Kaitlyn Dever on playing Abby in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2: A challenge relished

While thinking about the online chatter, Kaitlyn Dever says it did not overtake her brain space in a way that hindered the process of bringing Abby to life in The Last of Us Season 2 premiering on Jio Hotstar on April 14.

The Last of Us season 2 is almost upon us. Based on a video game created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us is set 20 years after a fungus ravaged the earth, leaving hoards of ravenous, raging infected attacking the quarantined zones. Season 1 was a cross country trip undertaken by a battle-weary Joel (Pedro Pascal) escorting a special teenager, Ellie (Bella Ramsey).

Season 2 was greenlit just two weeks after the premiere and is set five years after the events of season 1. Ellie is now 19 and has a mysteriously strained relationship with Joel. Season 2 introduces the contentious character of Abby, who is driven by the desire to avenge the death of a loved one. Laura Bailey, who portrayed Abby in the game, faced bouquets and brickbats in equal measure, the former for her skill in bringing the character alive and the latter for the choices the character makes.

Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby in the show, says she was aware of the conversations surrounding Abby and her character online. “I know of the complications that Laura had to face,” Kaitlyn says over a video call. “I can’t imagine what that must have felt like. I was certainly aware of it, going into the role, but it was in no way going to stop me from taking on the role.”

It was the kind of challenge the 28-year-old actor relished. “I do like a challenge in the work that I do. It makes me feel accomplished. I certainly was thinking about it (the online chatter), but it didn’t overtake my brain space in a way that hindered the process of bringing Abby to life.”

The job, the Apple Cider Vinegar actor said, was important. “Whatever happens after that, I don’t have control over. All I have control over is giving my 100% effort to this character and creating who that is with Neil and Craig. It was a little nerve-wracking at first but ultimately, everyone on set made me feel so supported.”

In his first meeting with Kaitlyn, Druckmann asked her to focus on the script and not the game. “He actually asked me not to play the game, even though it was a little late, because I had already played through half of the second part. I played the first game probably twice through. I didn’t play the rest of part 2.”

Focusing on the text, Kaitlyn says she created the character from the ground up with Druckmann and Mazin. “All of it happened so fast that I didn’t have the opportunity to speak with Laura, but I loved her portrayal of Abby in the game. Neil and Craig were focused on doing something fresh and different with this take.”