Kaitlyn Dever on 'The Last of Us' Season 3, Abby's Role, and Godzilla

Embracing the Role of Abby

• 🎮 Kaitlyn Dever had no reservations about playing Abby in 'The Last of Us', influenced by her father's early suggestion and her own experience playing the game.
• 💔 Despite awareness of the controversy surrounding Abby's actions, particularly killing Joel, Dever felt confident in her portrayal and the production team.
• 👨‍👧 Her father, a self-proclaimed 'diehard Last of Us fan,' played a significant role in her understanding and acceptance of the character, even guiding her through key game moments.

Path to 'The Last of Us'

• 🎬 Dever was previously in talks to play Ellie in a movie adaptation years ago, a project that eventually evolved into the HBO series.
• ✨ She became a fan of the show after its release and was surprised and grateful to be offered the role of Abby by creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.
• 🤝 The casting process felt like a 'second chance' to be part of the 'The Last of Us' universe, with the creators seemingly set on her for the role.

Season 3 and Secrecy

• 🤫 Dever confirms that Season 3 will heavily feature Abby and that she will be the main character, though details are kept highly secret.
• 📜 Scripts are provided very late in the process, and information about future storylines is withheld to protect the narrative.
• 📈 Creator Craig Mazin has indicated that Season 3 will be even bigger than Season 2, despite the immense scale of the latter.

Audience Reception and Pedro Pascal

• 😲 Dever acknowledges the mixed reactions to Abby's actions in the game and show, noting the shock and sadness from viewers unfamiliar with the source material.
• 😂 She humorously recalls fans approaching her with playful admonishments like 'why did you have to do my boy like that?'
• 🤝 Pedro Pascal's supportive social media post, highlighting their positive on-set bond, was a genuine gesture that Dever deeply appreciated.

Personal Tributes and New Ventures

• 🎗️ Dever shares the profound impact of her mother's passing just before filming, emphasizing how her mother's excitement for the role fueled her own determination.
• 🏆 She reflects on her Emmy nomination for 'The Last of Us' as a tribute to her mother, celebrating the achievement with her family upon returning from Australia.
• 🦖 In addition to 'The Last of Us,' Dever is excited to explore a new genre by joining the upcoming Godzilla movie, viewing it as stepping into uncharted territory.