Who Is Kailtyn Dever? Meet The Newest 'The Last of Us' Star

After a two-year hiatus, HBO's critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us returns with its highly anticipated second season on Sunday, April 13, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. The series, adapted from the renowned video game franchise by Naughty Dog, became an instant hit with its emotionally charged storytelling and compelling performances, particularly those of Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie. Season 2 picks up five years after the events of the first season, delving deeper into the complex relationship between Joel and Ellie as they navigate the challenges of a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic. 

Joining the ensemble cast are several notable additions, including Isabela Merced as Dina, Ellie's romantic interest, and Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a formidable new character whose introduction is poised to stir significant discussion among fans. With a career spanning over a decade, Dever has demonstrated quite the emotional range in her performances, making her a compelling addition to the series. As The Last of Us embarks on this next chapter, L'OFFICIEL has everything you need to know about the new star in season 2, Kaitlyn Dever. 

Kaitlyn Dever TV Shows and Movies 

Dever began her acting career at a young age, appearing in commercials before transitioning to television and film. She gained early recognition for her roles in TV series such as Justified (2011–2015) and Last Man Standing (2011–2021). 

Dever's breakout came with her performance in the Netflix miniseries Unbelievable (2019), earning her a Golden Globe nomination. She continued to impress with her role in Hulu's Dopesick (2021), which garnered her a Primetime Emmy nomination. Her latest role came from Netflix's limited series, Apple Cider Vinegar, where Dever played the lead as Belle Gibson.  ​

In film, Dever has showcased her versatility with roles in Booksmart (2019), Rosaline (2022), and the dialogue-light sci-fi thriller No One Will Save You (2023). 

Kaitlyn Dever in The Last of Us. 

In The Last of Us Season 2, Dever takes on the challenging role of Abby, a character known for her complexity and the emotional weight she carries. Abby is described as a skilled soldier whose worldview is tested as she seeks vengeance for those she loved. Dever's portrayal is expected to delve deep into the character's psyche, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy.​

Dever's co-star, Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, Ellie's love interest, highlighted the challenges Dever faced due to the polarizing nature of Abby's character. Merced noted on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast that Dever required additional security on set due to intense fan reactions, emphasizing the emotional toll and dedication Dever brought to the role.

Kaitlyn Dever's Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Dever is set to join the next installment of the Monsterverse franchise, according to Deadline. Dever is in talks to appear in the sequel to Godzilla x Kong, a role that would mark her entry into blockbuster territory.