The actress Kaitlyn Dever, known for her roles in series like Dopesick and movies like Booksmart, recently shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story. A decade ago, she was on the brink of playing Ellie in a film adaptation of The Last of Us. Despite never signing a contract, Dever immersed herself in the project by reading the script and meeting with Neil Druckmann, the game’s creator, even visiting the renowned Naughty Dog studios.
A Missed Opportunity Turned into a New Beginning
The film adaptation ultimately fell through, paving the way for the successful HBO series we know today. Bella Ramsey was eventually chosen to portray Ellie, with Pedro Pascal landing the role of Joel. Reflecting on her almost-casting experience, Dever stated, “It was very exciting to be part of that conversation when I was so young, it really felt like something very important.”
From Missed Opportunity to Unexpected Role
Despite missing out on the role of Ellie, Dever found herself joining the cast in the second season of the series as Abby, a pivotal character in The Last of Us Part II. Embracing the emotional complexity of her character, Dever’s performance was well-received. The second season premiered on April 13, 2025, with Dever confirmed to return for the eagerly anticipated third season.
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