The live-action adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game, The Last of Us, is gearing up for its second season. As such, the casting of a pivotal character, Abby, has been a topic of much speculation and interest. Recent reports suggest that Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in Booksmart, Dopesick, and No One Will Save You, has been cast to play Abby in the upcoming season, which recently got an official 2025 release window.
The casting news follows several reports from multiple reliable industry insiders. The latest to make a similar claim is a well-known figure, Daniel Richtman. Dever’s association with Abby is intriguing, considering she was considered for the role of Ellie. It’s believed that the choice was down to Dever and Bella Ramsey.
Abby is a complex and physically imposing character in the game, known for her strength and combat skills. This led to discussions about whether Dever will undergo physical transformation for the role, particularly in building the muscle mass necessary to match Abby’s in-game physique. However, recent photos of Dever don’t indicate a significant change in her physicality. It raises concerns about the approach The Last of Us is taking in the live-action adaptation of the character, considering the show has already deviated slightly from the original source material in terms of physical traits and character appearances.
The show’s first season received acclaim for its faithful yet creative adaptation of the source material and its emotionally resonant storytelling. To date, the TV show is still on track to win at least one Emmy award (and possibly multiple ones) once the awards show is finally hosted. The casting of Dever as Abby could indicate a continued commitment to strong character development and narrative depth. The character of Abby is central to the game’s storyline, particularly in the second half, which deals with themes of revenge, redemption, and the cycle of violence. Her role in the game was met with polarized reactions, mainly due to her actions involving beloved characters from the franchise.
Dever’s casting brings a seasoned actor to the role, with a proven track record of delivering powerful performances. Her experience with Naughty Dog, the game’s developer, as she voiced a character in Uncharted 4, and her near-miss with the role of Ellie, demonstrate her suitability for the complex world of The Last of Us.
Nevertheless, this doesn’t solve the problem that Dever’s figure is far from imposing. Abby’s appearance in the game, at her peak, puts her at around 170-ish centimeters and 170 pounds. In contrast, Dever is half a foot shorter and weighs 50 pounds less if not more. The little details about Abby, like how she’s more confrontational and isn’t afraid of using brute strength (or literally throwing her weight around) are crucial the character. She even holds the women’s bench press record as she can apparently lift over 200 pounds.
So, unless Dever puts on a significant amount of weight, muscle, and height, it’s clear HBO is taking a different route in its live-action adaptation of the character.
Absent a confirmation, all fans can do for now is speculate about the highly anticipated follow-up season of The Last of Us. The broader audience was captivated by the debut season’s storytelling and character development. Abby is key to the continuing the narrative’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the human condition in a post-apocalyptic world. Dever’s portrayal of Abby will be pivotal in expanding the show’s narrative scope and emotional depth.
The delay in Season 2, primarily due to the WGA/SAG strike (and Pedro Pascal’s busy schedule), has only heightened anticipation. The showrunners have a significant challenge adapting its most controversial and complex character. How they handle Abby’s physicality remains to be seen. Fans will be looking forward to seeing how Dever embodies Abby’s physical strength and emotional intensity, if these reports are indeed true.
If it’s any consolation, the “real” Abby will be making her way to PlayStation 5 in January with the release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered. More characters will be playable in the re-release of the award-winning first-party Sony title as part of its new roguelike mode.
