Isabela Merced recently opened up about the intense fan reactions surrounding the upcoming second season of “The Last of Us,” specifically focusing on the challenges her co-star Kaitlyn Dever faced amid the fervor. The revelations came during an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, where Merced delved into the unique pressures exerted by an impassioned fanbase on their team, particularly Dever, who is set to portray a highly polarizing character.
For context, Dever will step into the shoes of Abby, a central figure in “The Last of Us: Part II” video game. Abby is infamous within the game’s lore, largely for actions that have polarized the fan community. As per Merced, the anticipation and preconceptions surrounding Abby’s character led to the necessity for heightened security measures on set for Dever. “There are people that genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person,” Merced explained, underscoring the sheer magnitude of the backlash her co-star faced, which at times blurred the lines between fiction and reality.
However, despite this wave of negativity, Merced was effusive in her praise for Dever’s professionalism and unwavering resilience. She described Dever as “such a cool person” who remained largely unfazed by the controversy swirling around her character. Merced went on to express her admiration for Dever’s acting prowess, stating, “Give her the damn Emmy honestly. I’m so excited for people to see how incredibly well Bella [Ramsey] and Kaitlyn did on this.”
The arrival of the season is eagerly awaited, and Merced hinted at some of the story arcs that fans are likely to find enthralling. She shared her particular excitement about the evolving romance between her character, Dina, and Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey. Reflecting on the chemistry between the characters, Merced acknowledged that the on-screen relationship had a profound emotional impact on her, even bringing her to tears. To help set the mood on set and perfect the portrayal of their relationship, Merced curated a playlist, demonstrating her dedication to delivering an authentic and moving performance.
Turning to the broader pressures that come with managing devoted fandoms, Merced shared her insights on the inherent challenges.
. “It’s impossible to please everyone,” she noted soberly, mentioning that her primary focus remains on her performance rather than the varying opinions of others. She exuded a sense of readiness to face both accolades and criticism head-on, particularly as she juggles multiple significant roles. Aside from “The Last of Us,” Merced will also be seen as Hawkgirl in the upcoming “Superman: Legacy,” a role that promises its own set of challenges and high expectations from fans.
To give fans a glimpse of what to expect from the highly anticipated second season, it’s worth contextualizing how the game’s storyline sets the stage. “The Last of Us: Part II” builds on its predecessor’s post-apocalyptic world, filled with deeply nuanced characters and moral complexities. Abby’s role embodies much of this complexity and is pivotal to the game’s exploration of themes such as revenge and forgiveness. The anticipation surrounding her portrayal has been building ever since Dever’s casting was announced, and this has only intensified as the release date approaches.
Merced’s comments offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the actors and production team navigate the treacherous waters of fan expectation and character portrayal. Her praise for co-star Bella Ramsey further bolsters the anticipation surrounding the season. Ramsey, who returns to her role as Ellie, has already won critical acclaim for her portrayal, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming episodes.
In addition to the professional challenges, there’s a very real human element to the actors’ experiences. Merced’s genuine emotional connection to her role as Dina speaks volumes about her commitment to bringing authenticity to her performance.
As “The Last of Us” gears up for its second-season debut, the buzz around Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby—and the intense reactions it has sparked—serves as a testament to the powerful impact of storytelling. Whether it’s dealing with fan hostility or embracing the accolades, the cast and crew seem united in their commitment to delivering a season that meets, if not exceeds, viewer expectations. For Isabela Merced and her colleagues, the journey has just begun, and all eyes will undoubtedly be on how they navigate the intricate narrative that “The Last of Us” offers.
