Kaitlyn Dever, who performs Abby within the second HBO season of The Final of Us, was given additional safety throughout filming on account of sturdy damaging reactions to her character.
In a current episode of the podcast Comfortable Unhappy Confused, Isabela Merced, who performs Dina, mentioned that HBO has elevated safety for Dever on account of issues about hostility towards Abby.
This precaution comes after voice actress Laura Bailey acquired harassment and loss of life threats after enjoying Abby within the online game. Merced praised Dever’s braveness in taking up such a controversial function and highlighted her wonderful efficiency.
“Give her that rattling Emmy, for actual,” Merced mentioned, expressing her pleasure for followers to see Dever’s portrayal alongside Bella Ramsey’s Ellie.
Merced defined that the intense negativity surrounding Abby Anderson meant that additional assist was wanted to maintain Dever secure from those that may need bother distinguishing fiction from actuality. She mentioned:
“There are such a lot of unusual folks on this world as a result of there are individuals who actually hate Abby, who isn’t an actual individual. Only a reminder: not an actual individual. Kaitlyn needed to be additional protected by safety when it got here to filming.”
Why is Abby Anderson so controversial in ‘The Final of Us’?
Abby is likely one of the most controversial characters in The Final of Us Half II, largely as a result of she kills Joel, a beloved character from the primary recreation, early on within the story. Joel’s loss of life shocked and angered many followers, as he was the primary character of the unique recreation and had a robust emotional connection to gamers.
The sport then requires gamers to manage Abby for a lot of the story, asking them to empathize along with her and perceive her causes. This narrative alternative, which matches towards expectations and challenges participant loyalty, has provoked sturdy reactions.
Some followers had a tough time accepting Abby’s actions, which led to division among the many fanbase and sadly, poisonous habits together with harassment and threats towards these concerned within the character’s creation, resembling voice actress Laura Bailey.
Bailey acquired hate mail and loss of life threats. This damaging habits went past criticism of the character and have become private, affecting Bailey and her household.
Regardless of this, Bailey acquired help from the gaming group and trade friends, who condemned the harassment. She later expressed gratitude for the optimistic messages that helped stability out the negativity.
Bailey additionally received the Finest Efficiency award on the 2020 Sport Awards. Her efficiency, regardless of controversy, was praised for its emotional depth and complexity.
This recognition highlighted the talent and dedication she dropped at the function. Her win was seen as a major achievement, particularly contemplating the extraordinary scrutiny and criticism surrounding the character of Abby. The Final of Us returns to HBO in 2025.
