Kaitlyn Dever Reflects on Personal Loss and the Challenges of Playing Abby in ‘The Last of Us’

In a candid interview with IndieWire, actress Kaitlyn Dever opens up about the emotional and professional journey behind her portrayal of Abby in Season 2 of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us.’ Dever explains that stepping into the intense and controversial role shortly after the passing of her mother turned the experience into an unexpected form of therapy. Known for her versatility in dark comedy and drama, Dever said the character’s emotional complexity allowed her to channel her own grief into the performance. Abby, a polarizing figure due to a pivotal and violent moment in the series, has historically drawn backlash — something Dever anticipated. Despite criticism over her physical appearance and the character’s actions, Dever was encouraged by showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin’s faith in her casting. Her deep familiarity with the original video game, having previously been considered for the role of Ellie, helped inform her approach. Ultimately, Dever embraced the challenge, choosing to focus on the emotional roots of Abby’s story rather than the controversy. Her dedication was recognized by co-star Pedro Pascal, who publicly praised her after a pivotal episode aired. The season continues to air weekly on HBO and Max.