Last of Us Star Boldly Addresses Character Backlash: A Perspective Worth Reading

Summary

Melanie Lynskey, the star of The Last of Us, shares her thoughts on the criticism aimed at her character, Kathleen. She remembers a specific incident when a viewer commented that she didn't resemble her in-game counterpart. Lynskey quickly clarified that Kathleen was never part of the game in the first place.

Some viewers body-shamed Lynskey, but instead of getting upset, the actor showed patience and understood that those people might be facing challenges in their own lives.

Kathleen's inclusion in The Last of Us deviated from the game's plot, but it brought more complexity and emotional intensity to Henry and Sam's narrative, while also touching on important themes in the show.

The Last of Us star Melanie Lynskey candidly discusses the criticism surrounding her character, Kathleen, in the highly anticipated HBO series. Based on the popular PlayStation video games, The Last of Us, created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, follows Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) as they navigate a post-apocalyptic America. While the show was well-received, Lynskey's portrayal of Kathleen sparked controversy among some viewers.

As fans eagerly await the release of The Last of Us season 2, Lynskey shares her thoughts on the backlash her character received in a recent interview with TheWrap. Kathleen, a character not featured in the original games, faced criticism, particularly regarding her physical appearance. Certain individuals took to body-shaming Lynskey and argued that she did not fit the image of a rebel leader in a post-apocalyptic world. Below is Lynskey's response to these comments:

A person messaged me, stating that it was essential to accurately represent the character from the game, as I did not resemble them. I felt inclined to respond, questioning the significance of accuracy when the character was not even part of the game.

In these situations, I attempt to show empathy. Occasionally, I visit their profiles and observe their lives, recognizing the challenges they may be facing. By doing so, I humanize the individual who consistently expresses their dislike for me.

Kathleen Was A Great The Last Of Us Addition

The creators of The Last of Us did not limit themselves to the game's source material. They embraced departures from the original story, such as taking Joel and Ellie to Kansas City instead of Pittsburg where they encounter the hunters. In the game, the hunters exist, but their leader is not explored. Kathleen, portrayed by Lynskey, aligns with one of the show's core themes that the environment has turned ordinary people into monsters. Henry and Sam, characters from the game and the show, are present, but Kathleen's presence adds to the compelling, tragic, and intense nature of their storyline.

Kathleen and Perry (played by Jeffrey Pierce) become the prominent figures among the hunters, reshaping the previously undefined opposition into a vengeful force in the Kansas City storyline. Kathleen's relentless pursuit of revenge against Henry for her brother's death is not only all-encompassing but also relatable. In The Last of Us, Lynskey's character displays an unyielding and brutal nature, yet her motivations evoke empathy, a quality skillfully infused in nearly every character by Mazin and Druckmann, resulting in a powerful impact on the show.