Movies

‘The Last of Us’: Kaitlyn Dever breaks down explosive finale, teases ‘crazier’ Season 3

BBG News

Supernova.

Is the rainfall as heavy as an ordinary shower, or does it resemble the intense torrents that occur during the climactic scenes in “The Last of Us” finale?

“It’s actually pouring like the finale of ‘The Last of Us,’” Dever says, laughing.

Since we can’t visit the beach now, we have ample opportunity to cozy up and discuss the intense and perhaps puzzling season finale of “The Last of Us.” Those expecting a confrontation between Dever’s character, Abby Anderson, the young woman who murdered Joel (Pedro Pascal) in retaliation for her father’s death, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), who has been chasing after Abby to seek revenge, might find themselves let down.

Abby doesn’t show up until the final three minutes of the episode. When she eventually appears, she surprises Ellie in an unexpected manner, and their reunion is far from warm or affectionate.

“I let you live,” Abby hisses. “And you wasted it!”

Next, there’s a loud gunshot sound followed by blackness on the screen. After a brief pause, the scene shifts and Abby is found resting on a couch in a new setting, summoned by militia leader Isaac (played by Jeffrey Wright). She confidently walks to a balcony at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, transformed into a base for the Washington Liberation Front. Her arrival has an air of authority, and as she takes in the scene, we see “Seattle Day One” displayed on the screen, a time period we’ve previously experienced through Ellie’s perspective.

Television

Find out what transpired with Joel and Ellie, learn about their current locations, and discover if the Cordyceps brain infection is still a threat. Get updated on all things from Season 2 of HBO’s “The Last of Us.

What the hell just happened?

[Laughs] I don’t know. I have no idea.

It appears that the series has restarted at the beginning of Season 3, focusing on Abby’s storyline over the course of three days as she prepares to face off against Ellie.

It seems reasonable to infer that [Craig Mazin], the co-creator of “The Last of Us”, hasn’t shared his plans with me. All he’s shared is a hint, saying to prepare for what’s coming because it will be more intense. He’s consistently mentioned that Season 2 would surpass Season 1, and he teased that Season 3 will be even bigger. I’m just taking his word and getting ready.

How did he pitch you on doing the show in the first place?

During my initial encounter with Craig and Neil (Druckmann, creators of “The Last of Us” game), they shared their vision for Season 2, which involved introducing Abby into the “The Last of Us” universe. They mentioned the number of episodes, so I wasn’t entirely taken aback by that revelation, even though I hadn’t anticipated that the entire season would culminate with me. [Chuckles]

So when you got the script and read that ending …

As I stood there, my heart pounding, I couldn’t help but utter, “We’re actually doing this. Incredible.” The weight of the moment pressed heavily upon me. Memories of past performances flooded my mind, recalling instances when I had a single line to deliver in a scene. It was always the most nerve-wracking part for me, knowing that everyone else around me had their lines, while I focused solely on mine, fearing any misstep could derail the entire scene. The thought of it sends chills down my spine – yet, there’s an undeniable thrill to it as well.

You’re talking about Abby telling Ellie, “You wasted it”? You really spit it out with some heat.

It’s useful information. Since I was frequently traveling between Vancouver and Los Angeles, I often found myself adjusting and getting back into Abby’s emotionally intense state. Interestingly enough, that last scene was the one I filmed.

How did you find your way back into Abby’s anger?

Initially, the first scene I filmed was Joel’s death under soft lighting, and it still resonates with me. The monologue delivered by Abby before she kills him is incredibly moving, filled with raw emotion and sorrow that really brings the scene to life. I often found myself revisiting this moment, reflecting on how long I had been preparing to say those lines for – five years.

Did you watch that Joel episode when it aired or had you already seen it?

Initially, I viewed that show alone. Later, I watched it with my partner. Prior to this double viewing experience, I worked on ADR with Craig, who showed me a small portion of the program which left me floored due to its intensity – it was the most impactful television episode I’ve ever encountered. However, even after experiencing it myself, when I rewatched it later, I still found it hard to believe.

You’ve mentioned that you lived through it, but you shared earlier that your memory of filming it is hazy because it happened four days after your mother’s funeral in February 2024. In a sense, it seems as if you were seeing it for the first time all over again.

Three days after her funeral, I found myself boarding a plane. The fourth day was marked by an unforgettable moment at the chalet, where fireflies illuminated the night alongside Joel on the floor. Everything seemed like a dreamy, first-time viewing to me. As I processed things, I’d often think, “Ah, yes.” Grief, in its own peculiar way, affects our minds, altering memories.

Revisiting the pivotal moment when you mercilessly end one of TV’s dearest characters undeniably highlights the intensity of the pressure. Executing such a scene in those specific conditions would have been an immense and overwhelming experience.

