
Abby Actress from The Last of Us Part 2 on Fan Reactions
Apr 23, 2025 9:43 AMLaura Bailey, the actress behind Abby in The Last of Us Part 2, supports HBO's decision to alter key story elements in the TV adaptation. As the second season premiered, it showcased emotional scenes, including the shocking death of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. The show's creators chose to reveal Abby's motives earlier than in the game, aiming to prepare viewers for the intense narrative ahead. Bailey reflects on the backlash she endured from fans, stating that the online reaction was difficult but acknowledges the changes may help in easing viewer distress. HBO is already confirmed to produce a third season, with showrunners focused on delivering impactful storytelling.
Why did HBO change the storyline for The Last of Us series?HBO adjusted the storyline, particularly around Abby's motives, to provide viewers with context and preparation for critical events. This decision aimed to make the narrative more cohesive and less shocking, considering the intense fan reactions surrounding plot points from the original game.
The Last of Us franchise, created by Naughty Dog, is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. The games and their adaptations explore complex themes of survival, revenge, and morality. The first season of the HBO series closely followed the game's storyline, leading into the second season, which prominently features Abby's character, adding layers to the narrative not fully expressed in the source material.

Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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Changing up Abby's story earlier in the show is a smart way to ease viewers into the emotional rollercoaster—props to the writers for learning from the game's polarizing reception. Laura Bailey’s honesty about the backlash is a reminder of how intense fandoms can get, even when the storytelling is top-notch.

Interesting move by HBO to tweak Abby's arc—hopefully it helps soften the blow for newcomers while keeping the emotional gut punches intact. Laura Bailey’s perspective on the fan backlash really highlights how tough it can be to bring such a divisive character to life.