The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 will take a different approach to Abby's character, as confirmed by showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Unlike the video game, where Abby's muscular physique was crucial for gameplay mechanics, the series will not require actress Kaitlyn Dever to bulk up for the role. Druckmann explained that the game needed Abby to feel mechanically distinct from Ellie, with Abby's gameplay resembling Joel's more brute force style, while Ellie was designed to be more agile and smaller. However, in the HBO series, the focus shifts more towards drama rather than constant violent action, altering the necessity for Abby's physicality.
"We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role," Druckmann noted, emphasizing the importance of Dever's casting over the need for a specific physical appearance. Mazin added that this change offers a chance to explore Abby as someone who may be physically vulnerable but possesses a strong spirit, raising questions about the origins and manifestations of her formidable nature.
The narrative structure of The Last of Us Part 2 will also be adapted for the screen, with HBO planning to extend the story beyond a single season. While Season 3 has not been officially greenlit, Season 2, which will consist of seven episodes, is designed with a "natural breakpoint" to allow for further storytelling.
The character of Abby has been a controversial figure, leading to real-world harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. The situation was severe enough that HBO provided extra security for Kaitlyn Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in the series, commented on the bizarre nature of the backlash, reminding fans that Abby is a fictional character.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?
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