Summary
The Last of Us Part 2director Neil Druckmann recently revealed in an interview that Naughty Dog almost didn’t cast Laura Bailey to play Abby because “she’s in everything.” Picking the right actor for such a crucial role as Abby Anderson inThe Last of Us Part 2was no easy task, and Naughty Dog had to consider many factors, including the actress’ popularity.
It’s difficult to think of a morecontroversial character inThe Last of Us Part 2than Abby. Regardless of her unethical actions in the game (which almost no character is exempt from), the fate that the game’s director chose for Abby and how her development would impact Joel and Ellie was what really sparked certain fans’ rage. Part of the reason is that throughout theTLOU2story, Abby takes center stage and becomes the protagonist, forcing players to act against the character they grew to love in the first game. Laura Bailey delivered a remarkable performance that managed to get on fans' nerves, though the director almost didn’t pick her for the role.
During a recent panel at DICE, game creator Neil Druckmann told Santa Monica Studio creative director Cory Barlog that they were almost certain Abby would be played by someone else. The primary reason Druckmann didn’t want her was because “she’s in everything,” pointing outLaura Bailey’s impressive career. Across her remarkable body of work, she has brought life to many iconic characters—not only in video games likeUncharted,Spider-Man, andDays Gone, but also in some anime and cartoons shows likeDragon Ball Z,Winx Club, andRegular Show.
Neil Druckmann Didn’t Want Laura Bailey to Play Abby Because ‘She’s in Everything’
Naughty Dog was concerned that her presence could undermine the authenticity they were looking for in the character, as fans might immediately recognize the actress instead of empathizing with Abby—something that’s common with famous actors. However, Druckmann explained that after carefully reviewing the audition videos “frame by frame,” they came to see Bailey’s unique ability to conveyAbby’s tragic and vulnerable moments inThe Last of Us Part 2. After discussing it with the team, they ultimately agreed she was the best fit for the character.
The decision played out remarkably well, considering the manyaccolades Laura Bailey received for playing Abby inThe Last of Us Part 2and the tremendous impact her character had. It was so significant that she even received death threats, leading to major controversies withinThe Last of Uscommunity and the gaming world as a whole. Nevertheless, Bailey was satisfied with the results and has even expressed a desire to play Abby Anderson again if the opportunity presents itself.
