The Last of Us has generally been regarded as one of the best video game adaptations on screen so far, and while the HBO series hasn’t taken any significant diversions from its source material, though it has taken a few small ones, the story of Joel and Ellie (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) has been no less powerful, even if you know what’s about to happen.

A third season is on the way that promises to be something quite different, as it will be told largely, if not entirely, from the perspective of Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby. While fans will be excited to hear that Season 3 is getting closer to going into production, nobody seems quite as excited as Dever, who tells Deadline she’s looking forward to the expanded role. She revealed…

Season 2 of The Last of Us ended on a cliffhanger regarding the fate of Ellie at the hands of a very angry Abby, then the final episode ended with a flashback to several days earlier from Abby’s perspective. The video game version of The Last Of Us Part 2 put players in control of both Ellie and Abby and it appears the series will do the same, with Season 3 of the show following Abby’s storyline.

The perspective shift in the game allows players to see how a character that was initially portrayed as a villain is at best justified and at worst, understandable. Dever thinks fans of the series are going to really appreciate what’s to come, as it will likely do the same thing for show. She continued…

It’s certainly going to be interesting to see how fans of The Last of Us series respond to Season 3. When the second game shocked fans with the fate of Joel, and then the perspective shift to Abby, it has to be said that many were less than happy with what happened. While Abby has become more embraced by fans over time, it will be interesting to see how the series handles the transition.

The other big question fans will have with The Last of Us Season 3 is whether there will be a future for the show after it’s over. There is no The Last of Us Part Three video game to base a series on, and little indication that one is even in serious development. That doesn’t mean more show is impossible. And considering how popular the series has been, one imagines HBO would like more.

Tim Allen has had three successful sitcoms, with Shifting Gears airing on the 2026 TV schedule, and starred in the fan-favorite holiday trilogy The Santa Clause. However, one of his most successful roles has to be Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise. Not surprisingly, there is one sweet Toy Story favor he will do for his former TV co-stars, including Last Man Standing’s Kaitlyn Dever.

Toy Story is still such a big deal that a fifth Toy Story is on the 2026 movie schedule. As the franchise remains a massive hit, Allen is making sure to spread the Buzz Lightyear love while keeping in touch with his former TV co-stars. The actor admitted to Us Weekly that he’s made his on-screen TV kids' kids happy by doing something very sweet related to Toy Story:

Between Home Improvement, Last Man Standing, and Shifting Gears, Allen is certainly keeping himself busy when it comes to the family reunions. The fact that he’s so willing to do the Buzz voice for the kids of his former TV kids, basically his fake grandchildren, is pretty great. Of course, it can be assumed that Allen has done the Buzz voice for a lot of people over the years and a lot of fans, but it’s just sweet that his former co-stars are on the list.

That being said, the Buzz voice is not all that Allen has given to his co-stars. Having been in the business for decades, the actor has quite a lot of wisdom to impart on the people he works with, especially the kids, who don’t have the experience he does. Allen has stepped into a mentor role, and he noted that while reflecting on working with Dever on Last Man Standing. He said:

Considering Dever recently surprised Allen on the Shifting Gears set, it’s not surprising to know that they were mentor and mentee during the Last Man Standing days. It just shows how close Allen was to her and a lot of his former TV co-stars, and it can be assumed that once Shifting Gears ends, hopefully in the very distant future, that closeness will continue.

If one thing is clear, it’s that Allen will never let go of the Buzz Lightyear voice for his co-stars, and he'll continue to serve as a mentor to them and give them advice. It’s also clear that Allen is still close to a lot of his former co-stars, as evidenced by the Home Improvement reunion at the beginning of Shifting Gears Season 2, and hopefully, there will be many more on the way.

Now, if you want to hear Tim Allen do the Buzz Lightyear voice, you can catch Toy Story 5 in theaters on June 16. To see him working alongside his sitcom co-stars, new episodes of Shifting Gears air on Wednesdays on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. You can also stream both the Toy Story movies and the aforementioned sitcom with a Hulu and Disney+ subscription.

TIm Allen has been a TV dad for so long that all of his Home Improvement “kids” are older than his current Shifting Gears offspring, as played by Kat Dennings. (I admittedly didn’t do the math for his Santa Clause rugrats.) With age comes wisdom, as it often goes, and Allen acknowledged that, while he had a great relationship with his trio of TV sons, he was able to serve as a better father-figure mentor to his Last Man Standing co-star Kaitlyn Dever.

With the already wrapped Shifting Gears Season 2 currently airing amidst the 2026 TV schedule, Allen talked with US Weekly about how his on-set presence behind the scenes has evolved over the years from project to project. He addressed his closeness with Dever, who actually stopped by the set of his latest sitcom in 2025, saying that their shared sense of humor was a stepping stone to taking a more active mentoring role. As he put it:

As a parent, one of the most rewarding feelings can be when a child utilizes past advice and wisdom without having made it obvious that they took it to heart. Dever obviously isn’t his real daughter — despite him amusingly referring to his TV co-stars as his wife and daughters — but that just makes it all the more meaningful that she made mental notes of his guidance. Kids are supposed to listen to parents, but not everybody gives their co-workers’ thoughts validation.

