In the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2, the character Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, will not be as muscular as in the video game. Showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann explained to Entertainment Weekly that this change is due to the different storytelling priorities in the TV series. Unlike the game, where Abby's physicality was crucial for gameplay mechanics, the show focuses more on drama than on moment-to-moment violent action.
Druckmann emphasized the challenge of casting Abby, stating, "We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role." He highlighted that in the game, players control both Ellie and Abby, necessitating distinct gameplay styles. Abby was designed to be more like Joel, physically imposing, while Ellie was meant to feel smaller and more agile. However, in the series, these distinctions are less critical, allowing for a different portrayal of Abby.
Co-showrunner Craig Mazin added that this adaptation offers a chance to explore Abby's character in a new light, focusing on her inner strength rather than her physical prowess. He noted, "I personally think there is an amazing opportunity here to delve into someone who is perhaps physically more vulnerable than the Abby in the game, but whose spirit is stronger."
The HBO series plans to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season, with Season 2 consisting of seven episodes and ending at a "natural breakpoint." This approach differs from Season 1, which covered the entire first game in nine episodes.
The character of Abby has been a focal point of controversy, with some fans expressing their discontent through harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. The backlash was so severe that HBO provided extra security for Kaitlyn Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, commented on the situation, saying, "There's so many strange people in this world because there are people that actually genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person. Just a reminder: not a real person."
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