In an exciting development for fans of “The Last of Us,” HBO has officially announced that Kaitlyn Dever will take on the role of Abby in the much-anticipated second season of the series. This confirmation aligns with earlier rumors regarding the casting. Dever, known for her role in “Booksmart,” will portray the second lead character, which some enthusiasts view as an antagonist to Ellie Williams, played by Bella Ramsey.
Dever’s casting is particularly noteworthy, as she had previously been a fan favorite for the role of a younger Ellie due to her resemblance to the character and her experience with the video game “Uncharted 4,” also developed by Naughty Dog. Ultimately, the series’ creators, Neil Druckmann and his team, chose Ramsey as the younger version of Ellie, a decision that has been well received by audiences.
In a joint statement, Druckmann and co-creator Craig Mazin emphasized their commitment to finding world-class talent for the series: “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.”
Abby Anderson is a character that evokes strong opinions among fans due to her controversial actions in “The Last of Us Part II” and her physical portrayal, which has led to discussions about body image and representation. The backlash against the character and her original voice actor, Laura Bailey, included extreme reactions, underscoring the passionate engagement surrounding the franchise. With Dever stepping into this role, there’s hope that she will navigate the complexities of fan reaction with resilience.
Kaitlyn Dever has garnered significant acclaim for her work in projects like the Emmy-nominated “Dopesick” and the Hulu film “No One Will Save You,” where she largely portrayed a silent protagonist. In season two of “The Last of Us,” she will have a defining interaction with Pedro Pascal’s Joel, marking a crucial moment that will impact the overarching narrative. Pascal, currently involved in Ridley Scott’s upcoming “Gladiator” sequel, will have limited screen time this season as the story will primarily focus on the intertwining revenge arcs of Ellie and Abby.
The production of season two faced delays due to the Hollywood strikes last year. Following a successful initial season, which saw the second season greenlit after just two episodes aired, HBO has a wealth of material from the critically acclaimed sequel to draw upon, indicating potential for more than one additional season. As the story unfolds, Druckmann and Mazin plan to introduce new characters while developing the existing arcs further. Last week, the series celebrated its accomplishments at the Creative Arts Emmys, winning eight awards, including Outstanding Guest Actress for Storm Reid and Outstanding Best Actor for Nick Offerman.
Filming for season two of “The Last of Us” is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2024, with a premiere set for 2025 on HBO.