Allen talked about the difficulties that came when she exited the cast, as he did truly miss her like one would a close relation. Which just made her infrequent returns as Eve Baxter all the more celebrated on the set.

In contrast, Home Improvement turned Allen from a stand-up comedian popular on the talk show circuit into a household TV superstar. Understandably, it wasn't the most natural behavior to take any kind of a parental role at the time. As he put it:

Certainly worthy of noting is that Last Man Standing debuted in 2011, a whopping 22 years after Home Improvement took over the ratings with the Taylor family. Looking back to that point in his life and career, Allen wasn’t yet in the right headspace to bring any mentoring energy to the young cast.

Thankfully, it's not like it was either his or Patricia Richardson's responsibilities to raise Zachary Ty Bryan, Jonathan Taylor Thomas or Taran Noah Smith into upstanding citizens. Allen gave props to their real-life guardians in that respect, saying:

Allen has indeed stayed close with Jonathan Taylor Thomas over the years, even as the former teen heartthrob shifted into directorial duties (on top of the occasional Last Man Standing cameo). He’s also interested in having him show up on Shifting Gears, but we’ll have to see if that happens. But what would be cooler than having Thomas and Kaitlyn Dever guest-starring in the same episode? Probably nothing.

Shifting Gears airs Wednesday nights on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET, with episodes streaming the next day via Hulu subscription.

Shifting Gears has been bringing the reunions during the 2025 TV schedule, with actors from Home Improvement and Last Man Standing paying Tim Allen a visit. His on-screen wife, Nancy Travis from LMS, has even been recurring on the ABC sitcom, but that’s not all. Gears fans were just treated to another Last Man reunion when Kaitlyn Dever surprised Allen on set, and there's sweet video of that moment.

Dever portrayed Eve Baxter, the youngest daughter of Allen’s Mike Baxter, on Last Man Standing. The actress starred in the first six seasons before her character was accepted into the Air Force Academy. With that, Dever recurred throughout the final three seasons. While Last Man Standing ended in 2021, it seems like Dever is still close to her on-screen dad, because the official Shifting Gears Instagram shared the lovely BTS video of the moment Dever surprised Allen. Take a look:

It's evident that at the time, Allen was surprised, and the reaction he had to see his former on-screen daughter on set is priceless. It should be noted that Dever is not appearing on Shifting Gears (at least, not yet). Based on what's known, she simply wanted to pay a surprise visit to Allen, which I actually don't mind over a TV cameo. Allen shared his own comments about the little reunion on X, and this is making me want to rewatch Last Man Standing with a Hulu subscription:

Dever has done a lot of projects and has remained busy as of late, so it’s unknown if she'd ever be able to make the time to guest star on Shifting Gears. Still, at the very least, it appears that Last Man Standing still holds a place in her heart, enough for her to visit her longtime co-star. Relationships between colleagues can vary by show, so I'm pleased that Dever and Allen still have love for each other.

The only thing that would have made this reunion even better was if Travis were also on-set, because if Dever reunited with both of her on-screen parents from Last Man Standing, it would be even more emotional for me.

All of that aside, Shifting Gears has still been pumping out some Last Man Standing reunions. Along with Travis, Jay Leno cameoed on the hit show earlier this year as himself. He referenced Home Improvement and not the other Tim Allen-led sitcom he recurred on. It was entertaining and fun, and I certainly hope more reunions are on the way, whether Leno returns or other Last Man Standing stars make appearances.

Considering the reunions that have occurred on Shifting Gears thus far, I wouldn't be surprised if more were to follow. Perhaps one will include Kaitlyn Dever and Tim Allen reuniting on screen, but fans will just have to wait and see what happens. In the meantime, catch new episodes of SG when they air on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Last Of Us is one of the latest HBO shows that got the world talking, and the video game adaptation is an Emmy-winning hit. The second season, which is streaming with a HBO Max subscription, aired this year, and saw Pedro Pascal's Joel killed off just like he was in the game. Kaitlyn Dever's Abby is the one responsible for this kill, and she's still getting flak from fans month later.

Season 2 of The Last Of Us once again followed in the games' footsteps, including Joel's death and Ellie's quest for vengeance. Abby murdered him for revenge for her own father's death, and in an interview with Variety Dever confirmed she's having memorable fan interactions related to the show. In her words:

She's not wrong. Joel's death happened in Episode 2 of Season 2 back in April, so Dever has been hearing complaints from the general public for months now. Despite this, she's still surprised that the backlash is continuing... especially considering The Last Of Us games is where Abby's murder of Joel originated.

After that infamous murder scene, Dever later returned to the role of Abby in The Last Of Us' Season 2 finale. Her character once again took aim at a beloved character, seemingly shooting and killing Ellie in the episode's final moments. We'll just have to wait and see if fans warm to Dever's character when she presumably returns as a protagonist of the next season.

What we know about The Last Of Us Season 3 is limited so far, but fans of the video games have a better idea of what will happen when the acclaimed series returns to the small screen. The coda of Season 2 saw Abby seemingly become the next protagonist, but fans are going to hold out hope for Ellie's survival.

