An in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes experiences and challenges faced by cast and crew of 'The Last of Us,' particularly due to the extreme reactions from fans towards Kaitlyn Dever's character.
- August 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - In the realm of entertainment, the adaptation of popular video games into live-action series often comes with the challenge of balancing the expectations of dedicated fans with the creative vision of the showrunners. The HBO series "The Last of Us" is no exception, especially given the intense reactions to Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby.
According to Dever's co-star Isabela Merced, who joined the cast as Dina, security had to be heightened during filming to ensure Dever's safety. Merced attributed this to the extreme hatred some fans had for Abby, despite her being a fictional character.
"There are so many strange people in this world because there are people that actually genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person," Merced said. "Kaitlyn had to be extra secured by security when it came to the filming of this."
The backlash stems from the character's controversial role in the video game "The Last of Us Part II." Abby is a soldier caught in a conflict between her militia and a religious cult, and her actions ultimately put her at odds with Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) and her quest for revenge.
Merced expressed her confusion over the fans' vitriol, "What confuses me is the showrunner and creator of the video game, they work together to make this, so if you like what the guy made and he's making more of it, why are you mad?" Merced said.
Despite the hostility, Merced praised Dever's resilience and professionalism. "Kaitlyn is such a cool person who does not get phased by things," Merced said. "She really has her head in the right place, and also is going through a lot personally right now."
Furthermore, Merced emphasized the importance of separating fictional characters from the actors who portray them. "Just a reminder, [she's] not a real person," Merced said. "Katilyn's such a cool person who does not get phased by things."
Merced's experience on "The Last of Us" highlights the complexities of fan culture and the impact it can have on the production of entertainment. While some fans are passionate about their favorite characters, it's crucial to remember that these are fictional creations and that the actors bringing them to life are not responsible for the actions or opinions of the characters they portray.
