HBO’s acclaimed series The Last of Us is gearing up for its highly anticipated second season with a significant casting announcement. Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in No One Will Save You and Last Man Standing, has been officially cast as Abby, a central character from the PlayStation game that the series is adapted from.
Abby is depicted as a skilled soldier with a black-and-white worldview, which faces challenges as she embarks on a quest for vengeance. This complex role requires an actor of Dever’s caliber, who has proven her versatility through various television and film projects.
“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,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Interestingly, Dever has had a longstanding connection with The Last of Us. Fans of the game had long advocated for her to play the lead role of Ellie, noting Dever’s striking resemblance to the character. Although she reportedly auditioned for Ellie, the role ultimately went to Bella Ramsey, with producers opting for a younger actor. Ramsey is currently 20 years old, while Dever is 27.
Dever’s acting credentials are impressive, with notable television appearances in series like Justified, Unbelievable, and Dopesick. Her filmography includes acclaimed movies like Booksmart, Rosaline, and Next Goal Wins. In addition to her acting prowess, Dever has shown her skills behind the camera, serving as an executive producer for No One Will Save You. Her performance in Unbelievable earned her a Golden Globe nomination, while Dopesick brought her both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
The Last of Us, inspired by the popular video game developed by Naughty Dog, is set in a post-apocalyptic world twenty years after civilization’s collapse. It follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, tasked with smuggling 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) out of a repressive quarantine zone. Their initially straightforward mission transforms into a harrowing and emotional journey across the U.S., where survival hinges on their mutual dependence.
Fans can look forward to the second season of The Last of Us, which is set to commence filming this year, with a targeted premiere in 2025 on HBO.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
