The HBO adaptation of *The Last of Us Part 2* will not depict Abby as the muscular character seen in the video game, as her role in Season 2 does not require the same mechanical distinctions found in the game, according to showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann and co-showrunner Craig Mazin explained that actress Kaitlyn Dever did not need to bulk up for the role because Abby's physicality is less central to the narrative in the TV series.
"We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role," Druckmann stated. He highlighted that in the game, players control both Ellie and Abby, necessitating different gameplay mechanics. Ellie is designed to feel smaller and more agile, while Abby's gameplay is more akin to Joel's, emphasizing brute strength and physical dominance. However, in the HBO series, the focus shifts from constant violent action to drama, altering the portrayal of Abby's character.
"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," Druckmann elaborated.
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Craig Mazin added his perspective, suggesting that the adaptation offers a chance to explore Abby's character in a new light. "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."
The mention of "now and later" likely alludes to HBO's intention to extend *The Last of Us Part 2* beyond a single season, unlike Season 1, which covered the entirety of the original game. Mazin has previously indicated that Part 2 contains more story, and while Season 3 is not yet confirmed, Season 2 has been structured with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes.
The character of Abby has been a focal point of controversy, with some fans expressing their discontent through harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. This harassment extended to threats against Bailey, her parents, and her young son.
Given the negative reception, HBO took additional security measures for Kaitlyn Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in the series, 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."
