In a surprising casting move, Booksmart and Justified actor Kaitlyn Dever has been tapped to portray the polarizing character Abby in the highly anticipated second season of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us.
Known for her versatile performances, Dever is set to embody the vengeful soldier whose path collides with the main protagonist, Ellie, in the critically acclaimed video game sequel, The Last of Us Part II.
The decision to cast Kaitlyn Dever diverges from close physical resemblances to the original video game characters, a choice that adds another layer of intrigue to the television series. Despite Dever being a fan favorite to play Ellie initially, the role went to the younger actor Bella Ramsey, who more closely matched Ellie in age.
Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the creators of The Last of Us TV series, defended their casting choices in a joint press statement, stating,
Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella, and the rest of our family.
The Last of Us is a grim apocalyptic drama set in a world decimated by a parasitic fungus that transforms its victims into cannibalistic monsters. The first game and the initial season of the TV show follow teenager Ellie, immune to the infection, and her guardian Joel as they journey across America in pursuit of a cure.
Despite The Last of Us Part II’s commercial success, selling 10 million copies in its first two years, the character of Abby faced misogynistic online abuse due to her complex role in the game. The actor behind Abby, Laura Bailey, even received death threats.
However, the TV adaptation has received widespread acclaim, with its Emmy-nominated first season, and the casting of Ramsey as Ellie proved successful, building a compelling relationship with Joel actor Pedro Pascal.
Production for The Last of Us season two is scheduled to commence in the spring, with a premiere expected in 2025. As fans eagerly await the continuation of this gripping saga, Dever’s portrayal of Abby adds an exciting dimension to the evolving narrative of survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
