Laura Bailey Reflects on a Wild Journey

Laura Bailey, the talented actress behind Abby Anderson in 'The Last of Us Part 2,' is back in the spotlight, sharing her thoughts on the intense reactions from fans and the creative changes made in HBO's gripping adaptation. As the second season kicks off, audiences are diving deep into a world filled with emotion and suspense.

Shocking Moments: Joel's Fate Revealed!

Warning: spoilers ahead from the series! In the latest episode, viewers were left stunned when Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, meets a brutal end at the hands of Abby wielding a golf club. Unlike the video game, where the motives behind Abby's actions remain shrouded in mystery until later, HBO decided to lay out her vendetta right from the start.

Why HBO's Changes Were Genius!

In a bold move, the new season kicks off with Kaitlyn Dever's Abby mourning her fallen comrades while plotting revenge on Joel for his past misdeeds. Bailey supports this creative decision, noting that it helps viewers brace themselves for the heart-wrenching moment of Joel's death: 'You're prepared for it,' she tells Vulture.

The Heavy Toll of Online Backlash

Bailey's journey hasn’t been easy. Following the infamous reveal that Abby kills Joel, she faced a barrage of online hate, including death threats—targeting not just her but even her family. "Every time I went online, that's all I saw: threats and violence," she recounted in the behind-the-scenes documentary 'Grounded 2.'

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Being Abby

Reflecting on her experiences, Bailey described that tumultuous time as deeply challenging. "I knew the role would be intense and controversial, but I was so proud of my performance. To face that kind of backlash? It was tough and nobody expected the fallout." Even years later, she admits to lingering anxieties about stirring up similar reactions with the TV series—though she acknowledges some fans have calmed down.

The Future Looks Bright for 'The Last of Us'

Despite the drama, the story continues! Both Naughty Dog and HBO are thrilled to confirm that 'The Last of Us' will return for a third season. Showrunner Craig Mazin promises fans, "We're aiming for something we can be immensely proud of, and I think we've exceeded our wildest dreams!" The saga is far from over, and fans can't wait to see what’s next!