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Kaitlyn Dever’s Journey: From Almost Playing Ellie to Bringing Abby to Life in The Last of Us
Apr
Introduction: Kaitlyn Dever’s Unexpected Journey with The Last of Us
Kaitlyn Dever’s career has been marked by versatility and charm, but her journey with The Last of Us is a story that spans nearly a decade, marked by a series of near-misses, changes in direction, and ultimately, a role that became her defining performance in the beloved series. While Dever is now known for her portrayal of Abby in HBO’s The Last of Us series, her association with the project dates back to 2014, when she was initially considered for the role of Ellie in the movie adaptation. Little did she know, her early connection to The Last of Us would eventually lead to a pivotal moment in her career. This article delves into her fascinating journey from almost becoming Ellie to ultimately portraying Abby, shedding light on the twists and turns of her career and the world of The Last of Us.
Kaitlyn Dever’s Early Connection to The Last of Us
Before the hit HBO series, the world of The Last of Us was already captivating gamers worldwide. In 2014, as a fresh face in Hollywood, Kaitlyn Dever caught the attention of The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann. With a movie adaptation of the acclaimed video game in the works, Dever was invited to Naughty Dog’s headquarters in Santa Monica, where she got a firsthand look at the development of the game. During this visit, she was shown the early sketches for The Last of Us Part II—a game still years away from release—and was given insight into the game’s evolving story, including some key spoilers about Abby’s character.
This early introduction to The Last of Us’ universe left a lasting impression on Dever. She was not just exposed to the creative process behind the game but was also considered for the iconic role of Ellie in the film adaptation. Although the movie adaptation never materialized, Dever’s relationship with the creators of The Last of Us and her deep involvement in the early stages of the sequel would influence her future role in the franchise.
The Movie That Never Happened: Kaitlyn Dever’s Near Miss as Ellie
At the time of her involvement with the Last of Us movie project, Dever was still gaining recognition in Hollywood. Her experience in TV shows like Justified and Last Man Standing had already begun to build her reputation, and being considered for such a pivotal role as Ellie seemed like a natural next step in her career. However, as The Last of Us movie development began to stall, the hopes of casting Dever in the role of Ellie quickly evaporated.
Despite the movie adaptation never seeing the light of day, Dever’s connection to The Last of Us remained. She participated in table reads, working alongside various actors as part of the audition process for Ellie. While the movie was stuck in “development hell,” Dever maintained a close connection to the world of The Last of Us through her relationship with the creators at Naughty Dog. This period was marked by a series of what-ifs, with Dever remaining optimistic about her potential role in the future.
From Ellie to Abby: The Shift to the TV Series
The Last of Us movie adaptation eventually fizzled out, but the story didn’t end there for Kaitlyn Dever. In 2020, the news broke that The Last of Us would be receiving a television adaptation, this time from HBO. With the movie project now firmly in the past, Dever had moved on to other ventures. However, when the HBO series began to take shape, the creators of the game approached her once again. This time, Dever’s role in the series would not be as Ellie, but as Abby—an incredibly important character whose arrival in The Last of Us Part II shook the very foundation of the game’s narrative.
Taking on the role of Abby was a monumental challenge for Dever, as the character’s journey involves intense physicality and emotional depth. Abby’s role in the game is one of great complexity, and the decision to cast Dever in this role was a bold move that paid off spectacularly. Dever’s ability to bring Abby’s physicality, strength, and vulnerability to life captivated both fans of the game and newcomers to the series.
Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby: A Defining Performance
Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby in The Last of Us series has been widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. Taking on a character as beloved and controversial as Abby was no easy task, but Dever’s performance stands as one of the highlights of the series. Fans of the game had strong opinions about Abby, especially after the emotional and divisive events of The Last of Us Part II, but Dever managed to humanize the character, adding layers of complexity and nuance to her portrayal.
Abby’s character arc, which involves themes of revenge, loss, and redemption, required Dever to explore intense emotional territory. She brought a grounded and relatable approach to the role, ensuring that Abby’s journey felt both visceral and poignant. The transformation Abby undergoes throughout the series is mirrored in Dever’s performance, making it one of the most captivating aspects of the show. As Abby, Dever not only succeeded in her own right but also helped to elevate the entire narrative of The Last of Us.
Kaitlyn Dever’s Role in the Legacy of The Last of Us
Dever’s journey with The Last of Us is not just about one role or one project—it’s about a lasting legacy with the franchise. From nearly playing Ellie in the movie to becoming Abby in the TV series, Dever’s story with The Last of Us is a testament to her resilience and talent as an actress. Her role as Abby marks a defining moment in her career, and she now stands as a key figure in the continuation of the The Last of Us narrative.
The legacy of The Last of Us extends far beyond its video games, with its TV series adaptation drawing new audiences and expanding its impact. Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby will be remembered as one of the most significant contributions to the series, and her involvement in the project only deepens the connection between the television adaptation and the original game. As The Last of Us continues to evolve, Dever’s place within the franchise is solidified as a pivotal and unforgettable moment in its history.
Conclusion: A Journey Full of Twists and Triumphs
Kaitlyn Dever’s career is a story of unexpected turns, with her journey through The Last of Us being one of the most fascinating aspects. From almost playing Ellie in the ill-fated movie adaptation to ultimately stepping into the role of Abby in the acclaimed HBO series, Dever’s experience with the franchise is marked by a series of fortunate coincidences and significant challenges. Her portrayal of Abby is a testament to her immense talent and ability to take on complex, multidimensional roles. As The Last of Us continues to resonate with audiences, Dever’s involvement in the series will remain an integral part of its legacy.
From torunstyle
