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 compared to the game. Druckmann noted that in the game, Abby's physicality was crucial for gameplay mechanics, making her feel distinct from Ellie. However, in the series, the focus shifts more towards drama rather than constant violent action.
Druckmann praised Dever's casting, stating, "We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role." He highlighted that while Abby's role in the game required her to be physically imposing, similar to Joel, the TV adaptation allows for a different approach. "That doesn't play as big of a role in this version of the story because there's not as much violent action moment to moment. It's more about the drama," Druckmann explained.
Co-showrunner Craig Mazin added that this change presents an opportunity to explore Abby's character in a new light. "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," Mazin said. He hinted at exploring Abby's formidable nature and its origins, which will be developed over multiple seasons. This approach aligns with HBO's plan to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season, with Season 2 set to have a "natural breakpoint" after seven 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 has been so severe that HBO provided extra security for Kaitlyn Dever during filming. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in Season 2, 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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