The Last of Us season 2 is set to spark intense discussions, with its new lead actress gearing up for the inevitable reactions. While the first season concentrated on the dynamic between Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) and Joel (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), this upcoming season will prominently feature Kaitlyn Dever as Abby. These new episodes will adapt The Last of Us Part II, a video game that garnered critical acclaim yet also stirred significant controversy among players. Mark your calendars, as the highly anticipated sophomore season is scheduled to premiere on April 13, and it’s expected to evoke as much debate as its source material.

During an insightful interview with ScreenRant‘s Liam Crowley at SXSW, Dever candidly shared her thoughts on the expected backlash. Aware of the polarizing nature of her character, Dever emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused and positive mindset. Instead of fixating on the potential criticisms from fans, she is concentrating on fostering strong collaborations with her fellow cast and crew. Her commitment to embodying Abby authentically is evident in her words:

ScreenRant: Do you pay attention at all to how people anticipate a character portrayal like Abby’s, or do you just go in and do your own thing?

Kaitlyn Dever: Well, it’s hard not to see those things on the internet. I try to refrain from looking too often, especially as I step into this role. I genuinely want to honor this character and make the fans proud by bringing her to life authentically.

My primary focus was the collaboration with Neil and Craig, ensuring I deeply understood Abby’s core motivations and emotional complexities, including her anger, frustration, and grief. That has been where I directed the majority of my energy and attention.

Understanding Dever’s Insights for The Last of Us Adaptation

Significant Changes to Abby’s Characterization in Season 2

Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby promises to be a contentious subject, as the character has been polarizing since her introduction in the game The Last of Us Part II, launched on June 19, 2020. After her fierce confrontation with Joel, Abby quickly became a figure of disdain among many players. She plays the role of Ellie’s main antagonist, remaining largely unaware that Ellie is pursuing her. As her world in the Seattle quarantine zone collapses, the complexities of Abby’s character will be further heightened by the audience’s mixed feelings towards her.

There is, of course, the possibility that Abby’s storyline will undergo transformations. In a revealing conversation with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley, showrunner Craig Mazin assured that there would be essential revisions in the narrative. When asked about the audience’s preconceived notions of the story, Crowley remarked, “They think they do.” A notable alteration is that Dever’s physical portrayal differs significantly from the game’s depiction of Abby, who was characterized by a muscular build. This change may signal the show’s intent to reshape audience expectations and potentially mitigate negative responses.

Analyzing the Controversies Surrounding Abby’s Character

The Importance of Dever’s Preparedness for Public Scrutiny

Despite the adjustments made, it is highly probable that a significant portion of the backlash regarding The Last of Us season 2 will be directed toward Dever. While this reality is deeply unfair, it is a part of being a public figure in today’s environment. The original voice actress for the character, Laura Bailey, faced severe harassment, including death threats after the game’s release. Dever’s readiness for such a scenario is a positive sign. No individual should endure hostility for simply accepting a role, yet this reflects the often harsh landscape of modern entertainment. Although the industry can strive to mitigate this backlash, it is crucial for Dever to mentally prepare herself for the challenges that may arise.

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