As HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 continues to unfold, fans of the original video game are noticing how certain controversial moments have been adapted—and in some cases, reworked. One of the most notable changes revolves around the character of Abby Anderson, who was first introduced in The Last of Us Part II and played by voice actor Laura Bailey. Now, Bailey has spoken out about the updated portrayal of Abby in the HBO series, particularly regarding the infamous scene that changed the course of the franchise forever.
Abby’s Controversial Entrance in the Game
In The Last of Us Part II, Abby Anderson is introduced as a powerful and driven character whose actions shocked the fanbase. Within hours of gameplay, Abby kills Joel Miller, the beloved protagonist of the first game, in a violent and unexpected scene. The event, delivered without initial context, sparked fierce backlash from fans—some of whom directed their anger at Bailey herself.
Bailey, who gave a powerful and emotionally complex performance as Abby, received threats online, including disturbing messages directed at her newborn child. “That was a very rough period of time,” she said in a recent interview, recalling the harassment. Despite the hostility, her portrayal was later widely praised for its emotional depth and physical intensity.
The HBO Adaptation and Kaitlyn Dever’s Performance
In the HBO adaptation, Abby is played by actress Kaitlyn Dever, and the creators have taken steps to reframe her character. While Joel’s death still occurs in the series—just as it did in the game—the television version provides greater context and moral justification earlier on. Abby’s motivations are laid bare from the beginning, helping audiences understand the emotional weight behind her actions.
Bailey has voiced her support for this narrative adjustment, saying, “I think that’s why HBO is doing what they’re doing. You’re prepared for it.” In the video game, Abby’s arc was unveiled much later, forcing players to reevaluate their understanding of her only after spending significant time hating her. The showrunners have instead opted to make Abby’s complexity visible from the outset, softening the blow for viewers unfamiliar with the game’s dual narrative structure.
The Importance of Voice Acting in Establishing Abby
Laura Bailey’s original portrayal of Abby was nothing short of groundbreaking. From nuanced vocal performance to physically demanding motion capture, she gave life to a character who was both deeply vulnerable and brutally hardened. Bailey helped humanize Abby through subtle delivery, showing her grief, rage, and desperate longing for peace. Her performance earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Performer in a Leading Role in 2021.
Despite the initial backlash, Bailey’s work is now widely recognized as one of the strongest performances in video game history. The backlash itself became a broader conversation about toxic fandom and the challenges female voice actors face in the gaming community.
How HBO’s Version Honors and Evolves the Character
Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have taken care to reflect the essence of Abby’s character while reshaping her story to better fit the television format. Abby is introduced with empathy and inner conflict, and the audience is invited to understand her rather than simply fear or loathe her. This was a strategic shift designed to foster a smoother emotional transition for audiences unfamiliar with the dual-protagonist structure of the second game.
Bailey has praised Kaitlyn Dever’s casting and performance, expressing admiration for how the live-action portrayal remains faithful to the character’s emotional core. Dever’s Abby still carries the pain and complexity Bailey introduced, now filtered through a new lens—one more immediately relatable to general audiences.
From Villain to Protagonist: Abby’s Journey and Redemption
One of the most ambitious aspects of The Last of Us Part II was its attempt to turn the “villain” into a protagonist. Players spent half the game controlling Ellie, driven by vengeance, only to spend the second half as Abby, forcing a reevaluation of morality and motive. This bold storytelling move was divisive, but it laid the groundwork for one of the richest character arcs in gaming.
With the HBO series, this narrative structure remains intact but is delivered more linearly, allowing Abby’s backstory to parallel Ellie’s rather than directly oppose it. The show aims to maintain the emotional impact of Abby’s story while minimizing the polarizing shock that initially defined her.
Laura Bailey’s Enduring Role in The Last of Us Legacy
Laura Bailey’s performance will forever be tied to the identity of Abby Anderson. Whether through voice, motion capture, or public advocacy for the craft of voice acting, Bailey has left an indelible mark on the franchise. Her willingness to revisit the character and publicly support the HBO adaptation speaks to her continued passion for the role and the importance of revisiting complex characters through fresh storytelling techniques.
