How One Casting Choice Could Transform Abby’s Story in The Last of Us Season 3!

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Caution: Contains plot details from The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 and The Last of Us Part II computer game. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

In the upcoming third season of The Last of Us, HBO is taking a daring narrative leap that could alleviate any lingering concerns about the show’s future storyline. The second season, much like the game it’s based on, received mixed reactions due to the early demise of Joel, one of its main characters. However, the TV series is planned as a four-season arc, with the events from the second video game installment, The Last of Us Part II, being stretched across three seasons. This decision, while potentially captivating, also introduces an element of risk.

In the upcoming season 3 of “The Last of Us,” the main narrative is expected to delve deeper into the life of Abby, the character from season 2 who was initially portrayed as an antagonist and the one responsible for Joel’s death. Interestingly, this approach in storytelling asks viewers to empathize with a character they may have seen as villainous until now. Following the ending of season 2, Abby’s tale will pick up three days prior to the theater showdown that was pivotal in the game’s narrative, offering insights into what Abby has been doing while Ellie was in Seattle. This shift in focus might be challenging for TV viewers, as it signifies a significant departure from the traditional storytelling they are accustomed to.

Derek Phillips Is The Perfect Actor To Play Abby’s Dad In The Last Of Us Season 3

Jerry Anderson Is A Critical Character In The Last Of Us Game

In essence, while we’ve previously glimpsed Abby’s father in the TV adaptation of “The Last of Us,” portrayed by actor Darren Dolynski as “Surgeon” in the season 1 finale, it’s interesting to note that Season 3 might revisit the legacy of video game actors by casting Derek Phillips as Jerry Anderson. Phillips brought his character to life in “The Last of Us Part II,” making a significant impact despite having a limited role in the game. His portrayal of kindness and warmth adds profound emotion to the series.

Apart from “The Last of Us”, Derek Phillips is a versatile character actor who has worked on numerous film, television, and video game projects. He shone brightly as Billy Riggins throughout all seasons of NBC’s Emmy-winning sports drama, “Friday Night Lights”, and has also been seen on shows like “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”, “The Terminal List”, and “Longmire”. He is a talented actor, and while his role as Jerry in “The Last of Us” was a motion-capture performance, it features some of the best work he has ever delivered.

In a new development, it appears that Derek Phillips will join the cast of “The Last of Us” series, joining stars like Jeffrey Wright who are reprising their roles from the games. While Jeffrey Wright’s character Isaac was brought to life through motion capture technology, the 49-year-old actor Derek Phillips is largely unchanged in his role as Jerry Anderson, resulting in a smooth transition from game to television.

Casting Jerry Anderson Correctly Is Crucial To Abby’s Story In The Last Of Us Season 3

The Audience Needs To Sympathize With Abby

Following the mixed reception of The Last of Us season 2, it’s crucial that the creators win back both video game enthusiasts and television viewers in season 3. Kaitlyn Dever and the other new cast members who joined for season 2, portraying Abby and her group, have all shown great talent and their chemistry and charm will be essential in making a more critically-acclaimed season. To regain favor with game fans, casting someone well-known like Derek Phillips as Jerry Anderson might prove to be an excellent decision.

In order for season 3 of “The Last of Us” to be successful, it is essential that the character Jerry Anderson is portrayed effectively, as he plays a pivotal role in developing Abby’s emotional storyline. The primary objective of season 3 will be to elicit empathy for Abby, who brutally killed Joel in the first season’s finale. To achieve this, it’s crucial that viewers are given insight into the person whom Joel killed. Derek Phillips brings a profound level of humanity to his portrayal of Jerry Anderson, which is vital for the show.

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2025-06-01 00:40