In a recent episode of Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, actress Isabela Merced delved into the challenges and extreme fan reactions her co-star Kaitlyn Dever faced while filming the highly anticipated second season of HBO’s The Last of Us. The buzz around the show’s return has been enormous, particularly because of Dever’s role as Abby, a character infamous among fans of the video game series for her divisive actions.
Merced opened up about the severe backlash Dever received for embodying Abby, a character that has sparked strong feelings among a broad segment of the fanbase. “There are people that genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person,” Merced stated, highlighting the intensity and sometimes irrational nature of these reactions. The response has been so severe that it necessitated heightened security for Dever while on set.
Abby is a complex individual within The Last of Us: Part II game, whose actions have created heated debates and polarized opinions among fans. This intense scrutiny places significant pressure on Dever, compounded by the fact that the character has become a lightning rod for online vitriol.
However, despite the relentless criticism and the need for increased security, Merced was full of praise for Dever’s resilience and exceptional skill. “Give her the damn Emmy honestly. I’m so excited for people to see how incredibly well Bella [Ramsey] and Kaitlyn did on this,” Merced exclaimed, lauding the professionalism and outstanding performances of her co-actors. According to her, Dever remains unfazed by the negative attention, demonstrating impressive fortitude and dedication to her craft.
Merced also shared her excitement about the evolving storyline in the second season, particularly the romance between her character Dina and Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey. This on-screen relationship, she revealed, brought her to tears and significantly impacted her experience filming the show. To help set the right emotional tone, Merced curated a playlist, underscoring her commitment to bringing genuine depth to her performance.
Reflecting on the broader issues of dealing with devoted fanbases, Merced acknowledged that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.
. “You can’t please everyone,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on doing her best in her role. This level-headed approach seems essential, considering the passionate and sometimes unruly nature of fandoms associated with popular series.
With the second season of The Last of Us nearing completion, the actors are gearing up for what promises to be a monumental release. Merced’s insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics paint a vivid picture of the complexities and pressures involved in bringing such a beloved and controversial video game to life on screen.
Looking ahead, Merced is also set to appear as Hawkgirl in the upcoming Superman: Legacy film. This role adds another layer of anticipation and excitement to her burgeoning career. She appears ready to embrace the challenges of yet another passionate fanbase, bringing the same resilience and dedication she’s shown on The Last of Us to her new role.
Kaitlyn Dever’s experience underscores the often harsh reality faced by actors portraying controversial characters who bear the brunt of fan emotions. The necessity of security measures highlights the extent of the response and serves as a reminder of the fine line actors must tread between art and the expectations of a devoted audience.
Despite these challenges, the cast’s camaraderie and mutual respect are palpable. Their collective enthusiasm and support for one another suggest that, while the show navigates complex and often contentious material, the actors themselves share a strong bond that helps them tackle even the most difficult aspects of their roles.
As anticipation builds for the second season’s release, both fans and critics will be watching closely to see how these dynamics play out on screen. If Merced’s insights are any indication, viewers are in for an emotionally rich and thought-provoking continuation of The Last of Us saga, one that remains true to its source material while exploring new depths of storytelling.
Stay tuned as the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this gripping narrative, brought to life by a cast dedicated to honoring the emotional and thematic complexity that has made The Last of Us a defining piece of interactive entertainment.
