The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 will not characteristic Abby as such a muscly character as her function in Season 2 would not must emulate sure online game mechanics, showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann has mentioned.
Druckmann and fellow showrunner Craig Mazin instructed Entertainment Weekly that actress Kaitlyn Dever did not must bulk up for the function as a result of Abby did not must really feel as distinct mechanically to Ellie.
“We would’ve struggled to seek out somebody nearly as good as Kaitlyn to play this function,” Druckmann mentioned. “In the sport, you need to play each [Ellie and Abby] and we want them to play otherwise. We wanted Ellie to really feel smaller and form of maneuver round, and Abby was meant to play extra like Joel in that she’s nearly like a brute in the best way she will be able to bodily manhandle sure issues.
“That would not play as large of a task on this model of the story as a result of there’s not as a lot violent motion second to second. It’s extra concerning the drama. I’m not saying there is not any motion right here. It’s simply, once more, totally different priorities and the way you method it.”
Mazin chimed in too: “I personally suppose there’s an incredible alternative right here to delve into somebody who is maybe bodily extra susceptible than the Abby within the recreation, however whose spirit is stronger. And then the query is: ‘Where does her formidable nature come from and the way does it manifest?’ That’s one thing that will likely be explored now and later.”
The now and later remark possible refers to HBO’s plans to increase The Last of Us Part 2 past a single season, in contrast to the critically acclaimed Season 1 which lined everything of the unique recreation. Mazin has mentioned beforehand that Part 2 options much more story to cowl, so whereas Season 3 is not greenlit as of but, they’ve constructed Season 2 with a “pure breakpoint” after simply seven episodes.
Much toxicity surrounds the character of Abby particularly, with some selecting to voice their frustration on the fictional character’s actions by harassing Naughty Dog staff together with Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. This included threats and abuse concentrating on her, her dad and mom, and her two-year-old son.
HBO was even cautious of this reception whereas filming Season 2, as Dever was given further safety in case of escalated motion. “There’s so many unusual folks on this world as a result of there are folks that really genuinely hate Abby, who is just not an actual individual. Just a reminder: not an actual individual,” mentioned actress Isabel Merced, who performs Dina in Season 2.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll discuss The Witcher all day.
