Summary
As audiences gear up for the arrival of the menacing Abby,The Last of Usseason 2 has found one of her key antagonists with Jeffrey Wright’s Isaac. The HBO show based on Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic video game franchise of the same name proved to be a massive hit upon its January 2023 premiere, garnering widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike and setting multiple viewership records for both the network and its streaming companion, Max.The Last of Usseason 2 began filmingin February 2024, expanding its cast to include a multiple of major game characters, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby.
Varietyhas brought word that Jeffrey Wright has joined the cast ofThe Last of Usseason 2. Wright, who previously collaborated with HBO on itsWestworldshow adaptation, will be reprising his role of Isaac Dixon from Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Us Part II, with the character’s show description being “the quietly powerful leader of a large militia group who sought liberty but instead has become mired in an endless war against a surprisingly resourceful enemy.” The Oscar nominee previously teased his potential involvement in the show this past February.
Wright’s Casting Continues The Show’s Best Trend
Isaac’s Introduction Also Proves Key To Fleshing Out Abby’s Story
With Wright now officially reprising his role of Isaac inThe Last of Usseason 2, this continues one of the show’s best casting tricks in bringing back a number of actors from the games. While much of the show recast its characters, namelyPedro Pascal as Joeland Bella Ramsey as Ellie, co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin memorably brought back Merle Dandridge as Fireflies leader Marlene in season 1. Furthermore, key game actors Jeffrey Pierce, Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson all made appearances in different roles, with the latter even playing Ellie’s mother after playing the heroine in the games.
More than just continuing the nice trend of returning game actors, however, is that the confirmation of Isaac’s introduction inThe Last of Usseason 2 will be a pivotal element for fleshing out Abby’s story. Initially taking her and former Fireflies members Manny, Owen, Nora, Mel, Jordan, Nick and Leah into the WLF, he would ultimately become one of the antagonists for Abby in the game, with his ruthless and brutal means of maintaining control over the militia conflicting with her desire to protect her remaining friends after the downfall of the Fireflies at the hands of Joel in the first game.
Abby’s 10 Best Scenes In The Last Of Us We Can’t Wait To See In HBO’s Season 2
Kaitlyn Dever has been cast as Abby in The Last of Us season 2, and it’ll be a joy to see her recreate the best scenes from The Last of Us Part II.
Though a controversial character for some of her actions, Abby has since been reappraised as something of a tragic villain in theLast of Usgames, due to a combination of her dark past as well as her relationship with Isaac. ForThe Last of Usseason 2 to similarly explore these drasticallydifferent sides of Dever’s character, having such figures as the WLF leader involved not only allows Druckmann and Mazin a better opportunity to deliver a more well-rounded character for Abby. Additionally, with Wright back on board for the role, they have the opportunity to capitalize on his powerful acting skills to deliver compelling character arcs for both Isaac and Abby.
The Last of Usseason 1 is streaming in full on Max, with season 2 set for an unspecified 2025 release.
The Last Of Us
Cast
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama series set two decades after a global catastrophe. It follows Joel, a seasoned survivor, who is tasked with escorting Ellie, a teenage girl, across a desolated United States, transforming into a harrowing journey of survival and companionship.
