The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us Part 2 has made a significant decision regarding Abby's character portrayal. Showrunner and Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann explained to Entertainment Weekly that actress Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, did not need to bulk up for the role. This choice stems from the fact that Abby's muscular build in the video game was designed to differentiate her gameplay mechanics from Ellie's. Druckmann noted, "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."

However, in the HBO series, the focus shifts from the mechanical distinctions to the dramatic elements of the story. Druckmann emphasized that while there is action, "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." This change allows for a deeper exploration of Abby's character, focusing on her emotional and psychological journey rather than her physical prowess.

Craig Mazin, the co-showrunner, added that this version of Abby offers an opportunity to explore a character who might be "physically more vulnerable than the Abby in the game, but whose spirit is stronger." He posed the question, "Where does her formidable nature come from and how does it manifest?" This suggests that Season 2 will delve into Abby's inner strength and resilience, aspects that may be highlighted over several seasons as HBO plans to extend the narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 beyond a single season. Mazin mentioned that while Season 3 isn't confirmed, Season 2 has been structured with a "natural breakpoint" after seven episodes.

The character of Abby has been a controversial figure, with some fans expressing their discontent through harassment of Naughty Dog employees, including Druckmann and actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. The backlash was so severe that it included threats and abuse directed at Bailey, her parents, and her young child. HBO took these concerns seriously, providing extra security for Kaitlyn Dever during the filming of Season 2. Isabel Merced, who plays Dina in the series, commented on the absurdity of 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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