Only time will tell if the public's perception of Dever and Abby changed when the series returns for its highly anticipated third season on the air. I have to assume that folks will soften to her character, but since Pedro Pascal is the internet's daddy, maybe that won't happen. We'll just have to wait and see.

The first two season of The Last Of Us are streaming now on HBO Max as part of the 2025 TV schedule. It's currently unclear when we'll be treated to the third season.

Those unfamiliar with the video games were likely shocked by The Last of Us Season 2, which gave a strong indication that the alread confirmed third season will follow Kaitlyn Dever's Abby, whose actions appeared to set her up as the biggest antagonist on TV. While it's surely great to be a TV hero, Dever recently explained in an interview why she doesn't mind playing a character that viewers and gamers are narratively geared to hate at first.

As The Last of Us Seasons 1 and 2 are currently available to stream with a Max subscription, the actress linked up with Walton Goggins for a Vanity Fair interview. The duo, who first worked together on Justified, discussed playing characters and the feeling of embodying well-crafted characters that audience may not feel so kindly about. Dever talked about how that relates to Abby, whose most significant moment in Season 2 was the brutal murder of Pedro Pascal's Joel, saying:

The actress noted that while public speaking is something that makes her anxious, she's perfectly fine doing so in character while filming scenes in which scripts call for it. Sure, she still has fear of what's required from some scenes like being up in tall places or being chased, but when it comes to the emotional performances involved with bringing Abby to life, she has to put aside any thoughts about how audiences may feel about it down the line.

To be sure, Kaitlyn Dever has played many great characters across various the movies and TV shows she's starred in, but there's something special about Abby, whose story in Season 3 will likely bring provoke more empathy within even the angriest of viewers.

The Unbelievable actress talked about the hard work she's already put into getting into the character's dark headspace, and why it's been such a rewarding experience from a performance standpoint:

And just think, had Kaitlyn Dever been cast as Ellie years back when a movie for The Last of Us was in consideration, she might have gone through an entirely different form of grown than what she's felt as Abby. As someone who has not played the games, I am very curious to see how things evolve with Abby from here, especially after Dever talked about how viewers view her as the villain.

As The Last of Us' co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann prepare for Season 3 behind the scenes, fans are left to reckon with the finale's big death and subsequent cliffhanger. While I wasn't thrilled by how the scene was executed, I'm still very invested to see when and how Bella Ramsey's character will return next season, and whether or not Abby's final gunshot hit its target.

I have a good feeling that we won't be seeing much of Pedro Pascal's Joel given his exit in Season 2, though I still wouldn't rule out any flashbacks or dream sequences that allow him to re-enter the story, if only briefly, while Abby's tale is being laid out. If not, at least we can expect a good deal of Dever after she only had a few pivotal scenes to shine in, as well as other members from Abby's group who were fatally dispatched by Ellie.

As mentioned, The Last of Us will return to HBO for Season 3. We'll probably be waiting at least a year, if not longer, for new episodes, so let's hope there's plenty of updates from the actors involved about what to expect as they start production.

A lot of times when horror actors and bonafide scream queens are interviewed, they're asked about any frightening moments that might have happened while filming. Sometimes, it leads fun behind-the-scenes stories about genre classics, and then other times, a legitimately disturbing confession or two will happen, as was the case with The Last of Us co-star Kaitlyn Dever.

With The Last of Us Season 3 set to delve far deeper into the post-apocalyptic life and times of Dever's divisive survivor Abby following the Season 2 finale's cliffhanger ending, the Last Man Standing vet will likely be changing a lot of viewers' opinions when new episodes arrive down the line. But I can only hope she's not constantly dealing with an on-set fear she picked up while filming for the second season.

Talking with her former Justified co-star Walton Goggins for a Vanity Fair interview, the 28-year-old actress addressed a specific fear she experienced that I'll attempt not to let settle into my own nightmares. As she put it:

Perhaps the freakiest sequence that took place during Abby's somewhat limited screentime in Season 2 came in Episode 2 when she was fleeing the infected and crawled behind a chainlink fence, only to nearly get crushed by the slew of rabid-esque monsters that piled on top.

That scene alone, which also came out of the video game, is 100% understandable as a major fear, since just thinking about being in that situation gives me the creeps even if it's just normal people and not monsters doing all the potential crushing.

Beyond that, Dever pointed out another couple of instances that were fairly scary to bring to life while filming Season 2, saying:

I'm glad she was able to work through her fears to bring some stellar TV scenes to life, and I think other gamers would agree that she's only filmed the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Abby's story. Although I guess murdering Joel deserves a bigger distinction than just being the tip.

My fingers are crossed that Kaitlyn Dever finds a way to get Walton Goggins into the cast for Season 3, even if it's only for a single scene, a la Joe Pantoliano's highly depressing scene in Episode 206. We'll be waiting a while to see what guest stars will pop up, however, as the upcoming horror show isn't expected to go back into production until later this year.

