The weight room is a cold, echoing space at 5 AM, but Kaitlyn Dever is already there. She’s not lifting weights; she’s studying fight choreography videos, her face illuminated by the harsh glow of her phone. Season three of The Last of Us isn’t just another role; it’s a transformation.
When season three of The Last of Us comes to HBO sometime in 2027, it’s going to be all about Abby. Season two saw one star, Joel (Pedro Pascal), murdered, and our other hero, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), hunt down his killer. It then ended with that killer, Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), hunting and finding Ellie. But before we could see what transpired between the two, the show flashed back several days and ended on Abby.
It’s the same twist Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann brutalized fans with in The Last of Us Part II game. Now, season three of the show will focus on everything happening from a completely different point of view. “The fans are really going to like it, I think,” Dever said to Deadline. “The shifting perspective onto Abby, getting some more context onto her storyline and going back in time with this season. So, I’m very excited for the fans to see it.”
Dever told the trade that her work on the third season starts very soon. “I’m getting mentally and physically prepped right now. I go up in a couple days, actually, to start prep over there,” she said this week. “I’m so excited to kind of take on a much bigger role in the season.”
In the game, when Druckmann pulls out the rug from under you and makes you play as Abby, it’s borderline torturous. You are now inhabiting the person the story has taught you to hate. But, over the course of the story, our sympathies and beliefs change, which supercharges that final showdown the second season teased.
But will a potential two-year break between seasons carry that kind of impact? And how will the show fare now that Druckmann, who created the game and helped bring the show to life, is stepping away to focus on Naughty Dog video games such as the sci-fi game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet? We don’t know. We do know that cameras start rolling soon, though, and Dever will be the one in front of them most of the time.
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From Booksmart to Apocalyptic Warrior
We all have roles that define us, and for Kaitlyn Dever, Abby might just be that role. She’s known for Booksmart and Unbelievable, but stepping into Abby’s combat boots requires a different kind of preparation. This isn’t just about acting; it’s about embodying a character forged in the fires of trauma and vengeance.
Dever’s comments to Deadline suggest a significant shift in storytelling. Season three will peel back Abby’s layers, giving viewers a deeper understanding of her motivations. For Dever, this means more screen time, intense physical training, and the challenge of portraying a character walking a tightrope between villain and victim.
How much older is Abby than Ellie in The Last of Us?
Consider the raw, exposed nerve of Druckmann’s storytelling. It’s a gamble to force players—and now viewers—to empathize with someone they initially despise. By most accounts, Abby is four to five years older than Ellie. Giving that antagonist center stage is a narrative risk, but with Dever at the helm, the payoff could be immense. It’s a high-stakes bet that challenges our preconceived notions of heroism and villainy.
The Druckmann Departure: A New Era?
There are pivotal moments when a creator steps back, and the creation takes on a life of its own. With Neil Druckmann focusing on new projects at Naughty Dog, The Last of Us TV series faces this very juncture. His vision shaped both the game and the first two seasons of the show, but now, someone else will steer the ship (at least in part).
Druckmann’s absence raises questions about the show’s future direction. Will it stay true to the source material, or will it chart its own course? The two-year gap between seasons could either heighten anticipation or dilute the emotional impact of Joel’s death and Abby’s quest. The showrunner will be balancing the desire for fresh storytelling with the expectations of a fiercely loyal fanbase.
What other video game adaptations are in development?
Television and streaming services are now awash with projects based on established video game intellectual property. From Netflix’s Arcane (based on League of Legends) to the recent Fallout series on Prime Video, Hollywood is betting big that these adaptations will find an existing—and passionate—audience. These projects often involve high production budgets, major stars, and creative teams that include veterans of both the gaming and entertainment industries.
Abby’s Journey: A Question of Impact
When you’re plunged into Abby’s world mid-narrative, it’s jarring. But that discomfort is the point. The game challenges you to see beyond the surface, to understand the complexities that drive her actions. But will that translate to the screen after a lengthy hiatus? A two-year break can soften the blow, giving viewers time to process their emotions and potentially dulling the impact of Abby’s story.
The success of season three hinges on Dever’s ability to capture Abby’s humanity, even in her darkest moments. It requires more than just physical transformation; it demands a deep understanding of her motivations, her pain, and her unwavering determination. Can she bridge the gap between hatred and empathy, forcing us to confront our own biases and judgments? Is Kaitlyn Dever prepared to become a lightning rod for audience ire and, perhaps, eventual understanding?
How does The Last of Us Part II game differ from Season 2 of the TV show?
Adaptations are never one-to-one recreations. Some alterations may be subtle, such as streamlined dialogue or minor character tweaks. Other changes can be more significant, involving plot restructuring or the introduction of entirely new scenes and characters that were not present in the original game. It’s a balancing act between honoring the source material and creating a compelling viewing experience.