Kaitlyn Dever’s The Last Of Us Journey: Abby’s Story Unveiled in Rotten Tomatoes Interview

Kaitlyn Dever’s role in The Last of Us Season 2 has captivated fans, and her recent Rotten Tomatoes interview offers a deep dive into her experience as Abby in HBO’s Season 2. From her lifelong love for the game to the personal grief that shaped her performance, Dever’s insights reveal the heart behind one of the series’ most polarizing characters. This article explores everything she shared, with spoiler warnings where needed, to highlight her transformative journey in this post-apocalyptic world.

What Sparked Kaitlyn Dever’s Passion for The Last Of Us?

Kaitlyn Dever’s connection to The Last of Us began long before she stepped into Abby’s shoes. In her Rotten Tomatoes interview, she revealed playing the original game with her father, instantly falling for its gripping narrative. “I fell in love with that game when it came out,” she said, describing it as a “wonderful narrative” that left a lasting impression. This passion made her casting in the HBO series a dream come true, especially after nearly playing Ellie in an unproduced film years earlier.

Her fandom extended to the show’s first season, where Bella Ramsey’s Ellie won her over. “I became a fan of this show,” Dever noted, which fueled her excitement to join the cast. For Dever, embodying Abby in The Last of Us was a chance to honor a story she cherished while bringing her own perspective to a complex character.

How Did Dever Tackle Abby’s Divisive Role?

SPOILER WARNING: This section contains spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2.

Portraying Abby, a character whose actions in The Last of Us Part II divide fans, was no small feat. Dever shared with Rotten Tomatoes that showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin encouraged a fresh approach, asking her to focus on the scripts rather than the game. “He even asked me not to play the game, although it was a little too late,” she laughed, admitting she’d already replayed half of Part II. This guidance helped her craft a unique take on Abby for the HBO adaptation.

Addressing criticism about her physical differences from the game’s muscular Abby, Dever emphasized emotional authenticity over aesthetics. “I want to do this character justice and make the fans proud,” she said, focusing on Abby’s inner turmoil. Her commitment to capturing Abby’s grief and rage in The Last of Us resonated with viewers, despite initial online skepticism.

How Did Personal Grief Influence Dever’s Performance?

SPOILER WARNING: This section discusses key scenes from The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2.

Dever’s Rotten Tomatoes interview took a poignant turn when she discussed losing her mother to breast cancer just weeks before filming. The memorial service was held three days before shooting Abby’s pivotal scene where she kills Joel (Pedro Pascal). “I was in a fog,” Dever admitted, explaining how her grief unexpectedly mirrored Abby’s motivations in The Last of Us. “Abby’s a grieving person; that’s what fuels her anger. I could relate to her.”

This personal connection brought raw intensity to her performance, particularly in the Joel confrontation. Fans on Reddit praised her ability to convey Abby’s primal rage, with one commenting, “You could see this crazed rage take over her face.” Dever’s ability to channel her loss into Abby’s story added a haunting depth to her role in The Last of Us.

What Was Filming with the Cast Like for Dever?

Dever’s chemistry with her co-stars shone through in her Rotten Tomatoes conversation, especially her bond with Pedro Pascal. Despite Abby and Joel’s fraught dynamic, Dever described Pascal as an “instant best friend” who felt like a big brother. “I could make fun of him, he could make fun of me,” she said, noting how their off-screen rapport eased the tension of filming heavy scenes in The Last of Us.

She also praised the collaborative trust from Druckmann and Mazin, who gave her freedom to explore Abby’s nuances. “They know who is right for their story,” Dever said, appreciating their confidence in her casting. This supportive environment allowed her to fully immerse herself in one of the most challenging roles of her career.

Why Does Dever Think Abby’s Arc Resonates?

In her Rotten Tomatoes interview, Dever highlighted the universal themes in Abby’s story, particularly the destructive cycle of revenge. “It’s all of the things that are underneath and what fuels the revenge,” she explained, emphasizing Abby’s desperate need to ease her pain. This perspective humanizes Abby in The Last of Us, inviting viewers to empathize with a character often seen as a villain.

Dever also appreciated the show’s choice to reveal Abby’s backstory earlier than in the game, fostering empathy from the start. “You are introduced to Abby in the game by playing as Abby,” she noted, but the series’ approach deepens her impact. This narrative shift sets the stage for Abby’s expanded role in Season 3, which Dever believes will further explore these complex themes.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Kaitlyn Dever’s journey in The Last of Us is a powerful blend of passion, resilience, and raw emotion, as shared in her Rotten Tomatoes interview. From her roots as a fan to the personal challenges that shaped her portrayal of Abby, Dever has brought heart to a polarizing character.

As The Last of Us continues to unfold, her performance promises to leave a lasting mark on fans.

Dive into her story and discover why Abby’s arc is one of the series’ most compelling.