Of all the big moments that played out during The Last of Us’ hectic Season 2 finale, which itself followed the emotionally crushing Joel-heavy flashback episode, none drew out an impressed “Oooh” out of me the way that Kaitlyn Dever did with her late-stage return as Abby. Not entirely for the way she violently set up the game-referencing cliffhanger — during which Jesse was killed and Ellie and Tommy were threatened — but for the way she oozed Linda Hamilton’s Sarah Connor vibes from Terminator 2 while also honoring the source material.

When CinemaBlend spoke with The Last of Us’ costume-designing mastermind for Season 2, Ann Foley, I brought up how excited I was to see Abby back in the mix in such a big and broad way. And she told me the personal touch she brought to the character’s finale look, as well as a core detail that ties Abby and Ellie’s stories together.

Ellie And Abby's Clothes Share A Key Detail That Fans May Not Have Picked Up On

In staunch contrast to the bright, eye-grabbing rainbow jacket that Isabela Merced's Dina rocked earlier in Season 2, Dever's Abby is decked out in largely darker colors when she breaches the seemingly safe walls of the theater. When I asked that decision was made to play into fan presumptions that Abby is the "villain" in this story, Ann Foley said:

Those familiar with the video game, and those who just generally have a penchant for empathy, are likely more ready to view Abby as a non-villain than others only experiencing the story through the TV show. But in any case, it's awesome to learn that the show is stitching Abby and Ellie's bleak and violent journeys together through their wardrobes, even if it's not always immediately obvious.

What's more, Foley said she and her team make a point of avoiding a certain color that people generally associate with darkness revenge. In her words:

It's obviously hard to keep the color black out of everything a character wears, but by and large, both Ellie and Abby are shown to be wearing an array of shades and tones that don't go to such dark extremes. But without knowing that detail going into it, one might not immediately catch on.

The Personal Touch Behind Abby's Jacket

Ann Foley, who talked to me about Ellie’s Converses and gorgeous tattoo, brought, talked about knowing how much of a visual highlight Abby's jacket is for gamers, and knowing she had to get it exactly right for live-action. As she put it:

If I ever became a costume designer in Hollywood, the only articles of clothing I'd be able to bring in from my own past would be a couple hundred T-shirts and licensed socks. Not exactly ideal for TV. For promoting a TV show, certainly, but not on the show itself.

Ann Foley shared that one big highlight from her work on Season 2 was seeing Kaitlyn Dever in Abby's full finale regalia saying:

The very end of the Season 2 finale, fans see Danny Ramirez's Manny waking Abby up from napping on a couch, and she emerges to reveal the WLF's massive base of operations set up inside what appears to be Lumen Field, the stadium that the Seattle Seahawks call home. It's the game-changing set up for Season 3, which will follow Dever's character across the same three-day period that covered Ellie and Dina trek.

It's not yet clear when The Last of Us Season 3 will start coming together behind the scenes, so we may once again be waiting nearly two years for new episodes. Until then, be sure to rewatch the first two seasons in their entirety with a Max subscription, with Ann Foley talents and creations on display throughout the second season.

Spoilers below for both of The Last of Us’ completed seasons, so be warned if you haven’t yet finished watching on HBO or with a Max subscription.

As The Last of Us’ second season went from development and into the throes of production, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann were fairly candid about their plan to split the video game sequel’s massive narrative in half. HBO still waited until the week before Season 2’s big premiere to officially renew the hit series for Season 3, but it’s definitely confirmed as one of many upcoming video game adaptations. And what an exciting season it’ll be.

After that wild Season 2 finale took out a main character (and a couple of others) while putting even more right in harm’s way, The Last of Us will have viewers on their toes wondering about Ellie’s fate for the foreseeable future. But now that the wait is on, we’re keeping track of all the big Season 3 updates while also speculating about story beats and which characters will and won’t be back. So hop on Shimmer’s back and let’s trot through what we know about the third season so far.

When Will The Last Of Us Season 3 Premiere?

With Season 2 having only just concluded, The Last of Us fans will likely be waiting a while to see how the story plays out for everyone still alive in the theater. To date, no plans are officially in place for the production to begin, much less an official release date on HBO.

It's possible new episodes won't arrive until 2027, which would line up with the nearly two-year wait between the first and second seasons. But hopefully the wait won't be quite so long.

Craig Mazin's Plan Has Been To Start Writing Season 3 After Season 2 Ends

In early April, co-showrunner Craig Mazin talked with GamesRadar+ and was, at the time, still neck-deep in making sure all the final details were locked in place ahead of the Season 2 premiere. As such, he wasn't in the most ideal place to start breaking down the story for future episodes. But he did share that he'd be jumping right back to work after a brief period away from his computer, saying:

Hopefully Mazin opens up on social media about when he starts digging down into outlining the new season.

What Will The Last Of Us' Season 3 Story Be About?

While the creative team no doubt has some surprises in store for The Last of Us viewers, there are at least two overarching storylines that we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Season 3 will dig into.

