Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby Won’t Be as Muscular in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2

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In the sequel of “The Last of Us” on HBO, created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, there is a significant change that hasn’t been discussed much yet. Eagle-eyed fans of the innovative games that serve as inspiration for this popular HBO series featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey have spotted an inconsistency with the introduction of a new character, Abby. This key role is being brought to life by Kaitlyn Dever from “No One Will Save You,” and viewers can’t help but notice the contrast between her petite on-screen presence and the muscular build of Abby in the video game.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann clarified some concerns about Dever’s performance in the upcoming season 2, explaining that different elements are emphasized in video games compared to television series. Specifically, when creating Abby for the game, Druckmann designed her to be a formidable opponent with large muscles and towering stature to make her fighting style resemble Joel’s. However, in the TV adaptation, the need for this physicality is not as important since the interactive element of the story is absent, allowing the drama to take center stage instead.

The action isn’t as rapid and intense, but it’s more about creating drama instead. I want to make it clear that there is still action present, just a different focus. Kaitlyn embodies the essence of the game, and one aspect that always drew me to the concept was the constant challenges, much like in season 1. Choosing a hero becomes difficult because we’re not heroes ourselves. For every heroic deed, there is someone who endures hardship who might view us as a villain. There’s something captivating about Kaitlyn, her eyes telling a story that draws you in no matter the circumstances she’s in. It was crucial for us to find someone we could emotionally connect with, just like we connected with Bella.

The Absurd Controversy Surrounding the Character Abby

On previous occasions, Abby’s physical appearance has been a topic of focus among fans, particularly those who unfortunately form a part of the gaming community. When The Last of Us Part II was initially released, some players expressed dissatisfaction because they felt Abby appeared more masculine. However, Mazin discussed with EW how challenging audience expectations once more provided fertile ground for the adaptation process.

I believe this situation presents a unique chance to examine a character who might be physically weaker than Abby in the game, yet their spirit is incredibly strong. The question then becomes, ‘What fuels her remarkable strength and how does it reveal itself?’ We will delve into that now and further down the line.

In essence, the HBO version of Abby continues to appear as a sincere portrayal of the video game. The makers’ descriptions of her relentless quest for vengeance mirror the original, and the striking visuals from the early trailers have been maintained. Even though some adjustments are expected in any video game adaptation, there might be minor disappointments among die-hard fans over Abby’s less muscular physique compared to the game. However, Abby’s character offers much more depth than what initially meets the eye.

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2025-02-03 22:32