Actress Kaitlyn Dever, set to play Abby in the much-anticipated Season 2 of HBO's *The Last of Us*, has opened up about the challenges of dealing with online reactions to her character. Abby, a polarizing figure from the original game, has been the center of significant online toxicity, with some fans expressing their frustrations in extreme ways, including harassing Naughty Dog employees like Neil Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey. The harassment extended to threats and abuse directed at Bailey, her parents, and even her young son.

Aware of the potential backlash, HBO took precautionary measures during the filming of Season 2, providing Dever with extra security. This step underscores the seriousness with which the network views the safety of its actors amidst such intense fan reactions. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in the series, commented on the bizarre nature of the hatred directed towards Abby, reminding everyone that Abby is, after all, a fictional character.

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In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Dever discussed how she couldn't help but look at the online buzz surrounding Abby's portrayal. "Well, it's hard not to see those things on the internet," she admitted. Despite the noise, her primary focus remains on delivering a performance that does justice to the character, aiming to satisfy fans by authentically bringing Abby to life. Dever emphasized her collaboration with Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, concentrating on understanding Abby's core motivations, emotional depth, and the complexities of her character, including her anger, frustration, and grief.

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Last month, Druckmann revealed to Entertainment Weekly that the HBO adaptation of *The Last of Us Part 2* would present Abby differently from her video game counterpart. Unlike the game, where Abby's muscular build was necessary for gameplay mechanics, the series focuses more on drama than on physical action. Thus, Dever did not need to bulk up for the role. Druckmann highlighted that while the game required Abby to feel mechanically distinct from Ellie, the show's narrative shifts the emphasis towards emotional storytelling.

Craig Mazin added that this adaptation offers an opportunity to explore a more vulnerable Abby, whose strength lies in her spirit rather than her physique. This shift in focus raises intriguing questions about the origins and manifestations of Abby's formidable nature, which will be further explored in the series.

Given the expansive narrative of *The Last of Us Part 2*, HBO plans to extend the story beyond a single season. While Season 3 has not been officially greenlit, Mazin has confirmed that Season 2 will conclude at a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes, setting the stage for potential future seasons.