Abby's Story

Mirroring the video game's dual narratives. taking place during the same time frame, The Last of Us delivered Ellie's side of this tragic tale in Season 2, with the vast bulk of Abby-centric scenes being held for the third cycle. It's almost a bigger risk to bifurcate things so completely, since it gives TV audiences more time to stew in hatred for the supposed villain, but I've little doubt that the writers will successfully put fans in Abby's shoes quickly enough to somewhat justify her awful actions.

To that end, Mazin and Druckmann will also take viewers deeper into Abby's daily regimen as a trusted soldier under Isaac's WLF leadership, as well as her personal life and relationships with others in her group. Just in case anyone thought that Owen and Mel's deaths in the finale were already tragic enough, there's a lot more backstory to fill out for those two and others.

The War Between The Wolves And The Scars

Once Jeffrey Wright's callous and intimidating Isaac was introduced in Episode 204, I assumed the TV series would give viewers some kind of bullet-pointed exposition giving context to the ongoing conflict between the militant WLF soldiers and the cult-like Seraphites. But in the podcast episode that followed "Day One," Craig Mazin explained that Season 3 will provide answers to such questions, and that worries about not being renewed fed into the decision to hold off on those details entirely.

I can't wait to see where that journey into the heart of darkness goes, although I realize it's going to be as unpleasant as this show gets. With Isaac leading dozens of Wolves to their assumed doom specifically to destroy the Seraphites' island community, one can be sure this didn't all start over something inconsequential.

The Last Of Us Characters And Cast Members Most Likely To Return In Season 3

Ellie (Bella Ramsey) & Dina (Isabela Merced) - Alive, Presumed Alive

• I think we can all agree that this duo is the most obvious pair of characters destined to be back on the small screen for The Last of Us Season 3, so it's not really worth going into the reasons why it's logical, even if we didn't see where Dina was after Abby breached the theater.

Joel (Pedro Pascal) - Beaten And Stabbed To Death By Abby

• While it definitely seemed like Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann utilized the bulk of the games' Joel-centric flashbacks in Season 2's penultimate episode, I can't help but feel like the co-creators will continue giving viewers emotional pops that coincide with Ellie's memories, or perhaps even Abby's nightmares.

Tommy (Gabriel Luna) & Maria (Rutina Wesley) - Alive, Alive

• While Maria's safety isn't in question by the end of Season 2, Tommy being at the end of Abby's gun barrel is not the happiest situation for the character. That said, he didn't appear to be fatally wounded in those final moments, and it didn't appear as if Abby's final gunshot was meant for his head.

Jesse (Young Mazino) - Shot To Death By Abby

• Honestly, I don't expect Jesse to get a ton of extra scenes in Season 3, and while it would be good to see more from him and DIna in private, I really only expect to see Jesse return whenever the show returns to that final scene from Abby's point of view. A sad reason to have the actor back on set, but still.

Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) - Alive

• Considering Season 2 ends with her likely aiming to put a bullet between Ellie's eyes, I'd say the chances are higher than Gail that Abby will return almost immediately when Season 3 kicks off.

Owen (Spencer Lord) & Mel (Ariela Barer) - Both Killed By Ellie

Despite being taken out of the story rather unceremoniously in the midst of the confrontation with Ellie, Owen and Mel's personal stories have yet to be explored, so I can only imagine that they'll get even deeper backstories that help make their eventual doomed fates all the more gut-wrenching to witness.

Nora (Tati Gabrielle) - Presumed Dead

As the first in Abby's group to get picked off in the game, Nora doesn't necessarily have the most interesting history to explore for the TV series, but Tati Gabrielle's performance in the back half of "Feel Her Love" was so excellent, I can't imagine we won't get a few heartbreaking details from her past to think about.

Manny (Danny Ramirez) - Presumed Alive

Manny is the only core member of Abby's group whose fate isn't explored by the Season 2 finale, as he wasn't seen again beyond his appearance in "Day One." So it would be baffling if this character didn't show up again before the end of the season.

Isaac (Jeffrey Wright) - Presumed Alive

The WLF's rather sadistic leader has yet to have his actions explored or explained for audiences, so I'm waiting for Season 3 to dig into Isaac's twisted outlook and what the ongoing conflict between the soldiers and the Seraphites is all about in the HBO series' lore. And I'm assuming Isaac will still have his loyal second banana Burton (Ben Ahlers) around.

The Last Of Us Characters And Cast Members Least Likely To Return In Season 3

Eugene (Joe Pantoliano) - Shot To Death By Joel

• As much as I'd love to witness a scene where Joey Pants and Catherine O'Hara were actually on-screen together as married couple Eugene and Gail, I don't see the need for him to return after such an emotionally gripping guest spot in "The Price."

Gail (Catherine O'Hara) - Alive

I'm not 100% convinced that we won't see Gail again in Season 3, because I think we can all agree it would be a TV sin to get rid of Catherine O'Hara without a reason. But if Abby's group gets the bulk of the screentime in Season 3, I'm not sure how much time would need to be spent with Gail now that we've seen Eugene's death play out. Plus, Catherine O'Hara shared with Variety that Mazin told her she wouldn't be back in Season 3.

