The Last of Us Season 2: Unprecedented Casting Struggles Beyond Abby
Casting for The Last of Us season 2 goes beyond Abby; key roles like Dina and Lev are just as vital Explore the potential actors who could bring these characters to life in this highly anticipated series
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for The Last of Us Part II.
While much attention has been given to the casting of Abby in The Last of Us season 2, it is equally important to find the right actors for other pivotal roles such as Dina, Jesse, and Lev. The first season of the show aligned closely with the events of the initial Last of Us game, but the second season will delve into a much larger, more ambitious, and controversial narrative from The Last of Us Part II. This installment centers around Ellie's pursuit of vengeance after Joel's murder, but also offers a substantial perspective from Joel's killer, Abby, prompting players to empathize with her side of the story. HBO's casting team managed to discover the ideal duo with Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie. Now, they face the challenge of locating an actor capable of portraying the franchise's most divisive character in the live-action adaptation.
Abby Isn't The Only Major Character Introduced In The Last Of Us Part II
The casting process for the role of Abby in The Last of Us Part II has sparked a frenzy of speculation. Various notable actors have been suggested, ranging from those renowned for portraying morally ambiguous antiheroes, such as Florence Pugh and Chloë Grace Moretz, to those known for their toughness and physicality, like Ronda Rousey and Katy M. O’Brian. Undoubtedly, finding the ideal performer for Abby will pose a significant challenge. The Last of Us season 2 must successfully evoke empathy from the audience towards Joel's murderer, despite the absence of the game's literal embodiment of her perspective, and this responsibility will largely rest upon the chosen actor. However, Abby is not the sole casting obstacle that The Last of Us season 2 faces. The sequel is replete with compelling characters, and HBO must seek out the perfect actors to do justice to these roles.
Abby, the second playable protagonist, holds immense importance as the newest character in The Last of Us Part II. However, HBO's casting for The Last of Us season 2 goes beyond Abby. Finding the perfect actor to portray Dina is crucial. In the game's initial half, Dina steps in as Ellie's partner in scavenging, replacing Joel. Not only that, but Dina also becomes Ellie's romantic interest. The actor chosen for Dina must radiate on-screen chemistry with Ramsey to portray their characters' beautiful romance authentically. Additionally, the show seeks an adored actor to take on the role of Jesse. Though Jesse may not receive as much screen time as Dina, his portrayal must leave a lasting impact on viewers, ensuring the shocking effect when he is abruptly killed by Abby midway through the story.
Perhaps the most crucial role for the TV show to cast – in addition to Abby – is Lev, who plays a pivotal role akin to Ellie in relation to Abby's Joel. Lev is the hopeful, wide-eyed youth whom she takes under her wing, promising to shield him from the perils of the post-apocalyptic wasteland. It is through Lev that Abby rediscovers her humanity, transforming into a character deserving of redemption. A standout moment occurs during the intense theater ambush, where Lev fervently implores Abby to spare Dina's life. As one of the most endearing characters in the game, it is imperative that the actor portraying Lev in live-action captures his essence.
Who Could Play The Other Characters From The Last Of Us Part II?
There is much discussion surrounding the casting of Abby in The Last of Us season 2, but what about the actors for Dina, Jesse, Lev, Yara, Owen, Mel, and other important characters from the game? Paolina Hernandez van Kleef's name has been mentioned for the role of Dina, as she made a brief appearance in season 1 at Jackson, leading to rumors that she could be a young Dina. However, if the casting team of the HBO series is looking for a more well-known name, they could consider Jenna Ortega. With her roles in X and Scream, Ortega has established herself as a prominent figure in the "scream queen" genre, and her memorable portrayal of Wednesday Addams showcased her ability to play a relatable character in a captivating genre-based narrative.
Steven Yeun, known for his role in a previous zombie drama, would have been a perfect fit for the character of Jesse years ago. However, he may now be too old for the role. Ki Hong Lee, who portrayed Minho in the Maze Runner franchise, has proven his potential to play Jesse. Dallas James Liu, currently playing Zuko in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender series, may be too busy for another TV role but would excel as Jesse. Ian Alexander could potentially reprise their role as Lev, but their age may be a concern as Lev needs to appear youthful for the character dynamics.
To bring fresh talent to The Last of Us season 2, it would be wise to cast relatively unknown actors. Pedro Pascal's star power attracted new fans to the series in season 1, and now that the show is a hit with future seasons guaranteed, it may not need additional high-profile actors. The casting team can explore beyond established circles to discover emerging actors who are perfect for each role. Given the success of choosing Pascal and Ramsey as Joel and Ellie in season 1, there is no doubt the casting team will continue to excel in season 2.
