In 2020, Laura Bailey originated the role of Abby in The Last of Us Part 2, a character who proved to be very divisive among fans. Earlier this year, Kaitlyn Dever took over the role of Abby when she joined the cast of The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO. And Dever may not have a bigger fan of her take on Abby than Bailey herself.

“She’s just phenomenal, every moment that I saw that she was in,” Bailey told EW. “I just loved how much she brought to the character and made it her own. It’s kind of like watching your child get up and start walking for the first time. Once you put it out there, it’s somebody else’s and she’s just embraced it.”

Although Dever is a series regular on the show, she was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Guest Actress category. Much like the game, Season 3 will focus on Abby’s story with a larger role for Dever.

Bailey has previously appeared in the live-action The Last of Us during the first season finale as one of the doctors murdered by Joel (Pedro Pascal). When asked about making another cameo appearance in Season 3, Bailey replied, “I’m not saying anything.”

Neil Druckmann–the-co-creator of The Last of Us and the co-showrunner–recently announced his departure from the series. In Druckmann’s absence, Craig Mazin will serve as the sole showrunner for The Last of Us Season 3. HBO plans to release the third season in 2027.

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