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My name is Bradley Gammel, and I’m an avid gamer and lover of cinema. My academic background features an English degree from Oklahoma State, and I am attending Pittsburgh State University as an MBA student.
Fans of both PlayStation’s The Last of Us video game franchise and 2023’s HBO live-action adaptation of the game have found their Abby. Earlier this week, HBO just announced that Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart, Hulu’s No One Will Save You) will be portraying the live-action version of one central character from The Last of Us Part II (2020).
Background on Abby Anderson in The Last of Us
For those unaware of the role, Abby Anderson is one of the most important characters from PlayStation and Naughty Dog’s second game.
According to Variety, Abby is described as a “skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those who loved.” Dever will have a large role to play in The Last of Us Season 2 and possibly beyond, seeing that the second game is set to be adapted into more than one season. Dever will appear on-screen alongside Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Elle.
The series co-creators of the HBO series had this to say about the casting decision:
Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro [Pascal], Bella [Ramsey] and the rest of our family.
HBO
Kaitlyn Dever: From Fighting Aliens to Clickers
Kaitlyn Dever most recently starred in Hulu’s 2023 science-fiction horror thriller, No One Will Save You. The film saw the 27-year-old actor showcase her ability to hold her own in fight scenes. Another interesting fact is that Dever was originally fan-cast to portray Elle during earlier attempts at bringing the 2013 video game to film. She auditioned to play Ellie but lost because HBO wanted a younger actress, such as Ramsey, who is currently aged 20.
The Last of Us Season 2 is scheduled for a 2025 release window on HBO. However, fans can rejoice as the series now appears on the award circuit. HBO’s hit post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure drama has been nominated for 24 Emmys and has already won multiple awards from other ceremonies. Beyond that, gamers can look forward to the upcoming PS5 remastered of the Naughty Dog game. Not only that, but a potential prequel to the television series may possibly be in the works as well.
Source: Variety
My name is Bradley Gammel, and I’m an avid gamer and lover of cinema. My academic background features an English degree from Oklahoma State, and I am attending Pittsburgh State University as an MBA student.