Summary
- Laura Bailey’s casting as Abby was initially in doubt due to her widespread recognition in other roles.
- Santa Monica ultimately chose her for the role because she stood out from the rest.
- Laura Bailey’s performance was so remarkable that it even sparked outrage among fans who disliked Abby’s actions in the game.
The Last of Us Part 2‘s director and creator Neil Druckmann recently revealed in an interview that Santa Monica almost didn’t cast Laura Bailey to play Abby because “she’s in everything.” Picking the right actor for such a crucial role as Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part 2 was no easy task, and Santa Monica had to consider many factors, including the actress’ popularity.
It’s difficult to think of a more controversial character in The Last of Us Part 2 than Abby. Regardless of her unethical actions in the game (which almost no character is exempt from), the fate that the game’s director chose for Abby and how her development would impact Joel and Ellie was what really sparked certain fans’ rage. Part of the reason is that throughout the TLOU2 story, Abby takes center stage and becomes the protagonist, forcing players to act against the character they grew to love in the first game. Laura Bailey delivered a remarkable performance that managed to get on fans’ nerves, though the director almost didn’t pick her for the role.
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During a recent panel at DICE, game creator Neil Druckmann told Santa Monica Studio’s creative director Cory Barlog that they were almost certain Abby would be played by someone else. The primary reason Druckmann didn’t want her was because “she’s in everything,” pointing out Laura Bailey’s impressive career. Across her remarkable body of work, she has brought life to many iconic characters—not only in video games like Naughty Dog’s Uncharted, Mary Jane in Spider-Man, and Lisa Jackson in Days Gone, but also in some anime and cartoons shows like Dragon Ball Z, Winx Club, and Regular Show.
Neil Druckmann Didn’t Want Laura Bailey to Play Abby Because ‘She’s in Everything’
Santa Monica was concerned that her presence could undermine the authenticity they were looking for in the character, as fans might immediately recognize the actress instead of empathizing with Abby—something that’s common with famous actors. However, Druckmann explained that after carefully reviewing the audition videos “frame by frame,” they came to see Bailey’s unique ability to convey Abby’s tragic and vulnerable moments in The Last of Us Part 2. After discussing it with the team, they ultimately agreed she was the best fit for the character.
The decision played out remarkably well, considering the many accolades Laura Bailey received for playing Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 and the tremendous impact her character had. It was so significant that she even received death threats, leading to major controversies within The Last of Us community and the gaming world as a whole. Nevertheless, Bailey was satisfied with the results and has even expressed a desire to play Abby Anderson again if the opportunity presents itself.
- Released
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June 19, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs