Kaitlyn Dever on The Last of Us Season 2: Online Backlash

Actress Kaitlyn Dever, cast as Abby in The Last of Us Season 2, acknowledges the difficulty of ignoring online reactions to her portrayal. The character of Abby has been the target of significant online toxicity, with harassment directed at Naughty Dog employees, including Neil Druckmann and Laura Bailey, extending to threats and abuse against Bailey's family. HBO anticipated this negative reception, providing Dever with additional security during filming. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, commented on the disturbing reality of fans directing hatred towards a fictional character.

The Last of Us Season 2 Character Posters

3 Images

In a ScreenRant interview, Dever discussed the anticipation surrounding her portrayal of Abby. She admitted to occasionally checking online responses, driven by a desire to do the character justice and win over fans. However, her primary focus remained on collaborating with Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin to understand Abby's core motivations, emotional state, and the driving forces behind her anger, frustration, and grief.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?

11 Images

Neil Druckmann recently clarified that the HBO adaptation will deviate from the game's depiction of Abby's physique. He explained to Entertainment Weekly that Dever's casting didn't require her to build muscle mass, as the show's focus shifts from replicating game mechanics to emphasizing the dramatic aspects of the story. Druckmann highlighted the importance of casting Dever, emphasizing that the game's requirement for distinct gameplay between Ellie and Abby doesn't translate directly to the screen. Craig Mazin added that this adaptation offers an opportunity to explore a more physically vulnerable Abby whose inner strength is even more compelling, focusing on the origins and manifestations of her formidable nature. The mention of "now and later" hints at HBO's intention to adapt The Last of Us Part II beyond a single season. Despite Season 3 not yet being confirmed, Mazin stated that Season 2 concludes with a natural breakpoint after seven episodes, suggesting a planned continuation.