Kaitlyn Dever Cast as Abby in ‘The Last of Us’

She’s joining the likes of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsay ahead of the show gearing back up to shoot next month, ready for a 2025 return to our screens.

Kaitlyn Dever as Rosaline in 20th Century Studios' 'Rosaline.'

Preview:

Kaitlyn Dever is playing Abby in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2.
The character is a controversial one for fans of the game.
‘The Last of Us’ will be back on HBO in 2025.

‘The Last of Us’ has been enjoying plenty of kudos in the last couple of months, picking up various awards (including some Emmys this past weekend). And with good reason: it was one of the best shows of 2023.

While it won’t be back for at least another year, there is an exciting update as ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Dopesick’ star Kaitlyn Dever (who also appeared in last year’s quirky alien invasion thriller ‘No One Will Save You’) is on board to play Abby.

She joins the existing core cast of Pedro Pascal (as Joel) and Bella Ramsay (as Ellie).

Who is Abby in ‘The Last of Us’ game?

HBO Max's 'The Last of Us.' Photo: Warner Media.

Portrayed by Laura Bailey, Abigail “Abby” Anderson is the playable dual protagonist of ‘The Last of Us Part II’ and a playable character in the No Return mode. And we won’t say more about her than that, other than to warn that her appearance and actions in the game are very controversial among players.

HBO’s announcement offers that she’s a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.

What’s the story of ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?

(L to R) Bella Ramsey, and Pedro Pascal in 'The Last of Us.' Photo: Warner Media.

Producers/Showrunners Craig Mazin (‘Chernobyl’) and Neil Druckmann (creator of the original game) have yet to detail exactly what the new season will cover.

The first season of ‘The Last of Us’ covered much of games ‘The Last of Us Part I’ and ‘The Last of Us: Left Behind’, which means it is likely that Season 2 will cover at least part of ‘The Last of Us Part II’. There is also potential for it to cover some of the time between Part I and Part II, as there is a five-year time jump in the video game. Ellie, 14 in Part I and Left Behind, is 19 in Part II, and she and Joel have been living in Jackson since they left the Fireflies in Salt Lake City.

Mazin has said that because of its size, Season Two will only adapt part of the second game.

What have the producers said about Dever’s casting?

(L-R): Isabela Merced as Juliet and Kaitlyn Dever as Rosaline in 20th Century Studios' 'Rosaline,' exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Here’s Mazin and Druckmann’s statement on the new addition:

“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. 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.”

Season 2 is scheduled to start shooting in Vancouver this month.