"Abby's No Bulk-Up in The Last of Us Season 2, Says Druckmann"

In the upcoming HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2, Abby will not be portrayed as the muscular character seen in the video game. Showrunner Neil Druckmann, who also heads Naughty Dog, explained that actress Kaitlyn Dever did not need to bulk up for the role because Abby's physicality is less critical in the show's narrative. Druckmann highlighted the difference in gameplay mechanics between Abby and Ellie in the game, noting that Abby's role in the series focuses more on drama than on the violent action that necessitated her muscular build in the game.

"We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role," Druckmann said. "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. That doesn't play as big of a role in this version of the story because there's not as much violent action moment to moment. It's more about the drama. I'm not saying there's no action here. It's just, again, different priorities and how you approach it."

Co-showrunner Craig Mazin added that the adaptation presents an opportunity to explore Abby as a character who might be physically more vulnerable but possesses a stronger spirit. He pondered, "Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest?" This exploration will unfold over multiple seasons, as HBO plans to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season. Unlike the first season, which covered the entirety of the original game in nine episodes, Season 2 will consist of seven episodes and is designed with a "natural breakpoint," although Season 3 has not been officially greenlit yet.

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The character of Abby has been a source of controversy, with some fans expressing their discontent by harassing Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. This harassment extended to threats and abuse directed at Bailey, her parents, and her young son. HBO took additional security measures for Kaitlyn Dever while filming Season 2 due to concerns over potential backlash. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in Season 2, remarked on the situation, stating, "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?

This section will detail the cast members returning and those joining the series for Season 2, providing fans with a comprehensive look at who they can expect to see in the continuation of this gripping narrative.