The Last of Us Season 2's Casting Problem Is About to Intensify Dramatically
The Last of Us' Season 2 casting of Abby intensifies the existing backlash problem, potentially impacting the future of the series HBO's game changes have been justified by the success of Season 1 and could pave the way for a broader narrative beyond the games
Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us Part II, which could be relevant to future stories in the show.
Summary
The show is expected to face continued casting backlash in future seasons, as new characters are anticipated to generate negative feedback from avid game fans. Season 2's introduction of Abby, a divisive character from the game, is likely to further intensify the casting backlash problem.
Season 1's success validates the creative changes made by The Last of Us, with high ratings and acclaim for its performance and storytelling. The introduction of new characters in season 2 may not only bring about casting backlash, but could also pose an ongoing issue for future seasons. Any adaptation of a video game is likely to generate some level of uproar, as there are bound to be inaccuracies in the story or characters. The Last of Us is no exception to fan criticism, evident in the harsh critiques aimed at Bella Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie in season 1. It is undoubtedly expected that the next season will face similar negative feedback from devoted fans of the game.
The Last Of Us Season 2's Abby Will Make S1's Casting Backlash Problem Even Worse
Despite initial backlash over the casting choices, The Last of Us quickly became a sensation on HBO, as the talented actors effortlessly breathed life into the iconic video game characters. With the arrival of Season 2, an entirely new realm emerges, introducing fresh faces, formidable antagonists, and a horde of infected beings. Among the newcomers is a character who was universally despised in the games, and this could once again pose a casting challenge for The Last of Us directors, as critical opinions may circulate among certain sections of the audience.The upcoming second season of The Last of Us will introduce a significant character who will play a major role in the storyline. Abby, a young woman driven by a desire for revenge following her father's death, emerged as a prominent figure in the sequel to The Last of Us video game. As a result, her inclusion in the television adaptation is likely to generate backlash, considering she is responsible for killing one of the beloved characters that fans have grown attached to.
The portrayal of Joel and Ellie, portrayed by actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey respectively, received high praise for their performances. However, there was a vocal segment of the fanbase that criticized their casting even before the show premiered. Much of the backlash focused on their physical resemblance to the video game characters, highlighting the expectations surrounding the actress chosen to portray Abby. Given the significant number of complaints directed towards the casting of these two stars, it is highly likely that the choice of actress for Abby will face similar scrutiny.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Could Set Up A Future Beyond The Games
It is unlikely that The Last of Us will conclude after season 2. This implies that there is potential for future seasons to explore new narratives and introduce fresh characters. As these additional stories diverge from the game, it is expected that there will be increased criticism and challenges for the directors and actors. This possibility seems plausible, considering that The Last of Us could extend beyond three seasons by altering the storytelling approach in season 2. This may involve prolonging Joel's survival or dedicating more episodes to Abby and her character development.
The Last Of Us Season 1's Success Justifies The HBO Series' Game Changes
Both Druckmann and Mazin will need to find actors capable of fully embodying the character of Abby, ensuring that they can effectively portray her as she exists in the video game. This requirement applies to all the other characters from The Last of Us Part II as well, such as Ellie's friends Dina and Jesse, as well as Abby's friends Owen and Mel. These characters have a significant impact on Ellie and Abby's lives in the game, especially when their survival is at stake. Therefore, casting the right actors for these roles is of utmost importance for the success of The Last of Us season 2. By introducing these new characters and their stories into the TV show, it has the potential to add additional depth to the characters of Ellie and Abby, while also expanding the overall universe of the series.
Undeniably, The Last of Us made alterations to the source material that cannot be ignored. It omitted certain action sequences and also introduced Kathleen, a character absent from the games. However, despite these changes causing division, the show's astounding success in its inaugural season alone ultimately proves that they were not necessarily missteps. The first season of The Last of Us became an instant sensation, earning exceptional ratings for its performance and captivating narrative, thereby justifying the creative liberties it took in its mission to adapt the iconic games.
