Kaitlyn Dever's Casting as Abby in The Last of Us Season 2: Laura Bailey's Reaction and What to Expect

Laura Bailey's Reaction to Kaitlyn Dever's Casting

The Last of Us' original Abby voice actor, Laura Bailey, recently took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to react to the casting choice for season 2 of HBO's The Last of Us. In The Last of Us Part II video game, Bailey voiced and provided motion capture for the character of Abby Anderson, a soldier for the Washington Liberation Front caught in a conflict with a religious cult known as the Seraphites. The official casting of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby in The Last of Us season 2 has sparked great interest and discussion within the gaming and entertainment communities.

Abby in The Last of Us and Kaitlyn Dever

Bailey offered a 'huge congrats' to Dever and expressed her excitement about seeing Abby’s evolution in Dever's performance. Her post concluded with a playful invitation: 'Let me know if you want a workout buddy. 💪' This lighthearted comment alludes to the physicality of Abby's character, which was a significant aspect of Bailey's portrayal through motion capture.

Twitter article posted by Laura Bailey

What To Expect From Kaitlyn Dever's Abby

Laura Bailey's response to Kaitlyn Dever's casting provides valuable insights into what to expect from Abby in The Last of Us season 2. Bailey's excitement about seeing Abby’s evolution in Dever's performance hints at a character development arc for Abby that resonates with the audience. In The Last of Us Part II video game, Abby is involved in a pivotal and controversial scene with the main protagonists, Joel and Ellie, portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the HBO show.

Initially, audiences are likely to harbor negative sentiments towards Abby due to her actions, but as the story unfolds, her complexities and redemptive actions are expected to evoke empathy and understanding. The portrayal of Abby's evolution is a crucial aspect of Dever's performance, and the audience anticipates a compelling and nuanced interpretation.

Furthermore, Bailey's offer to be Dever's 'workout buddy' sheds light on the physical transformation required for the role. In the game, Abby is known for her extraordinarily muscular arms, and Bailey underwent extensive physical preparation to embody the character through motion capture. Dever's petite stature of 5' 2'' presents a physical contrast to Abby's 5' 8'' build, but with a dedicated workout routine, Dever has the potential to undergo a significant physical transformation for The Last of Us season 2. Alternatively, Dever's Emmy-nominated acting prowess positions her to effectively portray Abby's evolution, regardless of physical differences.

The Future of The Last of Us Season 2

The Last of Us season 2 is scheduled to commence filming in 2024 and is slated for premiere on HBO in 2025. With the addition of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, the anticipation and curiosity surrounding the series have intensified. The casting choice has sparked discussions about the interpretation of Abby's character and the impact of Dever's portrayal on the series as a whole.

Fans and critics alike are eager to witness Dever's rendition of Abby, which is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the character and contribute to the depth and emotional resonance of The Last of Us season 2. As the filming and production progress, the audience awaits further updates and insights into the creative direction and adaptation of The Last of Us Part II video game for the HBO series.