actress. Pugh fits the bill. Her versatility was in full display in Little Women, where she portrayed a character spanning teenage years to early twenties.

Keep in mind that Abby is less of an antagonist and more of a protagonist, being that she's the main character of her own storyline in certain parts of The Last of Us Part 2.

While Season 1 of The Last of Us "got away" with casting a relative unknown in Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Pedro Pascal's imminent departure (don't look this up if you don't want to be spoiled) requires another star with drawing power to fill in the inevitable hole.

However, a contrasting rumor proposes Australian actress Shannon Berry for Abby. Though primarily recognized for her supporting act in Amazon's The Wilds, Berry has become a fan favorite for the role of Abby, primarily due to her striking resemblance to the video game character. This fan support has been buoyed by Berry's engagement with The Last of Us show accounts on social media platforms earlier this year, and more intriguingly, by the show's creator, Neil Druckmann, following her.

Berry's absence on social media can also be explained by her spending time preparing to better fit into the role of Abby so she's primed to go as soon as the strikes are over.

Of course, this is all speculation, and until we get an official confirmation, the internet will engage in its favourite past time - passion-filled discusions.

The idea of casting someone who closely mirrors the video game's depiction is divisive. While Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel wasn't an exact replica of the game's visuals, his embodiment of the character's essence was impeccable. Hence, the decision to cast based on looks versus the innate vibe of an actor can be a matter of contention. Abby's distinctive appearance, especially her muscular physique, is undeniably iconic. Yet, the transformational capabilities of Hollywood, both in terms of physicality and character depth, are well-documented. Christian Bale's numerous physical transformations for roles serve as a testament.

As it is, HBO's The Last of Us" has already astounded audiences, with a whopping 24 Emmy nominations in its debut season. Unfortunately, this adds to the pressure and curiosity surrounding its future. Both Pugh and Berry offer distinct flavors. Where Pugh brings the allure of star power and a proven track record, Berry offers the freshness of a rising talent, much like Bella Ramsey's breakout.

It's essential to note, however, the unpredictability of casting decisions. Previous surprises, such as the casting of major roles like Joel and Ellie, highlight that fan speculations and insider leaks don't always converge with the final decision. A couple of mavericks themselves, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have cultivated an environment of expectations defied, which could hint at another unexpected choice for Abby.

As viewers and fans eagerly await the resolution of the strikes to welcome the show's second installment, one thing will remain true: The Last of Us' next few seasons will surprise audiences.

Whether they opt for an A-lister or a burgeoning star, the show's track record suggests that audiences are in for another memorable journey.

Hopefully, before The Last of Us Season 2 comes out on HBO and Max, we'll get news about Naughty Dog's multiplayer spin-off and The Last of Us Part 2's PS5 and PC port.