The Last of Us season 2 is sort of upon us. Based on a online game created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us is about 20 years after a fungus ravaged the earth, leaving hoards of ravenous, raging contaminated attacking the quarantined zones. Season 1 was a cross nation journey undertaken by a battle-weary Joel (Pedro Pascal) escorting a particular teenager, Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
Season 2 was greenlit simply two weeks after the premiere and is about 5 years after the occasions of season 1. Ellie is now 19 and has a mysteriously strained relationship with Joel. Season 2 introduces the contentious character of Abby, who’s pushed by the will to avenge the demise of a beloved one. Laura Bailey, who portrayed Abby in the sport, confronted bouquets and brickbats in equal measure, the previous for her talent in bringing the character alive and the latter for the alternatives the character makes.
Kaitlyn Dever, who performs Abby in the present, says she was conscious of the conversations surrounding Abby and her character on-line. “I know of the complications that Laura had to face,” Kaitlyn says over a video name. “I can’t imagine what that must have felt like. I was certainly aware of it, going into the role, but it was in no way going to stop me from taking on the role.”
It was the type of problem the 28-year-old actor relished. “I do like a challenge in the work that I do. It makes me feel accomplished. I certainly was thinking about it (the online chatter), but it didn’t overtake my brain space in a way that hindered the process of bringing Abby to life.”
The job, the Apple Cider Vinegar actor stated, was essential. “Whatever happens after that, I don’t have control over. All I have control over is giving my 100% effort to this character and creating who that is with Neil and Craig. It was a little nerve-wracking at first but ultimately, everyone on set made me feel so supported.”
In his first assembly with Kaitlyn, Druckmann requested her to focus on the script and never the sport. “He actually asked me not to play the game, even though it was a little late, because I had already played through half of the second part. I played the first game probably twice through. I didn’t play the rest of part 2.”
Focusing on the textual content, Kaitlyn says she created the character from the bottom up with Druckmann and Mazin. “All of it happened so fast that I didn’t have the opportunity to speak with Laura, but I loved her portrayal of Abby in the game. Neil and Craig were focused on doing something fresh and different with this take.”
Despite Season 1 being a vital and industrial success, Kaitlyn didn’t let the strain overwhelm her. “The Last of Us is such a big deal around the world, and being part of such a big franchise that is so loved is definitely new for me. I was able to take some of the pressure away — there is a lot of pressure when you’re joining something that big. I was lucky as I was welcomed by the cast and crew as a new element to the story. It is so cool to get to be a part of all of this.”
With her father, Tim Dever, being an enormous fan of the sport, Kaitlyn was excited to share the information of her casting with him. “That’s the most exciting part of my job — getting to share this stuff with my family. Ten years ago, my dad and I spent many nights at home after dinner playing The Last of Us. And now to have this come back into my life in the form of playing Abby is a big deal. We just have to sit back and enjoy the ride. It felt like The Last of Us was always supposed to be in my life in some way. And that feels surreal.”
Playing the antagonist in a well-regarded online game adaptation and having some fairly massive sneakers to fill, in response to Kaitlyn, was made straightforward due to Mazin and Druckmann. “I felt like I was in good hands. The world of The Last of Us is fast-paced and intense, it is jarring and shocking in so many ways. I feel confident because of the confidence that Neil and Craig had in me in taking on this role. I had to trust that they wanted me to be here (laughs).”
While admitting that entering into one thing so massive is a tough factor, Kaitlyn says, “Stepping into a new group of people, it’s hard not to feel like an outsider, but they made me feel welcomed and loved.”
Without moving into spoiler territory (although a gamer assures me The Last of Us is just not about spoilers, however the journey), Kaitlyn says taking on the position of Abby was a thrill. “It is exciting to dive into the bones of who she is and what drives her anger and her rage.”
The Last of Us Season 2 premiers on Jio Hotstar on April 14
Published – April 10, 2025 12:18 am IST
