You Won’t Believe How The Last of Us Creators Tamed the Abby Backlash

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Heads up: This HBO series, “The Last of Us,” has brought to life one of the most debated scenes from “The Last of Us Part II.” Following the controversy surrounding Abby’s character, the creators have addressed the criticism. In episode 2 of season 2, titled “Through the Valley,” Joel meets a tragic end at the hands of Abby, with Ellie witnessing this heart-wrenching event. Fans who have played the video game have long been preparing for Joel’s death in The Last of Us season 2, but his passing still managed to tug at many heartstrings.

As a passionate fan of “The Last of Us”, I wasn’t surprised by the stir caused by the surprising twist in the story, considering the heated debates that surrounded Abby’s character in the original game. The backlash has prompted some changes in HBO’s adaptation of the series, modifying Abby’s persona and her relationships with Joel. Despite these adjustments, Joel’s demise continues to resonate deeply among viewers and those involved in “The Last of Us”, marking a pivotal moment that will be long remembered in its television history.

The Backlash Surrounding Abby In The Last Of Us Part 2 Game Explained

Abby Invoked Way Too Much Hate For Killing Joel In The Last Of Us Part 2

Upon its release in 2020, The Last of Us Part II stirred up controversy, with Joel’s sudden death at the hands of Abby being a significant factor. Since Joel was deeply cherished by fans of The Last of Us, his demise at Abby’s hand ignited intense dislike towards her within the gaming community. However, as players advanced through the game, they were compelled to experience much of the narrative from Abby’s perspective, which made them empathize with her struggles and understand her motives for killing Joel.

Despite the creators’ intention for players to feel empathy towards Abby, some continued to harbor anger towards her due to killing Joel. This animosity escalated to online harassment against Abby’s voice actress, Laura Bailey, even going as far as death threats targeting her and her newborn son, necessitating police intervention. Consequently, the team behind HBO’s The Last of Us took extra precautions when casting Kaitlyn Dever for the role of Abby to prevent a similar situation that had previously occurred with an actor.

How The Last Of Us Season 2 Changed Abby’s Character For The TV Show

HBO’s The Last Of Us Tried To Avoid Repeating The Past With Abby

In the game, players initially learn only that Abby recognizes Joel, suggesting she has a past connection with him which could make her an adversary. The controversy surrounding Joel’s death in the original game led to alterations in the storyline for season 2 of The Last of Us, ensuring that Abby’s history and motivations were more transparent from the outset, helping viewers understand she wasn’t a random antagonist.

Ever since season 2 kicked off, I’ve been hooked on “The Last of Us,” following Abby and her crew as they chase down Joel. The narrative tension has largely been built on suspense rather than shocking twists. What really packed a punch was when Abby confronted Joel directly about the fact that he had taken her father’s life. This served as a stark reminder of the deeply personal consequences of Joel’s actions.

In the game back in 2020, an unnamed character offing one of the main characters early on might have stirred up some resentment among viewers. But the series skillfully sidestepped replicating that effect, ensuring the audience stays engaged without repeating the same emotional impact.

What The Last Of Us’ Creators Have Said About Abby Killing Joel In The Show

The Show’s Creators Knew How People Would React To Joel’s Death

Despite alterations to the plot, Joel’s demise in HBO’s “The Last of Us” left quite an impact on many viewers, including Pedro Pascal himself. In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Pascal admitted he was in a state of “active denial” regarding Joel’s fate and the conclusion of his role on the show, as he had developed deep connections with numerous cast and crew members during filming. Interestingly, Pascal was indeed aware that Joel would meet his end on the series, stating, “It was simply a question of how and when.

After the debut of “Through the Valley,” Craig Mazin, one of the creators of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” spoke to USA Today about Abby’s actions in killing Joel. In his conversation, he was aware that viewers might have intense reactions due to the powerful emotional turn this event represented.

It’s inevitable that some viewers may feel displeased. Such is the nature of compelling storytelling. This turn of events was predestined from the start, and a significant portion of the first season seems to have been laying the groundwork for this very moment, making it all the more distressing.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mazin shared details about the meticulous planning behind filming Joel’s death scene in The Last of Us. He emphasized that the brutality was intended to underscore Abby’s loss of control as her anger over Joel took hold. Additionally, Mazin addressed and dismissed rumors suggesting that Dever received threatening messages from Pascal’s fans, and praised her for delivering such a powerful performance, even after dealing with a personal family tragedy.

Ultimately, Joel’s death in “The Last of Us” was bound to stir emotions among fans. Yet, the creators of the HBO series have managed to rework this contentious scene for television without sparking the same intensity of criticism from viewers as seen in “The Last of Us Part II”. While not a direct copy of the game’s narrative, HBO’s “The Last of Us” has consistently modified and expanded upon the original storyline, offering a distinct viewing experience for television audiences.

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2025-04-22 15:48