HBO’s The Last of Us Season 3 Faces Backlash as Abby’s Story Confirmed, Raising Fears for the Show’s Future

HBO’s The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed adaptation of the beloved video game series, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with the confirmation that Season 3 will focus on Abby, a polarizing character from The Last of Us Part II. The announcement, made in early 2025, has divided fans, with many accusing HBO Max of “flushing” the show’s legacy by shifting the narrative away from protagonists Joel and Ellie. Social media is ablaze with calls to boycott the series, as viewers debate whether this bold move will elevate the story or spell its downfall. This exploration delves into the controversy, the significance of Abby’s arc, and the broader implications for HBO’s flagship drama.

The Triumph of The Last of Us

When The Last of Us premiered on HBO in 2023, it redefined video game adaptations. Based on Naughty Dog’s 2013 masterpiece, the series follows Joel, a hardened smuggler, and Ellie, a teenage girl with immunity to a fungal apocalypse, as they navigate a ravaged United States. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, Season 1 captivated audiences with its emotional depth, stunning visuals, and faithful adaptation of the game’s story. The show earned near-universal praise, becoming HBO’s most-watched debut and securing multiple Emmys.

Season 2, set to release in mid-2025, adapts parts of The Last of Us Part II (2020), introducing new characters and expanding Ellie’s journey. While anticipation for Season 2 remains high, HBO’s recent announcement about Season 3 has shifted the focus to Abby, a character whose role in the game sparked intense debate. The decision has thrust the show into a cultural maelstrom, with fans questioning whether HBO can maintain its winning streak.

Abby’s Story: A Divisive Choice

Abby, portrayed in the game by voice actress Laura Bailey, is a central figure in The Last of Us Part II. Without spoiling key plot points, her arc intertwines with Joel and Ellie’s, exploring themes of revenge, trauma, and redemption. Abby’s muscular physique, complex motives, and morally ambiguous actions made her a lightning rod for discussion when the game launched. While some players praised her nuanced portrayal, others rejected her, viewing her as an antagonist who disrupted the bond between Joel and Ellie.

HBO’s confirmation that Season 3 will center on Abby’s perspective, likely covering the latter half of Part II’s story, has reignited these tensions. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the latter being the game’s co-creator, stated in a press release that Abby’s arc is “essential to the narrative” and will “challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.” Casting details remain under wraps, but rumors suggest a rising star with theater experience has been tapped for the role, fueling speculation about how Abby’s physicality and emotional depth will translate to live-action.

Fan Outrage and the “Flushed” Narrative

The announcement has sparked a fierce backlash, particularly on platforms like X, where #BoycottTheLastOfUs and #SaveJoelAndEllie have trended. Fans argue that focusing on Abby alienates the show’s core audience, who are invested in Joel and Ellie’s relationship. “HBO just flushed The Last of Us down the drain,” one viral post declared, accusing the network of prioritizing “woke” storytelling over fan expectations. Others have criticized the decision as a betrayal of the show’s roots, with some vowing to skip Season 3 entirely.

The backlash echoes the polarized reception to The Last of Us Part II. When the game released, its bold narrative choices—particularly Abby’s prominence—divided players. Some felt the story subverted expectations in a groundbreaking way, while others saw it as a misstep that sidelined beloved characters. HBO’s decision to lean into Abby’s arc suggests confidence in the game’s vision, but it risks alienating casual viewers who haven’t played Part II and may resist a shift away from Pascal and Ramsey’s star power.

HBO’s High-Stakes Gamble

HBO’s choice to center Season 3 on Abby reflects a broader trend in prestige television: embracing divisive storytelling to provoke discussion. Shows like Game of Thrones and Succession thrived on polarizing characters and unexpected twists, and The Last of Us has already proven its willingness to take risks, as seen in Season 1’s acclaimed “Long, Long Time” episode. Mazin and Druckmann appear to be betting that Abby’s story, with its moral complexity, will resonate with viewers who value character-driven drama over fan service.

However, the stakes are high. The Last of Us is one of HBO’s crown jewels, and a misstep could tarnish its reputation. The show’s success has relied on balancing fidelity to the game with accessibility for new audiences, but Abby’s arc—dense with flashbacks and heavy themes—may be less approachable than Season 1’s linear journey. Casting Abby will also be critical, as the actor must embody her physical strength and emotional vulnerability while weathering inevitable scrutiny from fans.

The Cultural Context

The controversy surrounding Abby’s prominence touches on broader cultural debates. Her character, with her non-traditional appearance and morally gray actions, challenges conventional notions of heroism, particularly for female characters. In Part II, Abby’s muscular build and unapologetic intensity defied stereotypes, earning praise from some as a progressive step but drawing backlash from others who found her unrelatable. The HBO adaptation will likely amplify these discussions, especially as social media amplifies polarized reactions.

The backlash also reflects tensions within fandoms. Video game adaptations, from The Witcher to Halo, often face scrutiny from fans who demand loyalty to the source material, yet The Last of Us Part II’s divisive story complicates this dynamic. HBO’s decision to adapt Abby’s arc faithfully suggests a commitment to the game’s vision, but it risks alienating viewers who prefer a more traditional protagonist-driven narrative. The show’s ability to bridge these divides will determine its staying power.

What’s Next for The Last of Us

As The Last of Us heads toward Season 3, HBO faces a delicate balancing act. Season 2, which introduces Abby and sets up her larger role, will serve as a litmus test for audience reception. If viewers embrace her character, Season 3 could build on that momentum, delivering a bold exploration of empathy and consequence. If not, HBO may need to adjust its approach, perhaps by emphasizing Joel and Ellie’s presence to appease fans.

Casting and marketing will be crucial. A charismatic, well-received Abby could quell some of the backlash, while promotional materials that highlight the story’s emotional stakes might win over skeptics. HBO’s track record with The Last of Us suggests it’s capable of navigating these challenges, but the vocal opposition underscores the difficulty of adapting a story that thrives on subverting expectations.

The Bigger Picture

The The Last of Us Season 3 controversy highlights the risks and rewards of adapting complex source material. Video game adaptations are under intense scrutiny, as fans demand fidelity while expecting fresh takes for the screen. HBO’s commitment to Abby’s story reflects a willingness to take creative risks, but it also underscores the fragility of fan goodwill in an era of instant online feedback.

For fans, the debate is a reminder of The Last of Us’s power to provoke. The game’s story challenged players to grapple with difficult emotions, and the show seems poised to do the same. Whether Season 3 elevates Abby to a compelling antihero or alienates viewers remains to be seen, but the conversation it’s sparked proves the story’s enduring impact. As HBO forges ahead, the world watches to see if The Last of Us can survive its boldest gamble yet.