Kaitlyn Dever: Perfect Ellie but Got Abby Could Still Blow Us Away

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Summary

  • Fans hoped Kaitlyn Dever would play Ellie but she’s been cast as Abby in The Last of Us HBO series.
  • Dever’s past roles reflect Ellie’s traits, while Abby requires brute strength and intensity.
  • Despite being perfect for Ellie, Dever’s resume proves she’ll excel as Abby in Season 2.

The expansion of The Last of Us includes the much-anticipated casting of Abby in Season 2, with Kaitlyn Dever stepping into the role. Despite fans’ longstanding hopes that she would play Ellie, Dever will portray the intricate and strong character of Abby instead. Although Dever possesses the talent to bring Abby to life convincingly, it’s difficult not to ponder what might have transpired if she had been cast as the resourceful and sensitive Ellie Williams.

HBO’s version of “The Last of Us” has been hailed as an exceptional example of staying true to the story, and while Bella Ramsey has certainly nailed her portrayal of Ellie, the debate about Kaitlyn Dever remains unresolved. With a body of work that mirrors Ellie’s emotional nuances, wit, and resilience, Dever appears almost custom-built for the role. As she steps into the character of Abby, viewers can’t help but ponder if she was the ideal Ellie, arriving just a bit too late.

A History of Fan Casting: Dever as Ellie

Following the launch of “The Last of Us Part II” in 2020, there’s been much debate among fans about who would be suitable to portray its two female characters, Ellie and Abby. Prior to Bella Ramsey being cast, Kaitlyn Dever was frequently mentioned in online discussions as a potential choice for these roles.

Why Fans Thought She Was the Perfect Ellie:

  • Physical Resemblance: Dever naturally looks the part, with soft features strikingly similar to the character’s in-game design. As opposed to the buff, intimidating Abby, who many fans have noted looks nothing like Dever.
  • Acting Experience: Her roles in Unbelievable and Booksmart demonstrated the emotional intensity and wit needed for Ellie, as well as the ability for intense vulnerability and a generally very likable screen presence.
  • Age-Appropriate Casting (At the Time): She was the right age when the first season was being cast, making her the perfect fit in hindsight.
  • She Was a TLOU Fan: In a 202 interview with Collider, Dever responded to questions about her Ellie fan casting by stating her love for the game.

It’s no secret, but I’ll go ahead and say it: I am an avid enthusiast of this particular video game. The story it tells is captivating; it’s simply a masterful narrative, and my affection for it bloomed the moment it was released.

Moreover, Neil Druckmann himself indicated Dever as a possible candidate for the role. At one time, fans felt that the casting was almost finalized because Druckmann and his team seriously contemplated Dever for the part. She was even on the list of official candidates but unfortunately wasn’t chosen due to factors such as scheduling conflicts and changes in the show’s vision. However, Bella Ramsey eventually got the part—and thankfully, she has delivered a widely acclaimed performance.

Why Kaitlyn Dever Might Have Been a Better Ellie Than Abby

In comparison to Dever, it appears her acting talents suit the role of Ellie better than Abby. While Abby is a powerful, war-torn warrior, Ellie is feisty, emotional, and motivated by strong personal ties. From Dever’s previous performances, we can see that she excels at bringing to life characters who are both vulnerable and resilient, earning the audience’s empathy.

Notable Roles That Align with Ellie’s Personality

Title Character Traits
Unbelievable (2019) Marie Adler Emotionally resilient, with deep pain and defiance
Booksmart (2019) Amy Antsler Witty, naive, and deeply loyal
Justified (2011-2015) Loretta McCready Young, tough, and resourceful in a harsh world

In the series Unbelievable, Dever portrayed a young woman who was falsely accused of lying about an assault. Her acting, marked by restraint, sorrow, and resistance, beautifully encapsulated the essence required to breathe life into Ellie. This was particularly evident in Season 2, as Ellie’s story takes a more ominous twist. Simultaneously, her role in Justified demonstrated her ability to navigate a realm of crime and brutality – much like Ellie’s path in The Last of Us.

If you saw her act, you would be amazed at how well she portrays the traumatic aspect of Ellie’s Season 2 storyline.

Contrastingly, Abby showcases her power through raw strength and disciplined military skills. Unlike Dever, who’s famed for her emotional and intense roles, she hasn’t been associated with portraying stern, commanding characters before. This difference has sparked doubts among some fans about whether she’s the ideal casting choice.

Why Kaitlyn Dever Will Probably Still Nail the Role

Regarding any lingering doubts about Ellie, Saoirse Dever’s acting portfolio provides compelling evidence of her abilities. She possesses the talent to embody Abby, and is expected to reveal a deeper layer of complexity in the character. Abby is portrayed as powerful, intense, and morally complex, and while Saoirse may not have prior roles that perfectly match this description, her resume demonstrates she has the versatility to take on such a challenging role.

Standout in the Apple Cider Vinegar movie, Dever skillfully portrayed a compelling adversary, and interestingly, her character mirrors Abby’s role in The Last of Us Part II. In both instances, she masterfully navigated the border between a sympathetic persona and a clear-cut villain. Her acting prowess showcases her ability to breathe life into an antagonist, one who acts out of a strong sense of righteousness. Regardless of whether Dever decides to build up muscle for the role (since Abby is known for her robust physique), she can embody the character physically while also delivering the emotional depth required.

“Why have they cast the most Ellie looking actress as Abby?!” — Reddit User

Kaitlyn Dever is certain to give an outstanding performance as Abby, yet it’s hard not to ponder how her portrayal might have differed as Ellie. Given her history of roles aligned with Ellie’s character, she was a highly anticipated pick among fans. However, her selection for the role of Abby could turn out to be a masterstroke – one that leaves audiences equally stunned and impressed. With HBO’s The Last of Us already showcasing exceptional acting, if Dever’s past performances are any sign, she will undoubtedly maintain this level of excellence when Season 2 premiers.

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2025-03-12 01:24