Unveiling the Intricacies of Kaitlyn Dever’s Role as Abby in The Last of Us Season Two

In the upcoming season two of HBO’s The Last of Us, the casting of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby adds a layer of complexity to the acclaimed adaptation. Known for her roles in Booksmart and Justified, Dever steps into the shoes of one of the most controversial video game characters of the past five years.

Abby, a vengeful soldier in deadly conflict with the main protagonist, Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, brings a unique dynamic to the series. The decision to cast Dever, despite initial fan expectations for her to portray Ellie, showcases the showrunners’ commitment to talent over physical resemblance to the original game characters.

The Last of Us, both in its video game and TV show formats, is a bleak apocalyptic drama where humanity battles for survival in a world plagued by a parasitic fungus. The first game and initial TV season follow Ellie’s journey, revealing her immunity to the infection and the quest for a cure alongside guardian Joel.

The casting process for season two, according to creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, remains focused on finding world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. The departure from close physical likenesses to the game characters adds an intriguing element to the series, promising a fresh perspective on the narrative.

Dever’s portrayal of Abby comes at a time when the character has faced misogynistic online abuse and controversy, particularly regarding her complex role in the game and her muscular physique. The TV series, however, has garnered almost universal praise and multiple Emmy nominations.

As production for The Last of Us season two is set to begin in spring, audiences eagerly anticipate the continuation of the gripping saga in 2025. Dever’s acclaimed performance is poised to contribute to the show’s success, offering viewers a nuanced and captivating portrayal of the enigmatic character, Abby.