HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us has sparked debate among fans over its portrayal of character Abby, particularly in terms of her physical appearance and backstory.
In the game series, Abby is depicted as a weightlifter with large muscles. However, actress Kaitlyn Dever has a significantly smaller build. Druckmann explained that finding an actress who matched Abby’s size was challenging and would have limited the pool of potential actors. The show’s creators made the deliberate choice to reduce Abby’s physical strength in order to shift the focus from action to drama.
Dever’s casting has been praised, despite not meeting the game’s physical description. Her portrayal of Abby is more nuanced and complex, with a greater emphasis on her character’s emotional depth. This departure from the games’ original story has sparked debate among superfans, who may feel that it deviates too far from the source material.
According to Neil Druckmann, the show’s creators made the decision to reveal Abby’s backstory earlier than in the game due to structural limitations. If they had followed the game’s narrative exactly, fans would have been waiting for an extended period to learn about Abby’s motivations. By adapting the story to fit the show’s format, the creators aimed to strike a balance between staying true to the games and meeting the demands of television storytelling.
While some fans may disagree with these creative choices, it is clear that the Last of Us adaptation is committed to exploring Abby’s character in depth, adding complexity to her already intriguing persona. As the series continues, fans will likely see more of this nuanced approach to storytelling.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/04/14/why-they-changed-abby-in-the-last-of-us-season-2