Home > News > The Last of Us Season 2's Abby Didn't Bulk Up Because HBO Didn't Need to Emulate Certain Video Game Mechanics, Neil Druckmann Says

The Last of Us Season 2's Abby Didn't Bulk Up Because HBO Didn't Need to Emulate Certain Video Game Mechanics, Neil Druckmann Says

May 15,25(1 months ago)
The Last of Us Season 2's Abby Didn't Bulk Up Because HBO Didn't Need to Emulate Certain Video Game Mechanics, Neil Druckmann Says

The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 is taking a unique approach to Abby's character, as confirmed by showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann. In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann, along with fellow showrunner Craig Mazin, explained that actress Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, didn't need to bulk up for the role. This decision stems from the fact that Abby's muscular appearance in the game was designed to differentiate her gameplay mechanics from Ellie's.

Druckmann elaborated, "We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role. In the game, you have to play both [Ellie and Abby] and we need them to play differently. We needed Ellie to feel smaller and kind of maneuver around, and Abby was meant to play more like Joel in that she's almost like a brute in the way she can physically manhandle certain things." However, he noted that the show prioritizes drama over the moment-to-moment violent action of the game, thus altering Abby's portrayal.

Mazin added, "I personally think there is an amazing opportunity here to delve into someone who is perhaps physically more vulnerable than the Abby in the game, but whose spirit is stronger. And then the question is: 'Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest?' That's something that will be explored now and later."

This "now and later" comment hints at HBO's plan to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season. Unlike Season 1, which covered the entire first game, Season 2 will adapt only part of the second game's story, with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes. While Season 3 is not yet confirmed, the groundwork is being laid for further exploration of Abby's character.

The character of Abby has been at the center of much controversy, leading to toxic behavior from some fans, including harassment of Naughty Dog employees like Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. This backlash even prompted HBO to provide extra security for Kaitlyn Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, commented on the absurdity of the situation, saying, "There's so many strange people in this world because there are people that actually genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person. Just a reminder: not a real person."

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast: Who's New and Coming Back to the HBO Show?

11 Images

Discover
  • Weapons armory simulator
    Weapons armory simulator
    Introducing the ultimate weapon simulator experience — a dynamic, immersive virtual armory that brings the excitement of combat to your mobile device. Featuring realistic light effects, vibration feedback, and authentic weapon sounds, this simulator delivers an adrenaline-packed gaming session like
  • Toilet Factory
    Toilet Factory
    Welcome to *Toilet Factory: Idle Clicker*, the quirky and addictive idle tapping game where you build, manage, and defend your very own toilet empire. Step into the shoes of a factory tycoon with one unique challenge—defending your precious toilets from aggressive tax collectors! Build Your Toilet E
  • WordLand
    WordLand
    Looking for a fun and challenging alternative to sudoku or word search games? Discover *WordLand*, a captivating word puzzle game that combines the best elements of word connect, word finder, crossword, and scramble games. If you enjoy brain-teasing word challenges, this is the perfect game for you!
  • Football Superstar 2
    Football Superstar 2
    Welcome, football enthusiasts! Lazy Boy Developments is thrilled to bring you the highly anticipated sequel to Football Superstar — introducing Football Career Simulator!Step into the boots of a 16-year-old prodigy with limitless potential and play through your entire career — from your first match
  • Enemies Smash - Defense Game
    Enemies Smash - Defense Game
    Upgrade obstacles and smash waves of enemies in Enemies Smash - Defense Game!Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-fueled journey in Enemies Smash - Defense Game! Your mission is clear: stop relentless waves of enemies that spawn from a mysterious spaceship and advance toward your base. Will you be abl
  • Bob Stealth: Master Assassin
    Bob Stealth: Master Assassin
    Bob Stealth: Master Assassin is an exhilarating stealth-action game that transforms players into elite covert operatives. Navigate dangerous environments, execute silent takedowns, and complete high-stakes missions without triggering alarms or alerting enemies. The game features intelligent enemy AI