Kaitlyn Dever on 'The Last of Us' Season 2: 'Hard to Avoid Internet Spoilers'

Actress Kaitlyn Dever, set to portray Abby in HBO's highly anticipated *The Last of Us* Season 2, has openly shared her struggles with resisting the urge to check online reactions to her character. Abby, a central figure in the series, has been at the heart of significant fan controversy due to her actions in the original game, leading to a toxic backlash that even affected Naughty Dog employees, including Neil Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who faced threats and harassment directed at themselves and their families.

In response to the intense fan reactions, HBO took precautionary measures, providing Dever with additional security during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in the series, commented on the situation, reminding fans that Abby is a fictional character and not a real person, highlighting the irrational nature of the hostility.

The Last of Us Season 2 Character Posters

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In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Dever addressed the anticipation surrounding her portrayal of Abby. "Well, it's hard not to see those things on the internet," she admitted. She emphasized her commitment to doing justice to the character and satisfying the fans while focusing primarily on the collaborative process with showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin. Her goal is to capture Abby's complex emotional journey, including her anger, frustration, and grief.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?

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Last month, Druckmann revealed that the HBO adaptation of *The Last of Us Part 2* would not depict Abby as muscular as in the game, as the series focuses less on video game mechanics and more on dramatic storytelling. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann and Mazin explained that Dever's physicality didn't need to match the game's Abby because the series prioritizes drama over action.

Druckmann praised Dever's casting, noting the challenge of finding someone as talented to portray Abby, whose role in the game required a different gameplay style from Ellie's. He highlighted that the series shifts focus from the game's violent action to a more drama-centric narrative. Mazin added that this version of Abby presents an opportunity to explore a character who might be physically vulnerable yet spiritually strong, delving into the origins and manifestations of her strength.

The comments about exploring Abby's character "now and later" suggest HBO's intention to extend *The Last of Us Part 2* beyond a single season. While Season 3 has not been officially greenlit, Mazin has indicated that Season 2, covering just seven episodes, will end at a "natural breakpoint," setting the stage for further exploration of the story in subsequent seasons.