Actress Kaitlyn Dever, set to play Abby in the highly anticipated Season 2 of HBO's *The Last of Us*, has openly discussed the challenges of ignoring online reactions to her character. The role of Abby, known for her controversial actions in the video game, has stirred significant online toxicity. This backlash has not only targeted the character but also extended to harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Neil Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, with threats and abuse directed at Bailey's family, including her young son.

The intense fan reaction prompted HBO to take extra precautions, providing Dever with additional security during filming. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in Season 2, remarked on the unusual nature of the vitriol, emphasizing that Abby is a fictional character. "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," Merced stated.

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In an interview with ScreenRant, Dever shared her struggles with avoiding online commentary. "Well, it's hard not to see those things on the internet," she admitted. She expressed her commitment to honoring the character and satisfying fans while focusing primarily on her collaboration with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin. Her goal is to delve deeply into Abby's emotional complexities, capturing her anger, frustration, and grief to bring authenticity to the role.

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Last month, Druckmann revealed that the HBO adaptation of *The Last of Us Part 2* would not portray Abby as the muscular character seen in the game, citing differences in narrative focus. In a discussion with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann and Mazin explained that Dever's physicality would not need to mirror the game's mechanics, as the show prioritizes drama over constant action. Druckmann emphasized the distinct gameplay needs in the video game that aren't as relevant in the series, allowing for a different approach to Abby's character.

Mazin added that this change presents an opportunity to explore Abby's inner strength and vulnerability, questions he believes are central to her character's development. This shift in focus aligns with HBO's plans to expand *The Last of Us Part 2* narrative beyond a single season. Although Season 3 has not been confirmed, Season 2 has been structured to end at a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes, setting the stage for potential future installments.