Actress Kaitlyn Dever has officially joined the cast of HBO’s “The Last of Us” as Abby, marking an exciting addition to the star-studded lineup for the second season. The announcement was made by the studio on Tuesday, revealing that Dever, known for her roles in “Booksmart,” “No One Will Save You,” and “Last Man Standing,” will be taking on the crucial role of Abby in the highly anticipated series.
Based on the popular video game series of the same name, “The Last of Us” has already generated significant buzz with its talented cast, including Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Initially, there were reports that Kaitlyn Dever had auditioned for the character of Ellie, a central figure in the storyline. However, the official announcement confirms her role as Abby, the main antagonist in the second installment of the game.
Abby is described as a skilled soldier with a black-and-white view of the world, and her character undergoes significant development as she seeks vengeance for those she loved. The addition of Kaitlyn Dever to the cast brings an acclaimed performer into the mix, further elevating the expectations for the series’ second season.
Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann shared their excitement about the casting decision in a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter. They emphasized that the casting process for the second season mirrors the approach taken in the first season, focusing on securing world-class actors who can authentically embody the essence of the characters from the source material. The showrunners expressed their thrill at having Kaitlyn Dever join the “Last of Us” family alongside Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and the rest of the talented ensemble.
“The Last of Us” has already seen success in the awards circuit, earning eight wins out of nineteen nominations at the Creative Arts Emmys. Notably, Nick Offerman and Storm Reid secured victories in the Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Drama Series categories. The show received additional recognition with five nominations in the 75th Primetime Emmys, including nods for Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama Series.
The casting of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby adds another layer of anticipation to the series, as fans eagerly await the continuation of the gripping narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world. With a talented and diverse cast, “The Last of Us” is poised to deliver a second season that lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessor.
As the production progresses, viewers can look forward to witnessing Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby, exploring the complexities of the character and contributing to the overall success of the series. The combination of acclaimed actors, compelling storytelling, and the immersive world of “The Last of Us” promises an engaging and memorable viewing experience for fans of the game and newcomers alike.