Javier Miller (Tony Dalton) - Fate Unknown, Presumed Dead

Considering Joel's family history didn't extend beyond Sarah and Tommy in the video games, the TV series introduced the Miller boys' father as a self-aware abuser hoping for Joel to break the genetic cycle of violence. His lone scene was key to exploring Joel's surrogate-father mindset in "The Price," but he likely won't be required for any future introspective flashbacks.

Seth (Robert John Burke) - Alive

For all that I'm holding out hope to see more from Maria and Gail, I can't imagine The Last of Us will give the bigoted service worker yet another chance to partially redeem himself for his slurred rudeness and Ellie and Dina kissed.

Season 3 Likely Won't Be The Final Season

With a post-apocalyptic show like The Walking Dead spanning eleven seasons and a wide variety of spinoffs, one might think The Last of Us would be similarly geared for an extended run, but that's not at all the gameplan for this universe. Mazin and Druckman have stated in interviews that they don't want to make the Game of Thrones mistake of taking the live-action adaptation beyond the previously existing story.

Without a third video game in the works yet, or even fully confirmed to one day exist, the implication would be that the TV show would need to wrap it up after the events of the second game have been adapted in full. And yet...

Craig Mazin shared with Collider that he doesn't think the creative team will be able to properly fit the rest of the game's story into the third season, even if it ends up being longer than the second. In his words:

So there's a chance that Season 3 will end on the exact same cliffhanger, just from a different perspective. I hope that won't be the case, but it certainly seems possible.

Spoilers below for anyone who isn’t watching The Last of Us’ Season 2 finale airing on HBO or streaming it with a Max subscription, so be warned!

Welp, just six weeks after The Last of Us returned for its heart-eviscerating second season, we’ve already arrived at the finale. I feel like there should be blame to throw around for not matching its predecessor’s nine-episode count, but that’s just how co-showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann decided to split the story at the heart of the source material. Regardless, I’m just all-around not ready for this show to take another 20-month absence before Season 3 arrives. (Here's what we know about Season 3 so far.)

But that's enough whinging about the future when I'm here to focus entirely on the present for my final Last of Us Season 2 live blog. (Unless, of course, HBO reveals a super-secret eighth episode is airing next week.) Check out all of my previous entries below.

• The Last Of Us Season 2 Premiere Watchalong
• The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3 Watchalong
• The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 4 Watchalong
• The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 5 Watchalong
• The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 6 Watchalong

The Last Of Us Season 2 Finale Live Blog Starts Here

First and foremost, a big thanks to all of YOU for showing up week after week, with the same amount of thankful grace shown to anyone who’s following along for the first time. I can appreciate the irony in jumping on board right when the ride is ending. What a ride I’m expecting it to be.

Before the festivities kick off, here are a few anti-predictions for what I definitely don’t expect to happen during the episode:

1. Ellie will find Abby and before they can fight, they both bond really hardcore over a shared love of ‘90s grunge rock.
2. Tommy will wear a totally faded shirt that wouldn’t stick out against any background.
3. Jesse will be totally cool with every aspect of Ellie and Dina’s burgeoning relationship and won’t say anything harsh.
4. TV’s first Clicker-on-Clicker sex scene, coinciding with TV’s last Clicker-on-Clicker sex scene.

No Cold Open

Considering most cold opens end on a somber note that the opening titles serve to punctuate, I guess it’s a positive thing that the finale is just getting straight into the meat of it all. Coulda used another smack of Pedro Pascal’s Joel, especially after seeing the return of the single figure at the end. Sigh.

Dr. Jesse Operates On Dina’s Gnarly Leg Wound

It’s bonkers to me that Jesse and Dina traveled all the way back to the theater before doing something about the arrow in her leg. I understand why they had to hoof it, of course, but I’m not sure my own body would have followed suit so successfully. Also, is it a bad omen that Dina starts this episode off saying Jesse can't let her die? I choose to say no.

If only all doctors told their patients to shut up and drink alcohol before an operation. Surely Jesse is wondering why Dina would refuse the booze, right?

I gotta say, the sound of the arrow being pushed through the back of Dina’s leg would be enough to get me to down a shot or two, even if I was pregnant. (Considering I’m male, the leg wound wouldn’t be the one topping the list of medical anomalies.) I now feel bad for Isabela Merced having to act with Dina’s wound for the rest of the episode and beyond.

A Shimmer Reference!

Fans have been waiting for an update about Ellie’s horse since the old gal was left behind in the record shop to munch on some grass. Although I’m not sure if it counts that Jesse namechecked the animal as a form of security to make sure it was Ellie banging on the door.

• “Shimmer. I’m alone. Open the fucking door!” - Ellie, alone and wet and horseless

Still no actual update though...

Dina Cleanses Ellie's Wounds And Soul

Though they haven't been away from each other for that long, quite a lot transpired since Ellie and Dina were in the same space. And bless Dina for her first move to be to take care of Ellie, already letting the motherly feelings set in.

Also, holy fuck, Ellie's back.

Ellie comes clean about what happened with Nora after I initially thought she'd lie about it, reflecting Joel's lies to Gail about Eugene. She says she left Nora for dead, which is probably the truth, though she doesn't mention the spores at all. Still, this confession was enough.

