The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 highlights key differences between the game and show, here's what we know

The second season of The Last of Us is finally here, marking the end of a two-year wait! The premiere episode of The Last of Us Season 2 was titled Future Days, and aired recently. The second season introduces Abby, played by actress Kaitlyn Dever, in addition to the familiar Pedro Pascal's Joel and Bella Ramsey's Ellie.

While the universe of The Last of Us Season 2 is still rooted in the Naughty Dog Playstation game, there are several differences and departures undertaken by the creators of the show. These differences were highlighted on the premiere episode itself and here's everything about them that we know.

In what ways does The Last of Us Season 2 premiere differ from the Naughty Dog game?

The differences between the small-screen adaptation and the video game were quite apparent from the beginning of the sophomore season's premiere. For instance, the timelines of the show seemed to differ from that of the game. The game first appeared in 2013, and had much of its action is set in the future year of 2033. However, when the show portrayed Joel escorting Ellie in their journey westward, the year was 2023. The second part of the game covers the time period of 2038-2039, whereas the second season of the show takes place in 2028.

Another departure that the show undertakes is by beginning the second season with the new characters of Abby, Nora, Mel, Owen and Manny. The game's second part, on the other hand, kicked off with Joel and Ellie.

The third point of difference surrounds the guitar that eventually comes under Ellie's possession. The game saw Joel giving the guitar to Ellie whereas in the TV show, Ellie already has the guitar.

Kaitlyn Dever opens up about the show and her character

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kaitlyn Dever, who stars in The Last of Us Season 2, spoke about her participation on the show and her approach to playing the character of Abby. When asked if she was initially confident to work with the showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, Dever replied:

"They’re very confident storytellers. They know who is right for their story, and they have such confidence in that. It’s very helpful when you’re making something like this, because it allows for freedom, and for feeling safe to play these characters.”

Dever then went on to remark about her character:

"The way into Abby is knowing how grief feels and how loss affects you, especially in the immediate aftermath. There’s just this shock and this desire to make it all go away. She’s a chilly ice queen! She just needs something to make it all better, and in that moment, the only thing she can think about is revenge. She’s heartbroken, she’s sad, she’s lost and she’s trying to pick up the pieces."

She added:

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"When she walks into a room, she comes through with this intense strength. It’s what makes her scary and intimidating. But it’s all because of how much pain she’s gone through. Lord have mercy on anyone who stands in the way of that pain."

The Last of Us Season 2 is exclusively available on HBO.

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