The Last of Us Season 2 to Feature Original Abby Look

The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part II will not depict Abby with the same physique as in the video game, as her role in Season 2 doesn't require replicating specific gameplay mechanics, according to showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann.

Druckmann and co-showrunner Craig Mazin explained to Entertainment Weekly that actress Kaitlyn Dever didn't need to undergo extensive physical training for the part, as Abby's mechanical distinction from Ellie is less relevant in the series.

"Finding someone as talented as Kaitlyn for this role would have been difficult," Druckmann noted. "In the game, players control both Ellie and Abby, requiring distinct playstyles. Ellie was designed to feel smaller and more agile, whereas Abby was intended to handle combat more like Joel—with brute force. However, this physicality plays a smaller role in our adaptation, where the narrative prioritizes dramatic tension over constant action. That's not to say action is absent; it's simply a matter of different storytelling priorities."

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Mazin added his perspective: "I believe this presents a fantastic opportunity to explore a character who may appear more vulnerable physically than her game counterpart, yet possesses an even stronger spirit. The key question becomes: 'What is the source of her resilience, and how does it express itself?' This is an aspect we'll examine both now and in future episodes."

The reference to "future episodes" likely alludes to HBO's strategy of expanding The Last of Us Part II across multiple seasons, unlike the first season which adapted the entire original game. Mazin has previously stated that Part II contains substantially more narrative content, and while Season 3 hasn't been officially confirmed, Season 2 has been structured with a natural pause point after seven episodes.

The character of Abby has attracted significant online hostility, with some individuals directing their frustration over her fictional actions toward Naughty Dog staff, including Druckmann and voice actor Laura Bailey. This harassment escalated to include threats against Bailey, her parents, and her young son.

HBO took precautions during Season 2 production due to these concerns, providing Dever with additional security measures. "It's remarkable how intensely some people react—there are individuals who genuinely despise Abby, despite her being a fictional character. Just to clarify: she's not real," commented Isabel Merced, who portrays Dina in Season 2.