'The Last Of Us' Season Two Has Cast Its Most Important Character

In a major casting update, HBO's critically acclaimed series, The Last of Us, is gearing up for its second season with the addition of Kaitlyn Dever.

Dever, celebrated for her standout performances in TV hits like Justified, Last Man Standing, and her Emmy-nominated role in Dopesick, is set to join Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsay (Ellie) as she takes on the role of Abby in the post-apocalyptic drama.

Abby, from The Last of Us Part II, is described as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved,” with her journey expected to be a central focus of the show’s second season.

“Our casting process for Season 2 has been identical to Season 1: We look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material. Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family,” series co-creators and executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said in a statement (as per Variety).

Based on the hugely popular video game created by Druckmann and developed by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us is set two decades after the collapse of modern civilization, with Joel (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), a seasoned survivor, undertaking a challenging task.

Hired to smuggle Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey), a 14-year-old girl, out of a restrictive quarantine zone, the seemingly straightforward job transforms into a harrowing journey across the US. As the duo deals with the harsh realities of their surroundings, their survival becomes intricately linked, leading to an equal parts brutal and heart-wrenching tale.

Notable additions to the Season 1 cast include Gabriel Luna, Anna Torv, Nico Parker, Murray Bartlett, Nick Offerman, Melanie Lynskey, Storm Reid, Merle Dandridge, Jeffrey Pierce, Lamar Johnson, Keivonn Woodard, Graham Greene, Elaine Miles, Ashley Johnson, and Troy Baker.

Production for the second season is set to commence on February 12 in Vancouver and, according to HBO CEO Casey Bloy, will likely air in 2025. This comes after a series of delays caused by strikes among writers and actors in previous months.