Kaitlyn Dever's Emmy Nomination Shocks Fans and Confirms Season 3 of The Last of Us Will Be Abby’s Story

Despite the backlash, HBO’s hit series The Last of Us is doubling down on its boldest creative choice yet—and the Emmys just confirmed it was the right call.

In a move that has reignited fan debate, The Last of Us Season 2 stormed the 2025 Emmy nominations with an impressive 16 nods, once again establishing the HBO juggernaut as a critical favorite. But the biggest surprise? Kaitlyn Dever, who portrayed Abby Anderson for less than five minutes of screen time, received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress—a signal that The Last of Us Season 3 will pivot sharply into her character’s narrative.

This revelation is not just a casting twist. It’s a message: The Last of Us is ready to hand over the reins of the franchise to its most controversial character.

Abby Takes the Lead in Season 3

While fans were still grappling with Joel’s brutal death early in Season 2—echoing the infamous events of the 2020 video game The Last of Us Part II—Abby’s emergence shifted the emotional landscape. Her Emmy-nominated performance, though brief, laid the groundwork for a seismic storytelling shift.

According to insiders, Season 3 will be entirely Abby-centric, diving into her journey during Ellie and Dina’s search through a devastated Seattle. For those who played the game, this won’t come as a surprise—but for TV audiences, it’s a daring move that tests the loyalty of a fanbase still reeling from Joel’s absence.

Emmy Recognition Changes the Narrative

Kaitlyn Dever’s recognition isn’t the only nod stirring excitement. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey returned as nominees for their leading roles, despite Pascal’s character being killed off in episode three. Additional guest stars, including Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pantoliano, and Jeffrey Wright, also received nominations, highlighting the series' consistent excellence in casting and performance.

But make no mistake: the focus is shifting. With Abby now positioned as the emotional and moral center of the series, The Last of Us is preparing fans for a completely different tone and structure—one that may leave familiar faces behind.

What to Expect from Season 3

HBO Max CEO Casey Bloys recently teased that the show could either wrap in “two more seasons or one more long season,” depending on the creative path chosen. Regardless, the message is clear: Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby is the new anchor of the franchise.

Her story—one of loss, revenge, and unexpected redemption—will challenge viewers to confront the cycle of violence that has always driven The Last of Us. And if her Emmy-worthy introduction is any indication, Dever is more than ready to take on the role.

A Risk Worth Taking?

Yes, the backlash is real. Yes, the death of Joel fractured the fandom. But this latest round of Emmy nominations proves something crucial—The Last of Us still has the power to stun, provoke, and elevate the television landscape.

When Season 3 arrives, it won’t just be a continuation. It will be a transformation.

Will fans embrace Abby as the new lead, or will the gamble backfire? One thing’s for certain—The Last of Us isn’t playing it safe. And that’s exactly why it’s still the most talked-about show on television.