Kaitlyn Dever Is Abby, But She’d Have Been A Better Ellie

The Last of Us is expanding, and with it has come the long-awaited casting of Abby in Season 2. Kaitlyn Dever, a fan-favorite pick for Ellie for years, has instead been cast as the complex and formidable Abby. While Dever undoubtedly has the acting chops to do Abby justice, it’s hard not to wonder what could have been if she’d been given the role she was originally eyed for—the resilient and vulnerable Ellie Williams.

HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us has been a masterclass in faithful storytelling, and while Bella Ramsey has more than proven herself as Ellie, the Kaitlyn Dever question still lingers. With a résumé filled with performances that echo Ellie’s emotional depth, sarcasm, and toughness, Dever seemed almost tailor-made for the role. Now, as she takes on Abby, fans can’t help but wonder if she was a perfect Ellie who arrived just a little too late.

Related

March 18 Will Be An Exciting Day For The Last Of Us Fans

Something special is coming for HBO’s The Last Of Us fans ahead of Season 2 Premiere.

A History of Fan Casting: Dever as Ellie

Since The Last of Us Part II was released in 2020, fans have debated who should play its two female opponents—Ellie and Abby. Long before Bella Ramsey was cast, Kaitlyn Dever’s name repeatedly surfaced in online discussions.

Why Fans Thought She Was the Perfect Ellie:

• Physical Resemblance: Dever naturally looks the part, with soft features strikingly similar to the character’s in-game design. As opposed to the buff, intimidating Abby, who many fans have noted looks nothing like Dever.
• Acting Experience: Her roles in Unbelievable and Booksmart demonstrated the emotional intensity and wit needed for Ellie, as well as the ability for intense vulnerability and a generally very likable screen presence.
• Age-Appropriate Casting (At the Time): She was the right age when the first season was being cast, making her the perfect fit in hindsight.
• She Was a TLOU Fan: In a 202 interview with Collider, Dever responded to questions about her Ellie fan casting by stating her love for the game.

What’s more, is that Neil Druckmann himself acknowledged Dever as a potential choice. At one point, it seemed to fans like the casting was nearly set, as Druckmann and the creative team seriously considered Dever for the role. She was even on the official shortlist but ultimately missed out due to factors like scheduling and the show’s evolving vision. As we know, Bella Ramsey ultimately secured the part—and, thankfully, has delivered a widely praised performance.

Why Kaitlyn Dever Might Have Been a Better Ellie Than Abby

While Dever is a great actress, her strengths as a performer seem more aligned with the protagonist, Ellie, than the antagonist, Abby. Where Abby is a physically imposing, battle-hardened warrior, Ellie is scrappy, emotional, and driven by deep personal connections. Dever’s past roles show that she excels at portraying characters who are vulnerable yet tough, and garner audience sympathy.

Notable Roles That Align with Ellie’s Personality

In Unbelievable, Dever played a young woman accused of lying about an assault. Her performance was a masterclass in restraint, heartbreak, and defiance—exactly the qualities needed to bring Ellie to life, especially in Season 2, where Ellie’s story will take a much darker turn. Meanwhile, her work in Justified proved she could handle a world of crime and violence—much like Ellie’s journey in The Last of Us.

Abby, on the other hand, is a character who relies on brute strength and military precision. While Dever has played serious and intense roles, she has never been known for portraying hardened, dominant characters. This discrepancy has led some fans to question whether she is the right choice.

Why Kaitlyn Dever Will Probably Still Nail the Role

Despite the lingering “what if” about Ellie, Dever’s resume should also serve as proof to any doubting fans. Dever has what it takes to bring Abby to life, and will likely bring out a more complex side of the character. Abby is physically imposing, intense, and morally complicated, and while Dever may not have any files that fit that exact bill, her resume proves she is versatile enough to handle the challenge.

Most notably, her recent role in Apple Cider Vinegar showcased her ability to play a compelling antagonist. In that film, Dever’s character walked the fine line between sympathetic character and outright villain, much like Abby does in The Last of Us Part II. Her performance demonstrated that she can bring nuance to an antagonist—someone driven by the belief that they are doing the right thing. Whether or not Dever bulks up for the role (as Abby is known for her muscular build), she could embody the character physically while also bringing the necessary emotional complexity.

Kaitlyn Dever will no doubt bring her A-game as Abby, but it’s impossible not to wonder what she might have done as Ellie. With her history of roles that mirror Ellie’s personality, she was a dream choice for many fans. But in the end, her casting as Abby could prove to be a stroke of genius—one that surprises and impresses in equal measure. HBO’s The Last of Us has already delivered stellar performances, and if Dever’s track record is any indication, she’ll continue that tradition when Season 2 arrives.