Kaitlyn Dever is poised to step into a pivotal role in The Last of Us season 2, taking on the character Abby, who embarks on a revenge mission following her father’s death. Dever’s excitement about joining the HBO series comes after a previous attachment to a canceled movie adaptation of the beloved video game. This adaptation faithfully brings the iconic PlayStation franchise to the small screen, delving into the harrowing experiences of individuals navigating a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a viral outbreak.
It was sort of surreal because I had since become such a huge fan of the show. I loved what the two of them [Craig Mazin & Neil Druckmann] did in this first season. It was just pure magic. It was really so wonderful.
I was a fan of the game. It was like a real bonding moment for me and my dad, playing it together. And to have it come back around ten plus years later, it really felt like something I always thought about. I just admired this story so much and what you did. When it did come back around, it felt surreal because it really kind of felt like, “Things that are meant to be in your life will happen if they’re supposed to.”And it just felt right. Abby felt right. It was very cool.
The Impact of Dever’s Role on The Last of Us
Dever’s Evolution: From Film Aspirations to Television Triumph
While many aspects of the abandoned movie project remain under wraps, it is clear that the film’s journey was anything but smooth. Initially set to produce in 2014, the film would have brought together renowned creator Neil Druckmann and legendary director Sam Raimi. However, creative differences, particularly regarding the film’s tone and action-heavy direction, ultimately led to its cancellation in 2019, coinciding with Sony’s decision to relinquish rights to the storyline. This paved the way for the highly anticipated television adaptation, which began development soon after.
In the original film concept, Dever was slated to portray Ellie, the characters’ bitter rival, in a production that perhaps would have cemented her status before her rise to fame in recent years. Given her demonstrated skill as an actress, it’s likely she would have drawn considerable acclaim for her portrayal. As such, her eventual casting as Abby showcases her flexibility and readiness to embody the complexities of a character driven by vengeance.
Dever’s Journey: Bringing Abby to Life
A Deep-rooted Love for the Franchise
Despite stepping into the shoes of Abby, a character that stands in stark contrast to Ellie, Dever’s enthusiasm for the franchise remains fervent. Her long-standing admiration indicates a genuine commitment to delivering an authentic performance that resonates with fans. The shared passion among the cast and crew has already been acknowledged as a vital element in creating the series, and Dever’s background as both a fan and a serious actor could greatly inform her portrayal of one of The Last of Us‘ most divisive characters.
As the anticipation builds for Abby’s introduction in the sequel, audiences are left to ponder how Dever’s past experiences may influence her interpretation of this complex and intricately layered role.