The forthcoming season of “The Last of Us” has announced the addition of Kaitlyn Dever to its cast, confirming her role as Abby in the popular HBO series. Abby is depicted as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white perspective of the world is tested as she seeks retribution for the loss of those dear to her.”
Co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann expressed their casting approach, affirming the pursuit of exceptional actors capable of embodying the essence of the source material’s characters. They emphasized the significance of talent in the selection process and expressed enthusiasm in welcoming Kaitlyn Dever, renowned for her impressive performances in various television shows like “Last Man Standing,” “Justified,” “Unbelievable,” and “Dopesick.” Dever has also showcased her talents in films such as “Booksmart,” “Rosaline,” “Next Goal Wins,” and “No One Will Save You,” in which she served as an executive producer. Her exceptional work earned her a Golden Globe nomination for “Unbelievable” and both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for “Dopesick.” Dever is represented by UTA and Felker Toczek.
Based on the popular video game created by Druckmann and developed by Naughty Dog, “The Last of Us” is set two decades after the collapse of modern civilization. The story follows Joel (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), a resilient survivor hired to smuggle Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of a restrictive quarantine zone. Initially a modest task, their journey becomes a grueling and poignant odyssey as they navigate the U.S., reliant on each other for survival.
The ensemble for Season 1 included Gabriel Luna, Anna Torv, Nico Parker, Murray Bartlett, Nick Offerman, Melanie Lynskey, Storm Reid, Merle Dandridge, Jeffrey Pierce, Lamar Johnson, Keivonn Woodard, Graham Greene, Elaine Miles, Ashley Johnson, and Troy Baker.
The series is written and executive produced by Mazin and Druckmann, both of whom have also directed episodes. Carolyn Strauss and Evan Wells, president of Naughty Dog, serve as executive producers alongside Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan from PlayStation Productions, Rose Lam, and the collaboration between HBO and Sony Pictures Television. The production involves PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.
“The Last of Us” garnered significant acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. The series not only achieved impressive viewership but also secured multiple award nominations for its inaugural season. With three Golden Globe nominations and 25 Emmy nominations, the show has already clinched eight Emmys at the Creative Arts Emmys, including victories for Nick Offerman and Storm Reid in the categories of best guest actor and actress in a drama series, respectively. As the anticipation builds for the Primetime Emmy Awards scheduled on Jan. 15, the show continues to captivate audiences and earn critical acclaim for its exceptional storytelling and performances.
