‘It’s Hard Not To Stop Myself From Looking’: Kaitlyn Dever Addresses Abby’s Internet Backlash Ahead of The Last of Us Season 2

The anticipation for The Last of Us Season 2 is reaching a boiling point, and with it comes the introduction of one of the most polarizing characters in gaming history: Abby Anderson. Played by Kaitlyn Dever in the HBO adaptation, Abby’s arrival is sure to stir up strong emotions among fans, especially those familiar with her controversial role in The Last of Us Part II. As Dever prepares to step into the shoes of this divisive character, she’s opening up about the online backlash Abby has faced and how she’s approaching the challenge of bringing her to life on screen.

Abby Anderson: A Character That Divided a Fandom

For those who played The Last of Us Part II, Abby Anderson is a name that evokes strong reactions. Introduced as a formidable and complex character, Abby’s actions—particularly her confrontation with Joel (Pedro Pascal)—sparked intense debate within the gaming community. While some praised her as a nuanced and morally layered character, others vilified her, with criticism often extending beyond her actions to her physical appearance. Abby’s muscular physique, a rarity in video game portrayals of women, became a lightning rod for both admiration and vitriol.

Now, as The Last of Us Season 2 prepares to adapt Abby’s story for television, Kaitlyn Dever is stepping into a role that comes with immense baggage. In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Dever addressed the online controversy surrounding Abby and shared her thoughts on how she’s preparing to tackle the character.

Kaitlyn Dever’s Approach to Playing Abby

Dever, known for her standout performances in Booksmart and Dopesick, is no stranger to taking on complex roles. However, playing Abby presents a unique challenge, given the character’s fraught history with fans. When asked about the backlash, Dever admitted that it’s hard to avoid seeing the negative comments online, but she’s choosing to focus on the creative process rather than the noise.

“It’s hard not to see those things on the internet. It’s hard not to stop myself from looking at it every once in a while, especially going into this, for sure,” Dever said. “But my main focus was just the collaboration between Neil [Druckmann] and Craig [Mazin] and making sure I was really getting to the core of who she is and what drives her—her emotional state, her anger, her frustration, her grief, and all of that. I wanted to make sure that that was what I was focusing most of my energy on.”

Dever’s commitment to understanding Abby’s motivations and emotional depth is a promising sign for fans hoping to see a faithful yet nuanced portrayal of the character. Rather than shying away from Abby’s complexity, Dever seems determined to embrace it, aiming to do justice to the character and, in turn, make fans proud.

The Challenge of Adapting Abby’s Story

One of the most talked-about aspects of The Last of Us Part II was its bold narrative choices, particularly Abby’s role in Joel’s fate. The game’s willingness to challenge players’ loyalties and explore themes of revenge, grief, and empathy made it a landmark in storytelling, but it also alienated some fans.

Showrunner Craig Mazin has already hinted that Season 2 of The Last of Us won’t be a direct adaptation of the game, meaning Abby’s story—and her infamous confrontation with Joel—could play out differently on screen. This opens the door for fresh surprises, even for those familiar with the source material.

Dever’s casting has already sparked discussions, particularly regarding her physical resemblance to Abby. While some fans have expressed concerns about her not matching Abby’s muscular build from the game, Mazin and Druckmann have emphasized that the show will prioritize emotional authenticity over strict adherence to the game’s visuals.

A Plea for Kindness from the Fandom

The backlash against Abby in The Last of Us Part II wasn’t limited to the character herself. Laura Bailey, the voice actor who brought Abby to life in the game, faced harassment and abuse from angry fans, a troubling reminder of how toxic fandoms can become.

As Dever prepares to take on the role, there’s hope that the The Last of Us fanbase will approach her portrayal with an open mind and a sense of empathy. Dever’s dedication to the character and her willingness to engage with Abby’s complexities deserve respect, not vitriol.

What to Expect in Season 2

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to premiere on HBO on Sunday, April 13, 2025. While details about the plot remain under wraps, fans can expect a story that delves deeper into the themes of revenge, loss, and redemption, with Abby playing a central role.

Dever’s portrayal of Abby will undoubtedly be one of the season’s most scrutinized elements, but it also has the potential to be one of its most rewarding. By focusing on Abby’s humanity and emotional journey, Dever and the creative team have the opportunity to reframe the conversation around the character and highlight the depth that made her so compelling in the first place.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Abby Anderson

Kaitlyn Dever’s approach to playing Abby Anderson is a testament to her talent and dedication as an actor. By prioritizing the character’s emotional core and collaborating closely with the show’s creators, she’s laying the groundwork for a portrayal that could win over even the most skeptical fans.

As The Last of Us Season 2 approaches, the hope is that the fandom will embrace Dever’s interpretation of Abby with the same empathy and understanding that the series strives to evoke. After all, The Last of Us has always been about finding humanity in the darkest of places—and Abby’s story is no exception.

With Dever at the helm, Abby Anderson’s journey is in capable hands. Now, it’s up to the fans to give her the chance she deserves.