Kaitlyn Dever Aims To Humanize Abby In HBO's The Last Of Us
As the highly anticipated second season of HBO's The Last of Us premiered on April 13, 2025, Kaitlyn Dever stepped into the role of Abby, a character that has sparked significant debate among fans of the original video game. Dever is determined to portray Abby with emotional depth, seeking to transform the character from a mere villain into a complex individual shaped by grief and loss.
In an interview with Elle Magazine on April 14, 2025, Dever expressed her desire to show the "broken parts of Abby" through her eyes, stating, "I wanted to humanize her as much as I possibly could." The character of Abby has often been labeled as a villain due to her tough exterior and her quest for revenge against Joel Miller, a key figure from the first season, who killed her father in the season one finale. Despite the backlash against Abby from fans of the game, Dever is committed to showcasing her vulnerabilities, explaining, "It’s easy to call Abby a villain because of how she presents herself in the world—her tough exterior. But [she’s also] this raw, broken, vulnerable person. It’s important to see that."
Dever's casting came after Laura Bailey, who originally voiced Abby in the 2020 video game, faced severe online backlash, including death threats. Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin advised Dever to focus on her performance rather than the potential negativity surrounding the character. "I really do want to make the fans proud, but I can’t control what people are going to say. I have to trust myself and trust my instincts," Dever noted.
Abby's introduction in the season 2 premiere was nothing short of chilling. Dever described the character's mindset, saying, "The way into Abby is knowing how grief feels and how loss affects you, especially in the immediate aftermath. There’s just this shock and this desire to make it all go away." This emotional turmoil drives Abby's actions, as she seeks vengeance for her father's death.
While Dever's performance has been praised for its emotional authenticity, some viewers have expressed concerns regarding her physical portrayal of Abby. Fans have taken to social media to voice their opinions, questioning the casting choice due to Dever's physique, which differs significantly from the muscular portrayal of Abby in the game. One user on X remarked, "How tf are you gonna cast the role of Abby and not cast a b***h with arms built like a mack truck?" Another chimed in, "Abby not being built like a refrigerator isn't sitting right with me."
In response to these concerns, co-showrunner Craig Mazin explained the rationale behind the casting decision. In a conversation with GamerRadar+, he emphasized that the physicality of the character was not as essential in the show as it was in the game. Mazin stated, "There is no gameplay; there is merely observation," indicating that the narrative focus is on character development rather than physical attributes. Druckmann echoed this sentiment, asserting that Dever embodies the spirit of the game, stating, "We would’ve struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role."
As the season progresses, viewers can expect to delve deeper into Abby's backstory and motivations. Dever's portrayal aims to explore the complexities of grief and revenge, highlighting the emotional struggles that define her character. New episodes of The Last of Us will be released weekly on HBO, with the series continuing to adapt the events of The Last of Us: Part II, though not all of them will be included in the current season.
Despite the controversies surrounding Abby's character, Dever remains focused on her performance. She acknowledged the discussions taking place online but emphasized the importance of not letting external opinions affect her portrayal. "Obviously, I know about the conversation surrounding Abby, but in order to do my job in the best way possible, I had to just be aware of it but then just not put all my focus on it," she explained. Dever's confidence in her role was bolstered by the support of Mazin and Druckmann, who have shown faith in her ability to bring Abby to life.
The Last of Us is set 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed, focusing on the relationship between Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a teenager who may hold the key to a cure for a deadly pandemic. As the series unfolds, viewers will witness the evolving dynamics between characters and the moral complexities of their actions.
With the return of The Last of Us, fans are eager to see how the story develops and how Abby's character will be portrayed in this new light. As the show continues, the discourse surrounding Abby will likely persist, reflecting the passionate investment of fans in the narrative and its characters.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET, streaming on HBO and Max. As viewers tune in, they will witness not only the gripping storyline but also the nuanced performances that bring these characters to life.
