The Last of Us Star Defends Shocking Joel Twist Change in Season 2

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In contrast to its source material, The Last of Us Season 2 takes a significant departure, a shift that the original Abby actor considers a wise choice.

In the video game The Last of Us Part II, an unexpected turn of events occurred quite early on, which left certain fans feeling unsettled and sparked outrage among others. As we delve into its implications for the series, here’s a SPOILER ALERT. Let’s examine how this shift affects the narrative.

In the course of the game, Joel meets an unexpectedly violent end at the hands of Abby, with minimal prior indication. The motive behind Abby’s fury remains unclear to players until later on in the storyline.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but reflect on the captivating narrative unfolding in the game, particularly concerning the character of Abby. From the onset of Season 2, her intentions are starkly evident – she seeks retribution against Joel for taking her father’s life. This plot twist resonates with me, and I believe it serves both professional and personal growth for Laura Bailey, the talented actress who brings Abby to life.

Laura Bailey approves of change in The Last of Us Season 2

There was a significant amount of criticism directed towards Laura Bailey, who played Abby in the game, after she killed Joel. “I anticipated the reaction would be intense,” Bailey shared with Vulture. “I knew it would spark controversy. But I was still thrilled to present it to the world because I put so much effort into that role and was really proud of my performance. So to receive that kind of response immediately was particularly challenging.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: “The harsh backlash wasn’t just criticism; it escalated to threats of violence against me and my newborn baby. I never imagined such a response. Honestly, none of us saw it coming.

It appears that Bailey agrees this change is beneficial since the TV series audience now gains deeper insights into Abby’s character, learning about her background and the intricacies of her plot to kidnap Joel, prior to the event itself.

The actress remarked, “That’s likely why HBO is acting as they are.” To which one could respond, “You’re anticipating this, then?” or simply, “You’re ready for it.

Bailey hasn’t watched the specific murder scene or talked to Kaitlyn Dever (the actress playing Abby) yet. However, when asked if she’s concerned about how Joel’s death will be portrayed on the show potentially causing more trouble, she said “a little bit.” And indeed, some viewers have already expressed their intention to stop watching Season 2 following the emotional killing scene.

To delve deeper into The Last of Us, explore Dina’s destiny within the game series, uncover Eugene’s significance for Season 2, and discover potential plot alterations that may impact Episode 3.

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2025-04-21 19:21