Hey gamers and TV fans get ready because The Last of Us Season 2 is coming and things are about to get intense. We've got casting news plot twists and a deep dive into why Kaitlyn Dever is the perfect choice to play Abby one of the most complex characters from The Last of Us Part II game. Trust us this season is going to be a wild ride.
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby: From Almost Being Ellie to Taking on a Pivotal Role
So here is a fun fact you might not know: Kaitlyn Dever actually has history with The Last of Us that goes way back. Like way way back. Turns out years ago when they were first talking about making a movie adaptation of the game Kaitlyn Dever was in talks to play Ellie! Yes really.
She even met with Neil Druckmann the creator of the game and co-showrunner of the HBO series. He showed her how the game was made and spilled some secrets about Part II years before it even came out. Imagine carrying those spoilers around for a decade! Kaitlyn told The Hollywood Reporter it was "rough these last 10 years" keeping it all in.
While that movie project didn't happen Kaitlyn remained a fan of The Last of Us. She watched Season 1 and loved what Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal did. So when the role of Abby came up it felt like fate. As Kaitlyn said "it almost felt like 'Oh this was always meant to be in my life just in a different way' and that felt really cool." Destiny folks destiny.
Why Abby is Different in The Last of Us Season 2: Game Changes Explained
If you played The Last of Us Part II game you know Abby is a character shrouded in mystery at first. Her motivations are slowly revealed as you play. But the HBO series is switching things up a bit. In Season 2 Abby will be introduced right away in the very first episode. Why the change?
Neil Druckmann explained that in the game you play as Abby so you instantly connect with her. You are in her shoes surviving and fighting. The show does not have that interactive element. They need to create that connection in a different way through empathy and understanding her story from the start.
Also Season 2 is only covering part of The Last of Us Part II game's story. Splitting the game into two TV seasons means they can't hold back Abby's backstory for too long. Viewers would be waiting ages to understand her motivations and that just would not work for TV pacing.
Another game thing they are changing? Flashbacks. The game used a non-linear structure jumping between different characters and timelines. For the show they might play with timelines a bit differently. Game structure and TV structure are just different beasts. What works in a game does not always translate directly to TV and the showrunners are making smart choices to adapt the story for a new medium.
What to Expect from Abby in Season 2: Vengeance Flashbacks and Complex Emotions
So what exactly will Abby be like in The Last of Us Season 2? Well Kaitlyn Dever is taking on a seriously meaty role. Abby is a soldier driven by vengeance. She has a strong reason to hate Joel and Ellie and her story is going to be deeply intertwined with theirs.
Expect flashbacks. Lots of them. To understand Abby you need to know her past and what fuels her actions. The show will likely delve into her backstory to make viewers understand her perspective even if they don't agree with her choices. Prepare for complex emotions. Abby is not a simple villain. She is a well-rounded character with her own pain motivations and relationships. Kaitlyn Dever has the acting chops to bring all of that to life. Co-showrunner Craig Mazin said they needed someone who could be a hero a villain someone to love and hate all at once. They found that in Kaitlyn.
The Last of Us Season 2: Release Date Cast and More Key Details
Ready for more details about Season 2? Here is what we know:
- Premiere Date: April 13 on HBO and Max
- Based On: The Last of Us Part II video game
- Storyline: Picks up five years after Season 1 in Jackson Wyoming. Ellie and Joel's relationship is strained. Abby enters the picture seeking revenge for Joel's past actions.
- Episode Count: 7 episodes (Season 1 had 9)
- New Cast Members: Kaitlyn Dever (Abby) Isabela Merced (Dina) Young Mazino (Jesse) Catherine O’Hara (Gail) Jeffrey Wright (Isaac Dixon) and more.
- Returning Cast Members: Pedro Pascal (Joel) Bella Ramsey (Ellie) Gabriel Luna (Tommy) Rutina Wesley (Maria).
- Plot Points to Expect: Joel's murder Ellie and Dina's romance the conflict with the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites and flashbacks exploring character backstories.
Mark your calendars for April 13th folks. The Last of Us Season 2 is shaping up to be just as intense emotional and unforgettable as the first. Get ready for Kaitlyn Dever's powerful portrayal of Abby and a whole new chapter in this epic story.