The landscape of “The Last of Us” is set to evolve with the official casting of Kaitlyn Dever, heralding a new chapter for the critically acclaimed HBO series. Dever, celebrated for her roles in “Unbelievable” and “Dopesick,” is taking on the role of Abby, a key character from the game that inspired the hit series. This casting news comes amidst tremendous anticipation for the show’s sophomore season, which will delve into the storyline of “The Last of Us Part II.”
In a statement, series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann expressed their selective casting approach, emphasizing their dedication to finding actors who “embody the souls of the characters in the source material.” They underlined the paramount importance of talent in their casting decisions and shared their excitement about Dever joining the ensemble. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family,” they said.
Dever has an impressive television background, with notable credits including roles in shows like “Last Man Standing,” “Justified,” “Unbelievable,” and “Dopesick.” On the cinematic front, she has taken on leading roles in films such as “Booksmart,” “Rosaline,” “Next Goal Wins,” and “No One Will Save You,” the latter of which she also served as an executive producer. Her outstanding performances earned her a Golden Globe nomination for “Unbelievable” and both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for “Dopesick.”
Dever’s character Abby is characterized as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.” This complex role represents a departure from Dever’s previous work, and fans are eager to see how she interprets Abby’s journey, which is central to the intricate narrative woven in the second part of the original video game.
Adapted from the popular video game of the same name created by Druckmann and developed by Naughty Dog, “The Last of Us” unfolds two decades after the collapse of modern civilization. The narrative revolves around Joel (Pedro Pascal), a resilient survivor hired to clandestinely transport Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of a repressive quarantine zone. What begins as a seemingly simple task transforms into a brutal and heart-wrenching journey, as they navigate the U.S. landscape and rely on each other for survival.
The series, helmed by Mazin and Druckmann, boasts their writing and executive producing expertise, with both also taking on directorial roles for select episodes. Carolyn Strauss and Evan Wells, president of Naughty Dog, join as executive producers, along with Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan from PlayStation Productions, as well as Rose Lam. This collaborative effort is a co-production between HBO and Sony Pictures Television, with PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog contributing to the production.
The success of “The Last of Us” is unquestionable; the first season was met with adulation from both audiences and critics, picking up multiple award nominations. The series received three Golden Globe nominations and a remarkable 25 Emmy nominations, claiming eight Emmys at the Creative Arts Emmys, including accolades for guest actors Nick Offerman and Storm Reid.
Relevant articles:
– ‘Last of Us’ Season 2 Casts Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
– Kaitlyn Dever Officially Cast in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 as Abby
– Kaitlyn Dever The Last Of Us Casting Explainer