From Almost Ellie to Abby: Kaitlyn Dever’s The Last of Us Journey
Kaitlyn Dever, now set to play Abby in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, was originally considered for Ellie in the unmade film adaptation years before the hit series. This revelation offers fascinating insight into the casting evolution of PlayStation’s acclaimed franchise.
Dever’s Near-Miss as Ellie in The Last of Us Movie
- 2014 consideration: Dever auditioned for Ellie when Sam Raimi planned a film adaptation
- Director’s choice: Screen tests occurred under Game of Thrones’ Neil Marshall
- Project shelved: Movie never materialized, paving way for HBO series
- Age factor: At 17, Dever was age-appropriate for Ellie at the time
Why Abby Became the Perfect Fit
Now 27, Dever transitions to playing the controversial Abby Anderson in Season 2:
- Physical transformation: Undergoing intense training for the role
- Emotional complexity: Perfect for Dever’s dramatic range (seen in Unbelievable)
- Full-circle moment: Returning to the franchise in a completely different capacity
How The Last of Us Casting Evolved
- Movie era (2014): Dever as potential Ellie
- Series development (2020): Bella Ramsey cast as Ellie
- Season 2 (2024): Dever finds her place as Abby
Series co-creator Craig Mazin stated: “Kaitlyn was always in our minds for this world. When Abby came into the picture, we knew she’d bring something extraordinary.”
Fan Reactions to the Casting News
The announcement has generated mixed responses:
- Supportive fans: Praise for Dever’s acting chops
- Concerned viewers: Wary of Abby’s polarizing character
- Curious gamers: Eager to see physicality of fight scenes
What This Means for Season 2
Dever’s casting suggests:
- Faithful adaptation of The Last of Us Part II
- Intense drama ahead with Ellie/Abby conflict
- Potential multi-season arc for Abby’s story
Why This Casting Story Matters
This full-circle journey highlights:
- Hollywood’s long development cycles
- How actors grow into different roles
- The value of patience in an actor’s career
Stay tuned as production continues on what promises to be one of 2025’s most anticipated TV seasons.
