The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 has taken a different approach with the character Abby, as revealed by showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann. Unlike the video game, where Abby's muscular build was crucial to distinguishing her gameplay mechanics from Ellie's, the television series does not require such physical distinctions. Druckmann, along with co-showrunner Craig Mazin, explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that actress Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, did not need to bulk up for the role.
"We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role," Druckmann stated. He elaborated that in the game, the necessity for players to experience the story through both Ellie and Abby required distinct gameplay styles. Ellie was designed to feel smaller and more agile, while Abby was crafted to emulate the brute force of Joel, capable of physically overpowering challenges.
However, Druckmann pointed out that the television adaptation prioritizes drama over the constant violent action seen in the game. "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," he explained.
Mazin added that this change offers a unique opportunity to explore Abby as a character who might be physically more vulnerable but possesses a stronger spirit. "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," he said.
This comment hints at HBO's intention to extend the narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season, unlike the first season which covered the entirety of the original game. Mazin has mentioned that Part 2 contains significantly more story, leading to a "natural breakpoint" after just seven episodes in Season 2, though Season 3 has not yet been officially greenlit.
The character of Abby has been a focal point of controversy, with some fans expressing their dissatisfaction in toxic ways, including harassment of Naughty Dog employees like Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. The harassment extended to threats and abuse directed at Bailey's family, including her young son.
HBO took these concerns seriously during the filming of Season 2, providing extra security for Dever due to potential backlash. Actress Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in Season 2, commented on 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."
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