Kaitlyn Dever was on the brink of playing a pivotal role in ‘The Last Of Us’ movie a decade before landing her role on the hit show. The 28-year-old actress recently shared her journey, revealing that production company Screen Gems was gearing up to bring the popular video game to the big screen back in 2014. Dever was in the running to portray Ellie, the lead character, and even took part in table reads. She also had the opportunity to visit Naughty Dog, the gaming studio responsible for creating The Last Of Us, where she got a behind-the-scenes look at the game’s production process.
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During her visit, Dever had a glimpse of early sketches of an “older Ellie” that would have been featured in the game’s sequel. She was even entrusted with how the storyline would unfold, a secret she kept under wraps for years. Unfortunately, plans for the movie adaptation were shelved in 2015. However, Dever was not disheartened as she was offered a role in ‘Uncharted 4’ by none other than Neil Druckmann, one of the video game’s co-creators. She embraced the opportunity and portrayed the character of Cassie Drake in the action-adventure game.
Fast forward to 2023, and HBO announced its decision to transform The Last Of Us into a television drama series. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey secured the roles of Joel and Ellie, respectively. Although Dever was no longer suitable to play the teen Ellie, she was considered for a different character. Eventually, she was cast as Abby, a significant role in the show’s second season. The actress expressed her fondness for the series, stating how she always had ‘The Last Of Us’ in the back of her mind. When the opportunity arose to be part of the show, it felt surreal but incredibly fulfilling.
Reflecting on her journey, Dever shared her belief that things meant for one’s life will eventually fall into place. Her experience with ‘The Last Of Us’ highlights the unpredictability and twists that can occur in the entertainment industry. The actress’s resilience and positive outlook shine through as she navigates through different projects and opportunities that come her way. As fans eagerly await the premiere of The Last Of Us season 2 on April 13, Dever’s portrayal of Abby is set to captivate audiences and deliver a stellar performance.
Overall, Kaitlyn Dever’s narrative serves as a testament to the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. Despite setbacks and changes in plans over the years, her journey led her to a significant role in a beloved series. Her dedication, versatility, and ability to adapt to new opportunities have solidified her status as a talented actress in the industry. As she continues to explore new roles and projects, audiences can look forward to witnessing her growth and talent unfold on screen.