Why Abby’s Physique in Season 2 Raises Questions
The second season of HBO’s The Last of Us is set to premiere in April, and fans are buzzing about how closely it will follow the events of The Last of Us Part II. One major talking point is Abby, the co-protagonist from the game, who was known for her incredibly muscular physique. In the show, Abby is played by Kaitlyn Dever, but fans have noticed she doesn’t seem to share the same buff appearance. The showrunners have explained their reasoning, but not everyone is convinced.
Why Abby’s Physique Is Different
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin shared two reasons for why Dever didn’t bulk up for the role. The first reason is pretty straightforward: they prioritized performance over physical appearance.
“We value performance over anything else,” Druckmann said. “We need someone to really capture the essence of those characters. We don’t value as much, ‘Do they look exactly like the character with their eyebrows or their nose or their body?’”
The Mechanics Argument
The second reason, however, has raised some eyebrows. Druckmann explained that since the show doesn’t involve gameplay mechanics, they didn’t feel the need to emphasize Abby’s physicality.
“In the game, you have to play both characters, and we need them to play differently,” he said. “Abby was meant to play more like Joel in that she’s almost like a brute. That doesn’t play as big of a role in this version of the story because it’s more about the drama.”
What Fans Think
While the showrunners’ reasoning makes sense from a production standpoint, fans argue that Abby’s muscular build was more than just a gameplay mechanic. In the game, her physical transformation mirrored her emotional journey, serving as a symbol of her obsession and survival.
It’ll be interesting to see how the show communicates Abby’s emotional arc without relying on her physicality. Will they find another way to showcase her intensity and drive?
What’s Next for Season 2?
The second season of The Last of Us will introduce new characters, including one played by Schitt’s Creek actor Catherine O’Hara. While the story remains dark, her role is expected to bring some levity to the series.
If you’re excited about the upcoming season and want to stay updated on all things gaming, join Streamers Visuals for the latest news and to explore designs like emotes, sub badges, and overlays.
