First Look: Abby Returns as Production Begins
With filming underway in British Columbia, the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us is alive with excitement as new set photos capture the return of Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby and introduce a pivotal new character: Lev. Hot off the finale that left fans buzzing with cliffhangers, new on-set glimpses promise that the next chapter is shifting in bold directions—both faithful to the video game’s DNA and open to fresh interpretations.
Abby and Lev: The Dynamic Duo Steps Forward
Kaitlyn Dever, in her signature role as Abby, was spotted in character, donning a blue jacket, brown pants, and her backpack—instantly recognizable to faithful fans. But the biggest reveal is Lev, played by Kyriana Kratter. Sporting a shaved head and wielding a back quiver full of arrows, Kratter’s Lev stays visually true to the video game, underscoring the production’s dedication to authenticity.
Photos circulating online show Abby examining a black beanie and descending a fixed ladder, signaling scenes that echo the challenging terrain explored in the source material. The buzz around Lev’s casting has intensified, given that in the games, the trans teen was voiced by actor Ian Alexander, himself a trans man. Some fans have voiced concern that Kratter, a cisgender actress, steps into the role—but showrunners are clearly committed to keeping Lev’s spirit alive.
The Story Expands: From Ellie and Joel to Abby’s Odyssey
Season 3 marks a significant narrative pivot. After two arcs focused on Ellie and Joel, the story is set to chronicle Abby’s journey, digging into the psychological aftermath and moral ambiguity that made The Last of Us Part II so compelling. Lev, along with his sister Yara—portrayed by Michelle Mao, known from Bridgerton—becomes central to Abby’s evolution and the larger struggle against a broken world.
For those less familiar, Lev and Yara are Seraphites—members of a deeply religious faction who become entangled with the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Lev’s alliance with Abby was a turning point in the games, and the show seems intent on exploring the same nuanced dynamics. Expect detailed character development as Lev’s relationship to the world—and to Abby—unfolds on screen.
Behind the Scenes: Cast and Production Insights
Kyriana Kratter, prior to joining The Last of Us, was acclaimed for her role as KB in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on Disney+, along with appearances in Bunk’d and the CBS sitcom United States of Al. This blend of fan-favorite and emerging talent positions Season 3 as a high-stakes ensemble event. The production boasts returning leads such as Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, and Jeffrey Wright, alongside new faces like Isabela Merced and Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
What Comes Next for The Last of Us?
With showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann at the helm, and an executive production team powered by visionaries such as Carolyn Strauss and Asad Qizilbash, the third installment is charting its own course while keeping fan expectations high. While no official premiere date has been confirmed, HBO’s top brass has hinted that the new season is on track for release in the near future, placing anticipation at fever pitch.
These first set photos serve not only as a tantalizing preview for fans but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of The Last of Us—a universe where loyalty, loss, and survival play out in unexpected ways. As filming continues, every reveal brings viewers closer to a season poised to be as emotionally charged as it is visually gripping.
