The Last of Us Season 2 Casts Abby

Television

The bane of many gamers’ existence is leaping to live-action. Earlier today, it was announced that Kaitlyn Dever will join the cast of HBO’s video game adaptation The Last of Us for its second season. Dever will play Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part II who is described as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.” She will join Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, who play lead roles Joel and Ellie. Interestingly, The Hollywood Reporter says that Dever was a fan-favorite choice to play Ellie due to her resemblance to the character as depicted in the games; she even auditioned for Ellie. But the producers decided Dever was too old for the part and chose the seven-years-younger Ramsey instead. Dever has previously starred in the movies Book Smart, Next Goal Wins, and No One Will Save You, and has appeared in the (amazing) TV series Justified.

I’ve never played The Last of Us or its sequel – and, consequently, have little interest in the HBO show – but even I know Abby is an open can of worms. I’ve seen videos on The Last of Us Part II and Abby’s role in it, including what she does and the ramifications (or lack thereof) of it, and it appears the TV adaptation isn’t shying away from that controversy. Well, probably not; it’s possible they’ll go in a different direction and subvert everyone’s expectations. But perhaps the built-in controversy is a bonus, with the producers hoping it will entice people to tune in so they can be annoyed all over again. Regardless, it’s going to be an interesting TV season when this airs. As for Kaitlyn Dever, I can’t say whether she’ll be good in this role,  but I do know she was fantastic on Justified (see the clip above), playing the daughter of a murdered marijuana grower being cared for by his killer. She could play smart, scared, angry, brave, and a range of other emotions, and she was only about fifteen at the time. I’m glad she’s getting a career boost, and I wish her the best. As for Last of Us fans, well… good luck, guys.