HBO's Last of Us Season 2: Abby's Physique Explained

The HBO adaptation of *The Last of Us Part II* will portray Abby differently than her video game counterpart. Showrunner Neil Druckmann explains that actress Kaitlyn Dever didn't need the same physical build because the show's narrative priorities differ from the game's mechanics. In the game, Abby's physical strength was integral to gameplay, contrasting Ellie's agility. The show, however, focuses more on drama than constant, intense action, thus altering Abby's portrayal.

Druckmann stated, "In the game, you have to play both [Ellie and Abby], and we need them to play differently. We needed Ellie to feel smaller and kind of maneuver around, and Abby was meant to play more like Joel in that she's almost like a brute in the way she can physically manhandle certain things. That doesn't play as big of a role in this version of the story because there's not as much violent action moment to moment. It's more about the drama."

Showrunner Craig Mazin added, "I personally think there is an amazing opportunity here to delve into someone who is perhaps physically more vulnerable than the Abby in the game, but whose spirit is stronger. And then the question is: 'Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest?' That's something that will be explored now and later."

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The "now and later" comment hints at HBO's intention to adapt *The Last of Us Part II* beyond a single season. Unlike Season 1, which covered the first game completely, Season 2 will have a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes, leaving ample story for future seasons. The show's creators acknowledge the significant amount of story material to adapt.

The character of Abby has faced considerable online toxicity, with harassment directed towards Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. This online abuse even necessitated additional security measures for actress Kaitlyn Dever during filming. Actress Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, commented on this, stating, "There's so many strange people in this world because there are people that actually genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person. Just a reminder: not a real person."