‘Last of Us’ Fans Got Abby All Wrong!

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Warning: Spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2

Two weeks have passed, and fans of The Last of Us are still reeling from an unexpected turn of events (or at least those who haven’t played the video games). In the second episode of Season 2 titled “Through the Valley,” the series’ main character Joel (Pedro Pascal) was brutally killed by a new cast member, Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). A twist of fate (or karma, depending on one’s perspective), it was revealed that Abby is the daughter of the doctor whom Joel had killed in the final episode of the first season.

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Abby has consistently been a divisive figure among video game enthusiasts, with some justifications but also less clear reasons. The intense backlash to her surprising debut was so fierce that Laura Bailey, her voice actress, faced death threats. Consequently, no matter who played Abby in the series, it seemed impossible to satisfy everyone. It was unfortunate to see Kaitlyn Dever, a highly undervalued talent, encounter skepticism upon being cast. However, her recent recognition demonstrated that she is indeed an excellent fit for the role of Abby, proving many people wrong.

Why Were People Skeptical About Kaitlyn Dever as Abby?

To begin with, it’s clear that Abby from the game is largely recalled due to her prominent build (beyond what you might expect). The years of intense training she underwent to avenge Joel were clearly visible, and she appeared formidable enough to potentially overpower him without needing the golf club for assistance.

Neil Druckmann explained that the decision to have Ellie and Abby play differently was to ensure distinct control mechanics. Ellie is nimble, fitting for the game’s stealth aspects, while Abby, in a way resembling Joel, handles action-heavy parts better. In casting Abby for the show, Druckmann and Craig Mazin took her physicality into account, but ultimately prioritized capturing her unique personality over physical likeness.

During an interview, Druckmann expressed: “Kaitlyn has a quality in her eyes that draws you in, no matter what she’s going through. It was crucial we found someone relatable like Bella.” Interestingly, there were initial doubts about Bella Ramsey playing Ellie due to their physical differences from the character; however, their performance eventually silenced the critics.

Notably, fans criticized Dever’s appearance, while simultaneously targeting Abby’s muscular physique in the game with harsh and often toxic comments, which sparked conversations about body diversity in video games.

Despite the rather harsh comparisons drawn between Dever and Abby based on their physical likeness, which some might find distasteful, many viewers found her casting unexpected given her past roles. As Druckmann mentioned, she has always had a naturally endearing screen presence that evokes sympathy. Even those who were longtime supporters of hers were curious to see how she would fare in her debut as an explicitly villainous character.

Kaitlyn Dever Perfects Abby in ‘The Last of Us’

Initially, doubts were raised about “Through the Valley,” but Dever’s exceptional portrayal of Abby soon dispelled those skepticisms. Her performance serves as a reminder that an actor should not be judged solely on their physical resemblance to a character. Although the TV version of Abby is not as muscular as she was in the game, by the conclusion of Dever’s powerful scene, we barely remember that; she is so convincing in embodying Abby’s raw fury, lingering sorrow, and bloodlust all at once.

I must confess, I was quite taken aback by the raw intensity Dever brought to her performance in this particular role. Her talent has always been evident (and if you doubt me, give a watch to “Booksmart,” “Unbelievable,” “Dopesick,” or “No One Will Save You”), but I never anticipated such a visceral display from her. Though she’s openly shared how a recent family loss influenced her acting, I won’t delve into that, choosing instead to appreciate the undeniable emotional authenticity she portrayed on screen. It would be unfair, and perhaps a disservice, to reduce her exceptional work solely to something as tragic and personal as this.

If it’s true that Season 2 covers only the initial half of The Last of Us Part II, there won’t be much more Abby this year. Nevertheless, Dever delivered an impressive performance that left us eager to see more of Abby in Season 3 when she assumes a larger role. Given how effectively Dever clarified Abby’s motivations earlier in the game, we are confident that she will excel at portraying her more compassionate aspects in the future.

Kaitlyn Dever truly excelled beyond our predictions and demonstrated that her casting criticism was unwarranted. In a character with limited screen time, she delivered Emmy-caliber performances, breathing life into a complex figure. This achievement further solidifies her status as one of today’s most talented actresses. We eagerly anticipate where her storyline unfolds in Season 3.

By the way, “The Last of Us” Season 2 is currently streaming on Max, with fresh episodes premiering every Sunday!

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2025-05-03 17:02