Casting Update: Kaitlyn Dever Takes on the Role of Abby in The Last of Us Season 2

Fan Favorites: Kaitlyn Dever Cast as Abby in The Last of Us Season 2, Despite Initial Fan Push for Ellie Williams Role

The eagerly awaited The Last of Us Season 2 has officially cast Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, as confirmed by HBO in a recent tweet, aligning with earlier speculations. The acclaimed star of Booksmart is set to portray the enigmatic character, often perceived as a complex antagonist, introducing a new dynamic in the post-apocalyptic narrative alongside Ellie Williams, played by Bella Ramsey. Interestingly, prior to the casting decision, fans had fervently campaigned for Dever to assume the role of the 13-year-old Ellie, citing her facial resemblance to the in-game character and her involvement in the Uncharted 4 game developed by Naughty Dog. Ultimately, the creative team, led by co-creator Neil Druckmann, chose the talented Ramsey for the role, garnering praise for her portrayal.

In a prepared statement shared via Variety, Neil Druckmann and co-creator Craig Mazin emphasized that the casting process for Season 2 mirrors the meticulous approach taken in Season 1. They reiterated their commitment to selecting world-class actors who authentically embody the essence of the characters from the source material. Alongside Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, Kaitlyn Dever is welcomed as a valuable addition to the Last of Us family.

Abby Anderson, the character Dever will bring to life, has been a polarizing figure in the Last of Us universe. Her actions in The Last of Us Part II and the controversy surrounding her muscular build sparked heated debates and even body-shaming comments. Notably, the voice actor for Abby, Laura Bailey, faced severe backlash, including death threats. With this in mind, as discussions around Abby are reignited, one can only hope that Kaitlyn Dever will be spared from similar negativity, allowing the focus to remain on the storytelling and character dynamics in this highly anticipated season.

Kaitlyn Dever, acclaimed for her performances in Emmy-nominated Dopesick and the Hulu alien invasion movie No One Will Save You, emerges as a notable addition to The Last of Us Season 2 cast. Recognized for her versatility, Dever played a silent protagonist in the latter, showcasing her ability to convey depth without conventional dialogue. In the upcoming season, which adapts the narrative from the polarizing sequel The Last of Us Part 2, Dever is poised to deliver a pivotal scene alongside Pedro Pascal’s Joel, promising a narrative impact that resonates throughout the story. Pascal, with a commitment to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, may experience limited screen time in the second season, as the storyline pivots towards the revenge arc between Ellie and Abby, intercutting between the two characters for differing perspectives.

Filming for The Last of Us Season 2 faced delays due to last year’s Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strike. Despite this, the show was greenlit after just two episodes into its debut season, and the expansive source material from the video game sequel ensures potential for multiple seasons. Creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have meticulously mapped out the overarching narrative, introducing new characters to enrich the storytelling. Notably, The Last of Us Season 1 garnered significant acclaim at the Creative Arts Emmys, securing eight awards, including Outstanding Guest Actress for Storm Reid and Outstanding Best Actor for Nick Offerman in episode 3.

Anticipation builds as The Last of Us Season 2 is scheduled to commence filming in the American Spring, with a slated premiere in 2025 on HBO.