Summary
The Last of Usis expanding, and with it has come the long-awaited casting of Abby in Season 2. Kaitlyn Dever, a fan-favorite pick for Ellie for years, has instead been cast as the complex and formidable Abby. While Dever undoubtedly has the acting chops to do Abby justice, it’s hard not to wonder what could have been if she’d been given the role she was originally eyed for—the resilient and vulnerable Ellie Williams.
HBO’s adaptation ofThe Last of Ushas been a masterclass in faithful storytelling, and while Bella Ramsey has more than proven herself as Ellie, the Kaitlyn Dever question still lingers. With a résumé filled with performances thatecho Ellie’s emotional depth, sarcasm, and toughness, Dever seemed almost tailor-made for the role. Now, as she takes on Abby, fans can’t help but wonder if she was a perfect Ellie who arrived just a little too late.
A History of Fan Casting: Dever as Ellie
SinceThe Last of Us Part IIwas released in 2020, fans have debated who should play its two female opponents—Ellie and Abby. Long before Bella Ramsey was cast, Kaitlyn Dever’s name repeatedly surfaced in online discussions.
Why Fans Thought She Was the Perfect Ellie:
“I am a fan of the game, and I don’t know if a lot of people know that, but I’m saying it now—I am ahugefan of the video game. I think it is a beautiful story; it’s just a wonderful narrative, and I fell in love with that game when it came out.” — Dever
What’s more, is that Neil Druckmann himself acknowledged Dever as a potential choice. At one point, it seemed to fans like the casting was nearly set, as Druckmann and the creative team seriously considered Dever for the role.She was even on the official shortlistbut ultimately missed out due to factors like scheduling and the show’s evolving vision. As we know, Bella Ramsey ultimately secured the part—and, thankfully, has delivered a widely praised performance.
Why Kaitlyn Dever Might Have Been a Better Ellie Than Abby
While Dever is a great actress, her strengths as a performer seem more aligned with the protagonist, Ellie, than the antagonist, Abby. Where Abby is aphysically imposing, battle-hardened warrior, Ellie is scrappy, emotional, and driven by deep personal connections. Dever’s past roles show that she excels at portraying characters who are vulnerable yet tough, and garner audience sympathy.
Emotionally resilient, with deep pain and defiance
Witty, naive, and deeply loyal
Loretta McCready
Young, tough, and resourceful in a harsh world
InUnbelievable, Dever played a young woman accused of lying about an assault. Her performance was a masterclass in restraint, heartbreak, and defiance—exactly the qualities needed to bring Ellie to life, especially in Season 2, where Ellie’s story will take a much darker turn. Meanwhile, her work inJustifiedproved she could handle a world of crime and violence—much like Ellie’s journey inThe Last of Us.
“If you watched her in unbelievable you’d know she can pull off the trauma aspect of Ellie’s S2 arc perfectly.” —Reddituser
Abby, on the other hand, is a character who relies on brute strength and military precision. While Dever has played serious and intense roles, she has never been known for portraying hardened, dominant characters. This discrepancy has led some fans toquestion whether she is the right choice.
Why Kaitlyn Dever Will Probably Still Nail the Role
Despite the lingering “what if” about Ellie, Dever’s resume should also serve as proof to any doubting fans. Dever has what it takes to bring Abby to life, and will likely bring out a more complex side of the character. Abby is physically imposing, intense, and morally complicated, and while Dever may not have any files that fit that exact bill, her resume proves she is versatile enough to handle the challenge.
Most notably, her recent role inApple Cider Vinegarshowcased her ability to play a compelling antagonist. In that film, Dever’s character walked the fine line between sympathetic character and outright villain, much like Abby does inThe Last of Us Part II. Her performance demonstrated that she can bring nuance to an antagonist—someone driven by the belief that they are doing the right thing.Whether or not Dever bulks up for the role(as Abby is known for her muscular build), she could embody the character physically while also bringing the necessary emotional complexity.
“Why have they cast the most Ellie looking actress as Abby?!”—RedditUser
Kaitlyn Dever will no doubt bring her A-game as Abby, but it’s impossible not to wonder what she might have done as Ellie. With her history of roles that mirror Ellie’s personality, she was a dream choice for many fans. But in the end, her casting as Abby couldprove to be a stroke of genius—one that surprises and impresses in equal measure. HBO’sThe Last of Ushas already delivered stellar performances, and if Dever’s track record is any indication, she’ll continue that tradition when Season 2 arrives.
