The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 will present Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, differently than in the video game, as confirmed by showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann. In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly alongside fellow showrunner Craig Mazin, Druckmann explained that Abby's muscular build, which was a significant aspect of her character in the game, won't be as emphasized in the TV series. This decision stems from the show's focus on drama over the game's need for distinct mechanics for Ellie and Abby.
"We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role," Druckmann stated. He elaborated on the game's design, saying, "In the game, you have to play both [Ellie and Abby] and we need them to play differently. We needed Ellie to feel smaller and kind of maneuver around, and Abby was meant to play more like Joel in that she's almost like a brute in the way she can physically manhandle certain things." However, in the series, "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."
Mazin added his perspective, suggesting that the show 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. And then the question is: 'Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest?' That's something that will be explored now and later."
This "now and later" comment hints at HBO's plan to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season, unlike Season 1, which covered the entirety of the first game. Mazin has indicated that Part 2 has more story to tell, and while Season 3 is not yet confirmed, Season 2 is designed with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes.
The character of Abby has been a focal point of controversy, with some fans expressing their discontent in extreme ways, including harassing Naughty Dog employees and even actress Laura Bailey and her family. The backlash has been significant enough that HBO took extra security measures for Kaitlyn Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, remarked 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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