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The Last of Us Part II's HBO adaptation alters Abby's storyline for pacing and audience engagement. Unlike the game, which reveals Abby's motivations gradually, the show reveals her backstory earlier to foster viewer empathy. Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin explain that the interactive nature of the game allows for a slower reveal, but the episodic format necessitates a faster introduction to build sympathy for her character. Casting Kaitlyn Dever was crucial in portraying this complex character, whose actions elicit both hatred and sympathy.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.