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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 mechanical differences between the characters. Abby was designed to play similarly to Joel, with a more brute-like physical presence, while Ellie was meant to feel smaller and more agile. However, in the HBO series, these distinctions are less critical, allowing for a different portrayal of Abby.
Co-showrunner Craig Mazin added that this adaptation offers an opportunity to explore Abby's character in a new light. He suggested that Abby could be portrayed as physically more vulnerable but with a stronger spirit, raising questions about the origins and manifestations of her formidable nature. This approach aligns with HBO's plan to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season, with Season 2 designed to end at 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 the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, commented on the situation, reminding fans that Abby is a fictional character and not a real person.
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