Season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us has officially found its Abby and it’s someone the internet has linked to the franchise for years, especially over the past few months.
Kaitlyn Dever will take on the role of Abby Anderson in The Last of Us’ live-action adaptation. The character plays a lead role in the source material, The Last of Us Part 2, which racked up awards and drew controversy when it first came out in 2020.
To no one’s surprise, the casting choice, which comes off as a shock due to understandable reasons, has stirred interest on the internet, particularly form curious fans.
Kaitlyn Dever has joined the cast of the HBO Original series #TheLastofUs for Season 2. @TheLastofUsHBO pic.twitter.com/dFnhGsJ1x2
— Max (@StreamOnMax) January 9, 2024
Kaitlyn Dever, a Golden Globe and Emmy nominee, is recognized for her roles in Booksmart and No One Can Save You, as well as TV series like Justified and Dopesick. Her involvement in the gaming world isn’t new; she previously voiced Cassie, Nathan Drake’s daughter, in Naughty Dog’s Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. Her casting as Abby marks another significant step in her career and her connection to Naughty Dog, the developer behind The Last of Us series.
Abby Anderson, as a character, is known for being both an antagonist and a playable protagonist in The Last of Us Part 2. In the sequel, she was voiced by Laura Bailey, a veteran voice actor and a longtime Naughty Dog collaborator. The character’s in-game appearance was modeled after Jocelyn Mettler (face) and athlete Colleen Fotsch. Abby’s portrayal and the narrative choices surrounding her in The Last of Us Part 2 led to much discussion and controversy among the game’s fanbase, including instances of harassment directed towards the women involved in her creation.
The introduction of Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 is an important narrative pivot that explores the repercussions of the choices made by Joel and Ellie in the first game, specifically the former. The second game’s storyline unfolds through the perspectives of both Ellie and Abby, offering a layered and morally complex narrative. Dever’s portrayal of Abby in the HBO adaptation will likely be central to the narrative of seasons 2 and possibly 3 (and even beyond), given the significance of the character in the game’s story.
Perhaps, more importantly, the inclusion of Abby in The Last of Us Season 2 adds an intriguing dimension to the show, which has already received critical acclaim for its adaptation of the source material. The showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, have indicated that the remaining story of The Last of Us will span “more than one season,” suggesting a deep dive into the narrative and themes introduced in the second game of the series.
Dever’s casting as Abby is a choice that aligns with the show’s commitment to high-caliber acting and storytelling. But, it also brings into focus the challenges of adapting such a complex and emotionally charged character. The portrayal of Abby’s physicality, an essential aspect of her character in the game, is a topic of discussion.
Dever’s physical transformation, if any, to match Abby’s in-game appearance, or, at the very least, make her look more authoritative and intimidating in contrast to Ellie remains to be seen. The decision to cast Dever, previously a fan favorite for the role of Ellie, reflects the showrunners’ focus on talent and acting prowess over strict physical resemblance to the game characters.
The upcoming season is set to begin production soon, with an anticipated release in 2025. It will continue the story of Joel and Ellie, building on the success of the first season. The adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 into the series format is expected to involve significant creative decisions, particularly in translating the game’s darker and more complex narrative elements to the screen.
Given how HBO has already given Mazin and Druckmann the greenest of lights, don’t be surprised if, after Season 1’s pacing, the story slows down to allow audiences to gain a better understanding of the benefits of each character, especially Abby.
For eager players, fans can look forward to playing as both Ellie and Abby on their PlayStation 5 on January 19 with the release of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
