The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 will present Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, differently from her video game counterpart, as confirmed by showrunner Neil Druckmann. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Druckmann, alongside co-showrunner Craig Mazin, explained that the physicality of Abby, which was a key mechanic in the game, won't be as crucial in the series.

Druckmann noted, "We would've struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role. In the game, you have to play both [Ellie and Abby] and we need them to play differently. We needed Ellie to feel smaller and kind of maneuver around, and Abby was meant to play more like Joel in that she's almost like a brute in the way she can physically manhandle certain things. That doesn't play as big of a role in this version of the story because there's not as much violent action moment to moment. It's more about the drama. I'm not saying there's no action here. It's just, again, different priorities and how you approach it."

Mazin added, "I personally think there is an amazing opportunity here to delve into someone who is perhaps physically more vulnerable than the Abby in the game, but whose spirit is stronger. And then the question is: 'Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest?' That's something that will be explored now and later."

This "now and later" comment hints at HBO's intention to extend The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season, unlike Season 1, which covered the entire first game. Mazin has mentioned that Part 2 has a more extensive narrative, and while Season 3 isn't confirmed yet, Season 2 is structured with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes.

The character of Abby has been a focal point of controversy, leading to significant backlash and harassment directed at Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. This toxicity even prompted HBO to provide extra security for Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina, commented on the situation, saying, "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."

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