Isabel Merced has opened up about the on-set security measures Kaitlyn Dever had on the set of The Last of Us.
Back in 2023, the HBO adaptation of the popular video game franchise took the world by storm, becoming an instant hit with TV viewers for its stellar storytelling and stunning performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
In light of its universal acclaim – boasting a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes – the network greenlit a second season weeks before the finale.
Over the last year, new information about the forthcoming season – which is set to adapt The Last of Us Part II video game – has slowly been revealed, including casting announcements like Booksmart star Dever joining as Abby Anderson.
“Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” co-creators, writers, executive producers and directors Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said in a January press release.
“Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
When The Last of Us Part II was released in 2020, Abby caused quite a stir due to a shocking and controversial storyline.
However, some players within the fandom used the plot point to spew harmful anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric about the character and her appearance.
In a recent interview on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, fellow newcomer Merced – who’s set to play Dina – opened up about the ridiculous scrutiny and the precautions the show took to shield Dever from the hateful “fans”.
“There’s so many strange people in this world because there are people who actually genuinely hate Abby, who is not a real person, just a reminder,” she said.
“And so Kaitlyn had to be extra secured by security when it came to the filming of this.”
Merced went on to praise Dever for navigating the intense fandom with grace before praising her work on the upcoming season.
“Kaitlyn is such a cool person who does not get phased by things. Really has her head in the right place and is also going through a lot right now personally,” she continued.
“It’s devastating to see, but also give her the damn Emmy, honestly. I’m so excited for people to see how incredibly well Bella and Kaitlyn did on this. I’m so excited.”
In addition to Dever and Merced, The Last of Us season two is set to feature a bevy of new faces, including Schitt’s Creek star Catherine O’Hara and Beef actor Young Mazino.
The new batch of episodes are set to premiere in 2025.
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