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New York Post
‘The Last of Us’ star Kaitlyn Dever needed ‘extra’ security on set because fans ‘genuinely hate Abby’
By Sean Mandell,
2024-08-16
Actress Kaitlyn Dever allegedly required extra security when filming “The Last of Us” because of how much fans hate her character.
It was announced in January that Dever, 27, would be joining the second season of the popular HBO show based on a video game of the same name. Also coming aboard the series would be Isabela Merced, 23.
Merced was cast to play a love interest to Bella Ramsey’s character Ellie, whereas Dever signed on to play Abby, an antagonist to both Ellie and Joel, as played by Pablo Pascal.
Kaitlyn Dever speaks onstage during the “No One Will Save You” FYC Event at Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood on May 18, 2024. Getty Images for 20th Century Studios Isabela Merced attends the 20th Century Studios “Alien: Romulus” Los Angeles Premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on August 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. FilmMagic
The video game version of “The Last of Us” – which pre-dates the show – already had a large following before the HBO series aired, and fans apparently have very strong opinions about Dever’s character. In fact, they loathe her.
Some of these die-hard Abby haters allegedly couldn’t separate the “Booksmart” actress from her role on the show.
In a recent episode of Josh Horowitz’s “ Happy Sad Confused ” podcast, Merced revealed that Dever “had to be extra secured by security when it came to the filming of [season 2]” because of fans’ hatred for her character.
Isabela Merced and Kaitlyn Dever attend the Rosaline premiere at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on October 06, 2022. Getty Images for 20th Century Studios
Merced added that “there are “so many strange people” who “genuinely hate Abby,” even though she is just a fictional character.
She continued, “Just a reminder, [she’s] not a real person.”
“Katilyn’s such a cool person who does not get phased by things, really has her head in the right place, and also is going through a lot right now personally,” the actress said, alluding to Dever’s mother passing away earlier this year after a battle with breast cancer.
The character Abby in ‘The Last of Us: Part II’ video game. Naughty Dog
Merced went on, “It’s devastating to see. But also – give her the damn Emmy, honestly. I’m so excited for people to see how incredibly well Bella and Kaitlyn did on this. I’m so excited.”
Dever and Merced previously starred alongside one another in the 2022 movie, “Rosaline.”
When contacted by The Post, a representative for HBO said they did “not have anything to contribute” on the story. The Post also reached out to reps for Dever.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in “The Last of Us.” Liane Hentscher/HBO
Dever shared the news that she would be joining “The Last of Us” in an Instagram post in January. “So excited to join the family ❤️,” she wrote.
“The Last of Us” was the most-watched debut season of a series ever for HBO. The second season is slated to air sometime in 2025.
Other new actors joining the second season include Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen and Danny Ramirez as Manny.
Notably, Catherine O’Hara will also guest star on the show.
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