"Abby's Bulk-Up Skipped in The Last of Us Season 2, Says Neil Druckmann"

The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 will take a different approach to the character of Abby, as revealed by showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann. In the upcoming Season 2, actress Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, will not need to emulate the muscular build seen in the video game. Druckmann explained to Entertainment Weekly that this change is due to the different storytelling priorities in the TV series, where Abby's role doesn't need to feel as mechanically distinct from Ellie as it does in the game.

"We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role," Druckmann stated. He highlighted that in the game, players control both Ellie and Abby, necessitating different gameplay mechanics. Ellie is designed to feel smaller and more agile, while Abby's gameplay is more akin to Joel's, emphasizing brute strength. However, in the TV adaptation, the focus shifts more towards drama rather than constant violent action, allowing for a different portrayal of Abby.

Craig Mazin, co-showrunner, added that this change presents an opportunity to explore Abby as a character who might be physically more vulnerable but possesses a stronger spirit. He teased that the series will delve into the origins and manifestations of Abby's formidable nature, both in the upcoming season and potentially beyond.

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Mazin's comments about exploring Abby's character "now and later" suggest HBO's intention to extend the narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season. Unlike Season 1, which covered the entire first game, Season 2 will only adapt part of the second game's story, with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes. While Season 3 has not been officially greenlit, the groundwork has been laid for further exploration of the story.

The character of Abby has been a focal point of controversy, with some fans expressing their discontent through harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. This backlash has even extended to threats and abuse directed at Bailey's family. HBO took these concerns seriously, providing extra security for Kaitlyn Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in the series, remarked on the absurdity of the situation, reminding fans that Abby is a fictional character.