"Abby's No Bulk-Up in 'The Last of Us' Season 2, Druckmann Explains"

The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 will not feature Abby as the muscular character seen in the game, as her role in Season 2 does not need to emulate certain video game mechanics, according to showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann.

Druckmann, alongside fellow showrunner Craig Mazin, explained to Entertainment Weekly that actress Kaitlyn Dever did not need to bulk up for the role because Abby's mechanical distinction from Ellie isn't necessary in the series. "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, Druckmann clarified that Abby's physicality plays a lesser role in the TV adaptation due to a focus on drama over constant violent action. "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. I'm not saying there's no action here. It's just, again, different priorities and how you approach it."

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11 ImagesMazin added his perspective on Abby's character, suggesting a shift in focus: "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."

The mention of "now and later" hints at HBO's intention to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season, unlike Season 1 which covered the entire original game. Mazin has noted that Part 2 has a more extensive narrative, and while Season 3 is not confirmed yet, Season 2 is structured with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes.

The character of Abby has stirred significant controversy and toxicity, leading to harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. The harassment extended to threats and abuse directed at Bailey, her parents, and her young son.

HBO took precautions during the filming of Season 2, providing additional security for Kaitlyn Dever due to concerns over potential backlash. "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," remarked actress Isabel Merced, who portrays Dina in Season 2.