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 actress Laura Bailey, extending to threats and abuse against their families. This negative reception led HBO to provide Dever with extra security during filming. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, commented on the disturbing reality of fans directing hatred towards a fictional character, emphasizing that Abby is not a real person.
The Last of Us Season 2 Character Posters
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In a ScreenRant interview, Dever discussed the anticipation surrounding her portrayal of Abby. She admitted to occasionally checking online reactions, driven by a desire to do the character justice and make fans proud. However, she prioritized collaboration with Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, focusing on understanding Abby's core motivations, emotions (anger, frustration, grief), and ensuring an authentic portrayal.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?
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Neil Druckmann clarified that the HBO adaptation will not depict Abby as physically imposing as in the game, as the show prioritizes drama over replicating specific game mechanics. He and Craig Mazin highlighted that Dever's casting was ideal, as the show's focus shifts the need for Abby's physicality to be as distinct from Ellie's. Druckmann emphasized that the game required distinct gameplay for Ellie and Abby, but the show's narrative priorities differ. Mazin added that the opportunity exists to explore a more physically vulnerable yet spiritually stronger Abby, focusing on the origins and manifestation of her formidable nature. This exploration will unfold across multiple seasons. While Season 3 isn't confirmed, Mazin noted that Season 2, with its seven episodes, concludes with a natural breakpoint, suggesting plans to adapt more of The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season.