Initially, I was overcome with fear. As my mother’s time drew near, I spent countless hours reflecting on the unbearable reality of her passing and the thought of moving forward without her. It was almost too much to bear. However, as painful as it was to consider, life persists even in the face of tragedy. In the aftermath of her death, I found myself at a crossroads – either choosing to continue or giving up on the opportunity she had been so eager for me to seize in Vancouver, a show that she had looked forward to seeing me perform. But as time passed, I came to understand that there was no part of me that could resist this calling. I felt compelled to honor her memory by following through with it – for her.

How did you fight past the fear?

My father genuinely boosted my confidence. However, I must admit I was incredibly nervous. Yet, he reassured me saying, “You can do it!” His enthusiasm was infectious, as even my mom was thrilled that I got cast in the show. Fortunately, the team was exceptionally accommodating and supportive. Everyone made sure to look after me.

After fifteen months have passed, the episode eventually gets aired. I suppose this moment would come with a new set of concerns. Did you take a look online to see people’s reactions?

Absolutely! I was the one who ended up eliminating the most cherished character, the beloved heartthrob. It’s not every day that I get involved in something so vast and far-reaching. The entire globe seems to be tuned in to this. I had no clue what lay ahead.

Television

As a dedicated fan following along with the second season of “The Last of Us” on HBO, I’ve been captivated by the palpable love for music that unites the actors and creators behind this remarkable series.

And what did you find?

It was more positive than I thought it would be.

Since I didn’t participate in the game myself, my initial reaction upon observing it was quite astonished: “Gamers certainly know how to maintain secrets.

It’s amazing how they manage to create those TikTok videos that capture the priceless expressions of parents or partners when they watch and react to things.

Having played the game, you’ve known about Abby and Joel for years.

In the game he was playing, my father passed me the controller and exclaimed, “Kaitlyn, you need to check this out!” The situation in the game was incredibly intense and startling.

On TV too!

Chuckles However, when the game progresses and Joel gets killed, it caught me off guard as now I was controlling a female character. At first, I wondered if this was Ellie or not. It’s intriguing how these two characters, who share many similarities, are developed by the creators.

I’ve been pondering over the idea of having a Season 3 episode featuring Abby and her father, similar to the one showcasing Ellie and Joel.

That’s a really good idea. I hope we get to do something like that.

I have a feeling you might. Maybe you even know something about that. [Laughs]

Indeed, I’m just as capable of holding a confidence! I found out about Joel’s demise way before Season 1 had even premiered. This was back when I met Neil years ago, during discussions about turning the game into a movie. He was already working on the second installment and asked me, “Shall I tell you what happens?” To which I exclaimed, “Oh, my goodness!” Since then, I’ve been carrying this secret for quite some time.

It seems like you’re quite skilled at keeping things confidential. It appears that gamers have a general idea about how Season 3 might unfold. Given your familiarity with the game, are you perhaps being secretive?

[Chuckles] It’s uncertain what Craig intends to do next. However, throughout the initial episode of this season, there have been hints of him experimenting with dynamics, as demonstrated by Abby stepping up as a leader.

She sure looks like she’s a leader in the finale’s last scene.

In that particular moment, it’s implied that Abby exudes an air of authority or dominance. As for what specifically defines “sitting in one’s power,” I’ll leave that interpretation up to each viewer for now. Those who’ve experienced the game might have a few theories about it.

On the day following the airing of the “Abby/Joel” episode when you reported to work on “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova”, was there perhaps a slight change in how people interacted with you? Maybe they maintained a bit more distance, or were a tad more cautious? Or maybe they took extra care to put away their golf clubs just in case?

That day’s commute to work was quite extraordinary, sparking much conversation among colleagues. The general response seemed to be, “Wow, what an episode!” or something along those lines.

Throughout the entire season, I was on the hunt for the scene where they utilized Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) to erase a spider bite from someone’s face, but I wasn’t able to locate it.

Chuckles here, in the initial episode featuring the Fireflies, I took a brief hiatus and ended up with a spider bite on my cheek. I thought it was just a pimple. Oh, how wrong I was! It turned out to be quite the large spider bite, and well, let’s just say it was oozing. The CGI in that scene is incredible; you wouldn’t even notice it. To this day, I still bear a scar on my face due to them having to excise it.

So, to summarize: a very eventful shoot for you.

For many reasons. I’ll never forget it.

Read More

2025-05-26 05:31

Previous post Whales, Woes, and Witty Wagers: The SAND Saga Unfolds! 🐋💸
Next post Is XRP on a Slippery Slope? Find Out Why! 😱