• “I made her talk. I thought it would be harder to do, but it wasn’t. It was easy. I just kept hurting her.” - Repentant Ellie

Ellie then comes clean and gives Dina the TLDR version of events that led to Abby murdering Joel, confirming that she took a trip out to Salt Lake City and learned what Joel did to Abby's father. I wasn't even sure if Ellie was telling Nora the truth in saying she knew what Joel did, but this brings the story closer to the game's version of events.

"I knew" could become the newest version of "You swore."

Dina Gives Ellie THE BRACELET

It's unclear whether or not the bracelet will come up again in this particular finale, but anyone watching who didn't play the games should keep an eye on Ellie's wrist in future episodes. It may not be quite as meaningful as Joel's watch, but give it time.

SHIMMER LIVES!!!

Aw hell yeah, Jesse, for this update:

• "We followed the likeliest path into the city. Found the place you stashed Shimmer. She’s still there doing alright, not that you asked." - Jesse, not horsing around

Three cheers!

Everything Changing Doesn't Have To Change Things

Ellie may have grown up a lot since her time as a 14-year-old, but one talk with Jesse is a quick reminder that she has a long way to go still.

Jesse is indeed all clued in about Dina's pregnancy, which he tricked Ellie into admitting, and is going forward with the knowledge that he needs to survive long enough to make sure Dina and his kid make it back to safety. Because that kind of plan goes REALLY WELL in this universe.

Jesse Doomed Himself, Didn't He?

As soon as Jesse says the words "I'm not dying" in any context, it kinda sealed his doom in my mind. One can hope for the better, but one doesn't get to take amoral stances on children getting killed by WLF soldiers right after talking about wanting to keep his unborn child safe. Something doesn't add up there, Jesse.

Costco Cameo!

I love that this wasn't just a generically named store, and is 100% a Costco.

Abby Is Isaac's WLF Successor

Abby's importance within the WLF is set up pretty well here, and without really putting a bow on it. Elise initially suspects Isaac is horned up for Abby, but soon learns of Isaac's other plans for the future, involving the possible death of all his soldiers on what sounds like a dangerous mission.

Grover Cameo!

One of my favorite books of all time is The Monster at the End of This Book. I still have my original softcover, as well as the newer version bought for my daughters. The Last of Us won my heart once more when Ellie picked that book up. We're all the monsters here.

Jesse Is Maria's Jackson Successor (I.E. Saint Jesse Of Wyoming Is Super-Doomed)

I love that Jesse and Ellie's heartfelt conversation happens in the bookstore that looks so close to the game's version.

Jesse's attempt to once again school Ellie in responsibilities was met with this hilarious reaction:

• “Oookay. Got it. So you’re St. Jesse of Wyoming, and everyone else is a fucking asshole.” - Ellie on a pedestal

Bwahahaha.

The Truth About Jesse's Vote

Aha! After the episde in which Ellie sought to get assistance on her revenge quest, she was voted down by Jackson's city council, and it wasn't clear at the time who voted for or against Ellie. Now we know that Jesse was one of the dissenting votes. And we know that Ellie did not take that news very lightly, nor did she buy into his community-based defense.

• "Fuck the community! You let a kid die today Jesse. Because why, because he wasn’t in your community?" - Ellie, still on a rampage

Can't blame her for immediately invoking Joel's memory there. Read the room, Jesse, especially after you were just in a bookstore.

So Many WLF Soldiers Going On This Mission

Remember when Dina and Ellie were in that one building with all the stalkers, and they realized they were surrounded by way more of them than they expected? That's exactly what it was like to see all those boat lights come on just as Ellie was about to make her presence known via gunshots.

Isaac is not fucking around here. I hope this wasn't the last we see of Jeffrey Wright.

Ellie Doomed Boat Ride

I get why Ellie felt the need to go out in the worst elements possible, but that massive wave was a good indicator of why she should have reconsidered it a few dozen times.

But wait, what shore did she wash up on?

Is Ellie's Hanging A Game Swap?

The video game features a key sequence where Abby is discovered by Seraphites and strung up by rope in a way that's pretty similar to what happens with Ellie in the TV show. It's also a point where another pair of very important characters are introduced, which doesn't happen here.

And no one even dies during the scene, as the Scars are distracted by the wave of destruction happening elsewhere on the island. And then Ellie gets back in her boat and makes it to the other island without issue. So....I don't know if I understand the decisions made here.

Ellie Enters The Aquarium

The aquarium where Owen and Mel are holed up is a vital location in the game, and will no doubt be explored way more in Season 3. Because we only get to see it in the darkness here, with a cold and wet Ellie skulking around. Still, I do love those jellyfish decorations and the hanging sharks.

I kept an eye out for targets in the main room, but didn't see anything.

R.I.P. Owen And Mel

Ellie finds Owen and Mel talking about leaving, with Abby's location being discussed. We'll no doubt learn more about that at a later date. But it means nothing for now, because Owen's stupid move to go for a weapon instead of show Ellie his map got him shot in the throat.

Not only that, but the bullet exited cleanly enough to nick the side of Mel's throat, and it's immediately clear that she's a goner. What isn't quite clear yet is that Mel is pregnant, presumably with Owen's child.

