Kaitlyn Dever Reveals a Wholesome Reason She Got Abby's Role in 'The Last of Us'

It’s been a wild ride for HBO’s The Last of Us ever since its second season became the main target for the original video game’s fans, though the show’s upcoming instalment won’t be safe from the same amount of hatred either.

Apart from the fact that The Last of Us is no longer led by Pedro Pascal, fans have been raging about Kaitlyn Dever’s cast as Abby, which has actually become a major problem even before the second season’s premiere on HBO Max.

Now, Dever has revealed more about how things came together for her audition for the role — and it wasn’t her who got convinced she was the right fit as Abby.

Kaitlyn Dever Says Her Dad’s “Cool Taste” Inspired Her to Try Abby’s Role

Though Dever has already acknowledged that she’d played the video game before, she never said anything about who had brought her into “The Last of Us” world in the first place.

In an interview with Deadline, the actress revealed she used to play the first part of the game with her dad back then, but mostly skipped the second part leaving it all to her father only — so no wonder it was her dad who was even more excited by Dever’s chance to play Abby in HBO’s show.

“It really was my dad’s energy that got me excited about all of this. I was like, “Oh, who’s this person he keeps talking about?” Because I know I trust my dad’s opinion and his taste. He’s got really cool taste, and he knows what’s up”, Dever said.

She also added that she wasn’t that sure about the successful outcome of her audition, but her dad’s positive attitude then turned into something more than just wishful thinking.

“I’m like, “I don’t think I’m ever going to get to play Abby.” And then literally it was only months, not long after that, that I got the call about a meeting to talk to Neil and Craig. Thanks, Dad”, the actress stated.

Kaitlyn Dever Says ‘The Last of Us’ Gives Abby a Way Better Storyline

The fact that Abby’s intentions are the first thing to be revealed in The Last of Us’ season 2 episode 1 is what started the whole hatred trend towards the new instalment.

As many fans of the original video game complained, learning about Abby’s goal wasn’t that necessary because that would keep viewers guessing who she actually is, where she came from and what she really wants from Joel.

However, Dever thinks The Last of Us’ fans and especially those who never played the game needed to see what is behind Abby’s motivation.

“The show gives Abby that context beforehand and allows you to see that, “OK, she’s human and she’s broken, which is not all that different from any of the other characters within this story.” I wanted to dive deeper into Abby’s emotions and really get to the core of why she did what she did”, the actress added.

The Last of Us’ season 3 is currently expected to arrive on HBO Max sometime in 2027.