Kaitlyn Dever Almost Played Ellie Before Landing Abby’s Role in The Last of Us Season 2

A Surprising Casting Twist for The Last of Us

As The Last of Us Season 2 gears up for release, actress Kaitlyn Dever has shared an unexpected revelation—she was nearly cast as Ellie before securing the role of Abby. Fans of the hit HBO series were shocked to learn that Dever was initially in talks to play the iconic lead character now portrayed by Bella Ramsey.

Kaitlyn Dever’s Journey from Ellie to Abby

In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dever opened up about her early involvement with the project. The actress first learned about The Last of Us video game two years before its official release and was quickly drawn to its compelling narrative. Soon after, Neil Druckmann, the game’s creator and series co-showrunner, approached her for the role of Ellie.

“I had conversations with Neil Druckmann about playing Ellie alongside Pedro Pascal. But then, as things go in Hollywood, that opportunity slipped away,” Dever shared.

While the role of Ellie eventually went to Bella Ramsey, Dever’s connection to the franchise didn’t end there. She was later offered the role of Abby, a complex character central to The Last of Us Part II storyline.

No Audition Needed: How Dever Landed the Role of Abby

Surprisingly, Dever revealed that she never even auditioned for the role of Abby.

“I didn’t even audition. It was just a series of meetings with Neil. I visited Naughty Dog, and he showed me how the game was created, even giving me spoilers for the sequel before it was released. I had to keep those secrets for years—it’s been rough,” she joked.

Her familiarity with the game and connection with Druckmann made her an ideal choice for the role, and the casting decision was made without a formal screen test.

A Personal Connection to The Last of Us

For Dever, The Last of Us is more than just another acting gig—it’s deeply personal.

“I always thought about it as something I bonded over with my dad. We played the game together, and it was a big part of my life,” she shared.

When asked about missing out on playing Ellie, Dever remained positive, emphasizing that the role of Abby was meant for her.

“It almost felt like, ‘Oh, this was always meant to be in my life, just in a different way,’ and that felt really cool.”

Praising Bella Ramsey’s Performance

Despite nearly playing Ellie, Dever has nothing but admiration for Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of the character.

“Bella did an incredible job. She and Pedro created magic in the first season. Watching their performances, I knew Ellie was in the right hands.”

Her comments reflect a strong camaraderie among the cast, ensuring fans that both Ellie and Abby’s roles are in capable hands for the much-anticipated second season.

When Does The Last of Us Season 2 Release?

The wait is almost over! The Last of Us Season 2 is set to premiere on April 13, 2025. With Dever joining the cast as Abby, fans can expect an emotionally charged season that dives deeper into the game’s intense and controversial storyline.

A Role That Was Always Meant to Be

Kaitlyn Dever’s casting journey in The Last of Us is proof that sometimes, the right roles find actors in unexpected ways. While she nearly became Ellie, her portrayal of Abby is bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

With the show’s return just around the corner, fans are eager to see how Dever brings Abby’s character to life in what promises to be another gripping season of The Last of Us.