Abby’s Character Explained in The Last of Us Season 2 Teaser Trailer Breakdown

Kaitlyn Dever has officially been cast as Abby Anderson in The Last of Us season 2, sparking curiosity among fans about the impact this crucial character will have in the upcoming season of the acclaimed series.

Abby, who first appeared in The Last of Us Part II, will be an integral part of season 2, extending the narrative from the successful video game sequel. For viewers unfamiliar with the games, Abby’s character and her relevance in the story may come as a surprise.

Abby’s narrative has often taken a backseat to the controversy surrounding her character arc since the release of the game.

As the adaptation unfolds, it’s evident that the creators must approach Abby’s depiction thoughtfully. Kaitlyn Dever’s casting was confirmed in January, and she is more than equipped to portray this intricate character. Here’s what to know about Abby and what to look forward to in Season 2.

1. Abby’s Backstory In The Last Of Us Games Explained

At the core of Abby’s backstory in The Last of Us Part II is her identity as the daughter of Jerry Anderson, the chief surgeon responsible for developing a vaccine for the Cordyceps virus.

Living in Salt Lake City with her father, Abby and Jerry were involved with the Fireflies during his intense quest to find a cure. Tragically, Ellie’s father was killed by Joel Miller while rescuing Ellie from the hospital, igniting Abby’s desire for vengeance.

After the disbandment of the Fireflies following her father’s death and Marlene’s murder, Abby became a member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) in Seattle. Her thirst for vengeance transformed her into a formidable WLF soldier, ultimately leading to her becoming its leader.

Throughout the years, she persistently sought information on Joel’s whereabouts to fulfill her revenge mission. Five years later, a lead finally emerges, initiating her storyline in The Last of Us Part II.

Abby's Character in Season 2 Explained — Abby Anderson in The Last of Us | Source: Fandom

2. Is Abby A Villain In The Last Of Us Season 2?

Determining whether Abby serves as a villain in The Last of Us is complex. She is initially positioned as a villain, but she embarks on a transformative journey that reshapes her character in the audience’s eyes.

It’s uncertain whether season 2 will portray Abby solely as an antagonist, reserving her redemption for future seasons, or if it will initiate this transformation right away. Nevertheless, Abby will act more as an antagonist rather than a classic villain in The Last of Us season 2.

3. Who Plays Abby in The Last of Us TV Show?

Kaitlyn Dever’s prior film and television roles show that she is well-prepared for the role of Abby in The Last of Us season 2. Dever is well-known for her performance as Amy in the 2019 film Booksmart.

She also gained recognition through her recurring roles as Loretta McCready in Justified and Eve Baxter in Last Man Standing. Prior to this, she was even considered for the role of Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, although Bella Ramsey was ultimately cast.

4. How Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby Compares To The Game Version?

Details about Dever’s interpretation of Abby remain limited, but it is clear that she encapsulates the intense rage that drives Abby throughout The Last of Us Part II.

This tension is evident in the teaser for The Last of Us season 2, where she struggles to mask the pain and hatred that have consumed her since her father’s death. However, it is difficult to determine at this point how Dever’s version might differ in terms of physicality compared to Abby from the games.

Abby Anderson's Character Explained in The Last Of Us — Pedro Pascal in Infected | Source: IMDb

5. What Happens To Abby In The Last Of Us?

Abby embarks on a profound journey in The Last of Us Part II. She ultimately succeeds in her quest for revenge, confronting Joel Miller and killing him in front of Ellie.

Yet, this act does not fill the void left by her father’s death. Abby grapples with her harsh persona, which has emerged post-tragedy, leading her to develop some hypocritical beliefs. When a pair of siblings rescue her from a WLF enemy, she becomes responsible for their safety.

Abby’s pathway mirrors that of Joel’s in The Last of Us. She begins to heal from her father’s loss as she protects those she loves, particularly her sibling Lev.

Although her anger resurfaces, particularly upon encountering Ellie after Joel’s death, she ultimately comes to terms with her past. She adopts a more humble attitude regarding her prior actions. Abby survives the events of The Last of Us Part II and begins to move toward an optimistic future.

It remains uncertain how much of Abby’s journey will be depicted in The Last of Us season 2, but it seems her story will extend beyond this season.

Abby’s character is bound to be a vital component of the television adaptation, just as she was in the game sequel.

Her complex narrative will add depth to HBO’s The Last of Us, providing a unique contrast to Joel and Ellie, even after Joel’s inevitable demise, and challenging everything audiences believe about the established storyline.

6. About The Last Of Us

The Last of Us is an HBO television series based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name, originally developed by Naughty Dog.

Set in 2033, the story unfolds amidst a catastrophic fungal infection that transforms humans into feral creatures before ultimately killing them. The series chronicles Joel’s journey to transport Ellie, a 14-year-old immune girl, to the Fireflies, who wish to study her to create a vaccine.

The series stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, both renowned for their roles in Game of Thrones, along with Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Nico Parker. The show has already been renewed for a second season.

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