The Last Of Us Creators Explain Key Difference Between Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby And Her Video Game Counterpart, And It Sounds Like A Smart Choice To Me

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I can barely contain my enthusiasm for the imminent arrival of The Last of Us Season 2, set to debut on television schedules in 2025. Despite the prospect of encountering more grotesque clickers, stalkers, and other menacing creatures that persist in this post-apocalyptic world, I’m eagerly anticipating Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby – a character who will undoubtedly thrive as the live-action version of The Last of Us Part II’s controversial antagonist. However, don’t expect TV Abby to boast bulging biceps.

When HBO’s video game adaptation comes back to its enthusiastic audience, viewers will notice one significant change: Pedro Pascal, who plays Abby, did not undergo massive bodybuilding regimens like Dwayne Johnson for the role. Neil Druckmann, the game director and co-creator of the live-action version, explained that this aspect wasn’t crucial for a direct comparison with the source material. In his words to Entertainment Weekly: “It wasn’t necessary for a one-to-one translation.

What matters most to us is delivering exceptional performance. We are seeking someone who can truly embody the spirit of the characters, rather than focusing excessively on physical resemblance. While physical similarity is not entirely unimportant, it ranks lower in our priorities compared to other aspects such as acting ability and character interpretation.

Many viewers had mixed feelings when Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey were chosen for the crucial roles of Joel and Ellie, respectively, in Season 1. However, as the initial nine episodes unfolded, it became evident that both actors delivered exceptional performances, just like every other cast member, including Merle Dandridge reprising her role from the game as Marlene, and Melanie Lynskey portraying the original antagonist Kathleen.

I appreciate that Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin prioritized exceptional acting abilities over a physical resemblance to Abby in their casting decisions. It’s wonderful when an actor can embody the character both visually and through a top-notch performance, but sometimes you have to work with what you’ve got.

Craig Mazin On How The Change In Size Changes Up Ellie And Abby’s Dynamic

The differences in how Dever’s character and the digital Abby are portrayed impact the narrative differences between the antagonist and Ellie, as portrayed by Ramsey.

From my perspective, there seems to be a unique chance to investigate a character who might physically be weaker than Abby in the game, yet shows an indomitable spirit. The question then arises, ‘What is the source of her powerful personality and how does it reveal itself?’ This aspect will be delved into both now and further along.

Instead of delving into the specifics of Mazin’s employment of “now and later” towards the end, let me instead emphasize a broader point: it appears that the live-action Ellie and Abby will share similar physical capabilities. This could potentially provide an edge for our teen protagonist. After all, one factor contributing to Abby’s tough image in the games is her muscular build and the power she wields when swinging a golf club or other weapons.

To keep Abby’s character on the HBO series streamlined without adding unnecessary weight, Kaitlyn Dever might need to emphasize other aspects of the role, such as sudden bursts of raw anger and aggression. This could help establish her authority within her group, and also portray her as a credible threat towards both Ellie and Joel, justifying her standing as a formidable adversary.

From the get-go, I was convinced by Dever’s selection for the role, and I’m thrilled to learn that her casting brings a fresh twist to characters we thought we knew. Naturally, we’ll have to wait until April to find out if this upcoming horror series lives up to its promise.

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2025-02-04 00:38