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Summary

  • Showrunner chose not to focus on Abby’s imposing physique, emphasizing inner strength and complexity.
  • inner strength can be more powerful than physical prowess, allowing for deeper exploration of emotional complexities.
  • The altered physicality of Abby sets up for a more multifaceted character with a focus on vulnerability and mental resilience.

Craig Mazin, creator of “The Last of Us,” has explained why the television adaptation for Season 2 departed from the game series and altered Abby Anderson’s physical appearance.

The HBO series resumed for its second season on April 13th and kicked off with a tense episode to set the stage for future events. Besides delving into the lives of Joel and Ellie, this initial episode introduced Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a character from the game “The Last of Us Part II.” However, it’s worth noting that Abby appears quite different in the series compared to how she looks in the game. The producers chose not to portray Abby as a large, muscular figure, which left some fans feeling dissatisfied. Yet, it appears that showrunner Mazin had a clear vision for how he wanted to depict Abby in the second installment of “The Last of Us.

The Last of Us Showrunner didn’t feel “obliged” to showcase Abby’s physical prowess in the HBO series

In the premiere of the The Last of Us podcast, creators Mazin and Neil Druckmann compared the appearance of character Abby in the game series versus the TV show adaptation. During their conversation about Bella Ramsey’s casting, Mazin clarified that they didn’t feel compelled to depict Abby as intimidating physically like she was in the video game. Instead, he emphasized the sense of power Abby gives players in the game and how this power is conveyed differently between characters within the gameplay. Furthermore, Mazin confirmed that the show will showcase the “relentlessness” of Abby as the season unfolds.

Mazin expressed that they didn’t feel the need to replicate exactly Abby’s body shape in the game. Playing as Abby offers a unique power within the game, as Neil mentioned, which was intriguing from a game design perspective but not something he considered much as a player. Instead, when switching characters, it’s essential that each one has distinct playstyles or approaches, rather than being identical.

Druckmann: Different physicality.

Mazin explains that each character in the story, like Joel and Ellie, has unique characteristics that affect their behavior and playing style. For example, Ellie is smaller and less experienced than Joel, making her more cautious. Similarly, Abby was smartly designed to play differently than Ellie. Although we don’t have gameplay yet, Mazin emphasizes the importance of portraying a certain intensity and persistence in Abby’s character, which will become evident as the story unfolds.

In the game or show, Abby became enraged upon learning about her father’s demise, especially discovering that Joel was responsible. This revelation disrupted the tranquility in her life and fueled a desire for vengeance over her father’s death. She yearned for companionship from her friends to help carry out this quest. To track down Joel, she ventured to various locations. The second season of The Last of Us presents a comparable storyline as Abby grapples with her father’s passing. In a discussion with the surviving Fireflies, she openly expressed her intention to locate and punish Joel gradually. While most of the episode centers around Joel, Ellie, and Dina, viewers catch a glimpse of Abby moving towards Jackson, Wyoming, in the closing moments of the premiere.

In the game, Abby was well-known for her imposing figure. However, for the TV adaptation, changing her physical appearance can serve multiple storytelling purposes. Instead of focusing solely on muscle, it opens up opportunities to delve deeper into her inner qualities such as strength, resilience, and emotional nuances. Casting an actress like Dever brings out Abby’s vulnerabilities and showcases the mental strain of her journey, making her more relatable and multi-dimensional. Furthermore, emphasizing Abby’s mental fortitude doesn’t lessen her power but redefines it, implying that power can manifest in various ways and not just physical strength. It would be intriguing to witness how ruthless Abby becomes when confronting Joel and Ellie. In the game, Abby’s interactions with Joel were intense, and viewers eagerly anticipate seeing similar intensity on-screen.

The first episode of The Last of Us Season 2 is streaming exclusively on MAX.

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2025-04-14 19:01