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The Anticipated Return of ‘The Last of Us’: What to Expect in Season 2

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to debut on HBO later this year, stirring excitement among fans of the acclaimed video game series. Following the narrative of The Last of Us Part II, the upcoming season promises new characters and a continuation of its deeply engaging storyline, all while facing the challenge of presenting a beloved yet controversial source material. A significant part of this adaptation is the introduction of Abby, a character described as an anti-heroine, whose nuanced portrayal adds depth to the narrative.

Entertainment Weekly has released a new set of images from the forthcoming season that highlights the expanded cast and alterations from the original game. Kaitlyn Dever will portray Abby, alongside fellow W.L.F. soldiers Manny (Danny Ramirez), Nora (Tati Gabrielle), Mel (Ariela Barer), and Owen (Spencer Lord). Notably, Abby’s physical depiction diverges from her video game predecessor—she is intentionally cast with a less muscular physique. In contrast, viewers can spot Ellie (Bella Ramsey) alongside Dina (Isabel Merced), hinting at critical moments early in the season, with familiar settings that fans of the game will recognize.

Craig Mazin, the showrunner, acknowledges the impact of the first season and aims to balance its intense themes with a narrative that poses challenging questions. He emphasizes the series’ duty to its audience: to provoke thought while being both surprising and engaging. As he states,

“Tens of millions of people liked it week after week after week, and that’s a number that’s hard to get our minds around. We are accountable to them, and we think our job is to continue to do what we did, which is to challenge people and to delight them, surprise them, and make them feel and provoke thought within them.”

Understanding Abby’s Altered Physique in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2

While The Last of Us Season 2 aims to remain true to the original game’s spirit, it also includes notable departures from the source material. One of these changes involves Abby, whose less intimidating physicality has drawn commentary. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the series, explains that while some fans may have preferred a more muscular representation, the decision to cast Kaitlyn Dever reflects a broader understanding of her character’s role in this adaptation.

Druckmann further elaborates:

“We would’ve struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role. In the game, you have to play both characters [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. 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.”

Although some fans may find the reduced physicality of Abby a point of contention, it is evident that the vision for her role is about more than mere appearances. Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby is being framed as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.” This suggests a complex character journey that retains the core essence of what made Abby a compelling figure in the original’s narrative framework.

As the viewers gear up for the return of The Last of Us, the anticipation is palpable for how these characters will be portrayed and how their stories will unfold in this new season.

Source
movieweb.com