Actress Kaitlyn Dever, who portrays Abby in the much-anticipated Season 2 of HBO's The Last of Us, has openly shared her struggle with resisting the urge to check online reactions to her character. Abby, a pivotal figure in the series, has been at the center of significant controversy and toxicity, with some fans taking their dissatisfaction to extreme levels by harassing Naughty Dog employees, including Neil Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. The harassment extended to threats and abuse directed not only at Bailey but also at her parents and young son.
The intense backlash against Abby prompted HBO to take extra precautions during the filming of Season 2, providing Dever with additional security. This move underscores the real-world impact of fan reactions to fictional characters. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in the same season, commented on the bizarre nature of such hostility, reminding fans that Abby is, after all, not a real person.
The Last of Us Season 2 Character Posters
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In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Dever discussed her approach to the role amidst the anticipation and scrutiny. "Well, it's hard not to see those things on the internet," she admitted, acknowledging the difficulty in ignoring online feedback. She emphasized her commitment to doing justice to Abby's character and satisfying the fans by bringing her to life authentically.
Dever's primary focus, however, remained on collaborating closely with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin to delve deep into Abby's emotional core—her anger, frustration, and grief. This dedication to understanding and portraying Abby's motivations was central to her preparation for the role.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?
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Last month, Druckmann revealed that the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 would not portray Abby as the muscular character seen in the video game, as the show's narrative does not require the same mechanical distinctions between Abby and Ellie. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann and Mazin explained that Dever did not need to bulk up for the role because the focus was less on physical differences and more on the dramatic elements of the story.
Druckmann noted the challenge of finding someone as talented as Dever for the role, emphasizing that while the game required distinct gameplay mechanics for Ellie and Abby, the series prioritizes drama over action. "That doesn't play as big of a role in this version of the story because there's not as much violent action moment to moment. It's more about the drama," he explained.
Mazin added that this shift allows for a deeper exploration of Abby's character, focusing on her inner strength rather than her physical prowess. He hinted at future developments in Abby's character arc, suggesting that HBO plans to extend the story of The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season. Although Season 3 has not been officially greenlit, Mazin mentioned that Season 2 is structured with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes, setting the stage for potential future installments.
