Kaitlyn Dever to portray Abby in Second Season of HBO Drama 'The last of us'

by Darian Scalamoni

    With Hollywood getting back into the swing of things in the new year, it appears that one of 2023's biggest shows is working its way towards production for its sophomore season packed with an all-new cast member. According to Deadline, Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart, Dopesick) will join the breakout HBO post-apocalyptic drama that is based on the series of video games on PlayStation consoles. Dever is set to play Abby, a very central character who shows up first in The Last of Us Part II as one of the two playable characters alongside Ellie, who is played by Bella Ramsey in the series.

    Dever's name first emerged as a favorite for the role back in November, prominently from industry insider, Jeff Sneider (who has a terrific newsletter now, you guys should check it out). She eventually closed a deal with HBO last week just ahead of the February filming start for Season 2. Abby is described as a skilled soldier who sees the world in black-and-white terms, with becomes challenged by her desire to get vengeance for those she loved. Series and game creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said in a statement: "Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. Nothing matters more than talent, and we're thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family."

    If for some reason, you haven't had a chance to get around to watching the award-winning drama series, let's get you caught up. The Last of Us takes place around 20 years after civilization falls due to a fungi-virus that infects millions, turning them into zombie-like creatures. Joel (played by Pedro Pascal), who is a habituated and hardened survivor is hired to bring Ellie (played by Ramsey) out of an oppressed quarantine zone. Ultimately, the story is a heartbreaking, brutal journey that showcases the reliability on one another to survive in this harsh new world. Season 1 also had a number of fantastic cameo performances from Nick Offerman, Gabriel Luna, Anna Torv, Nico Parker, Murray Bartlett, Melanie Lynskey, Storm Reid and Keivonn Woodard.

    Most recently, Dever starred in Hulu's sci-fi film, No One Will Save You as well as Taika Waititi's sports comedy, Next Goal Wins. Dan Levy's directorial debut Good Grief also just hit Netflix and she shows up in that as well.