In the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2, the character Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, will not be as muscular as in the video game. Showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann explained to Entertainment Weekly that this change is due to the different storytelling priorities in the TV series. Unlike the game, where Abby's physicality was crucial for gameplay mechanics, the show focuses more on drama than on moment-to-moment violent action.

Druckmann emphasized the challenge of casting Abby, stating, "We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role." He highlighted that in the game, players control both Ellie and Abby, necessitating distinct mechanical differences between the characters. Abby was designed to play similarly to Joel, with a more brute-like physical presence, while Ellie was meant to feel smaller and more agile. However, in the TV adaptation, these distinctions are less critical, allowing for a different portrayal of Abby.

Co-showrunner Craig Mazin added that this version of Abby offers an opportunity to explore a character who might be physically more vulnerable but possesses a stronger spirit. He noted, "And then the question is: 'Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest?'" This exploration will unfold over multiple seasons, as HBO plans to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season. While Season 3 has not been officially greenlit, Season 2 is structured with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes.

The character of Abby has been a focal point of controversy, with some fans expressing their discontent through harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. The backlash was severe enough that HBO provided extra security for Kaitlyn Dever during filming. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in Season 2, commented on the situation, saying, "There's so many strange people in this world because there are people that actually genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person. Just a reminder: not a real person."

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

11 Images