In what will likely go down as one of this show's Top 5 Most Heartbreaking Scenes, Mel attempts to direct Ellie through delivering the baby before she dies, and isn't capable of understanding that Ellie is panicking and not actually helping.

• "is it out?" - Mel, destroying my soul

Ellie seems to be way more destroyed by this turn of events than she expected, since she only aimed to kill Abby in the same way Abby aimed directly for Joel. The way Bella Ramsey's voice broke on the line "I'm not like you" was everything. What a tragic goddamned scene.

Tommy And Jesse Rescue Ellie Once More

Tommy's attempt to make Ellie feel better doesn't really do that, and only speaks to the heinous lack of innocence in this universe.

• “They were part of it too. They made their choices. That’s all there is to it.” - Cold, Hard Tommy

If only it was that easy, Tommy.

R.I.P. Jesse

Even with all the foreshadowing, seeing Jesse get shot and put down with such quickness was still a jolt to all my nerve endings. And there's no questioning whether he survived this one, either.

Abby's Back, Motherfuckers

Anyone wondering where Abby's been needs not wonder anymore. The episode's current-day timeline ends with Jesse dead on the floor, Tommy still alive on the floor at gunpoint, and Ellie potentially at the receiving end of Abby's final gunshot.

• "I let you live. I let you live, and you wasted it!" - Abby as Terminator's Sarah Connor

Kaitlyn Dever looks so damned cool in this scene, man. I know we're supposed to be all against Abby and everything, but how can I hate someone that oozes badassery like that?

Another Fun Book Cameo

The mini-flashback kicks off with Abby waking up on a couch while prominently holding a book titled Thieves of the City, as written by Ben Davidoff. That title and author are actually a nod to the real-life historical fiction novel City of Thieves by former Game of Thrones co-showrunner David Benioff.

Fun Fact: The Last of Us Part II’s key character Lev, who has yet to be introduced in live-action, was named in part after the main character Lev in Benioff’s novel.

Return To Day One - Abby's Version

After all the darkness, rain and run-down indoor spaces that marked Ellie and Dina's trip to Seattle, The Last of Us' second season finale ends on a wildly bright note as Abby walks outside to the WLF's main compound, which fills up a literal football stadium, with tons of military buildings, farm crops and more makeshift settlement elements taking up the bulk of what appears to be Lumen Field.

Interestingly, the stadium opened in 2002, so the Seahawks would have only played a single season there before the world went kablooey with cordyceps the next year. I'd love to know how much research went into this part of the live-action series.

"Convergence" Rating: 4 Out Of 5 Monsters At The End Of This Live Blog

It'll take a bit for me to properly assess what I think about the pacing and episode order of Season 2, but I can't deny that this show takes me on an emotional ride like few others. Even when I already know that huge characters deaths are around the corner, my insides still turn into a neurotic butterfly convention at various points in each episode. So even if all seven episodes in a row might give me cause to nitpick, thinking about each ep individually is easier on the brain.

As a finale, "Convergence" taps into certain cliffhanger frustrations, and the thought that we might be waiting most of Season 3 to learn what happens in the aftermath of that final scene is agony to consider.

But given the unique nature of Season 3 exploring the backstories of Abby and her group, this finale sets up some pretty tragic outcomes that will be interesting to get more context for in later episodes. It's not the normal way for TV storytelling to work, and I'm confident this creative team can make it work in live-action despite TV audiences having to wait so long to learn what happens next, while gamers just needed to keep playing.

Thank You For Following Along

Covering The Last of Us Season 2 was in some ways just as fun as playing it and watching it, even if the stress level was a bit higher. So I once again thank everyone for reading along week to week! Let's all meet up again for Season 3, shall we? Just remember to bring food and supplies, unlike Ellie.

Spoilers below for the Season 2 premiere of The Last of Us, so be warned if you’re not currently watching on HBO or with a Max subscription.

After what feels like an entire post-apocalyptic epoch since Pedro Pascal’s Joel and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie last pummeled viewers into teary-eyed pulp, The Last of Us Season 2 is finally here to follow up on Joel’s existence-affecting decision to save Ellie from a terminal surgery in the freshman season’s finale. There’s a big time jump to contend with, among other timeline changes from the game series, as well as a host of new characters to start adoring before their eventual (usually heartbreaking) deaths.

• How To Watch The Last Of Us Season 2 Online And Stream The Award-Winning HBO Series From Anywhere

To celebrate the highly anticipated return of the current video game adaptation, I'm going all in on reacting to the episode live, because some comments shouldn't have to wait until the credits roll to share them. So make yourself a short stack of birthday pancakes, and join me in what will hopefully be a fun(gi) watchalong experience for "Future Days." Although the jokes probably won't be much better than "fun(gi)," if I'm being honest, and it'll probably be a depressing episode. Cheers!

Note that entries will appear from Most Recent to Oldest as the episode is still airing live, and the order will flip from Oldest to Most Recent once the watchalong has concluded.

Welcome, sports fans, to a show that is pretty lacking in all things sports-related. It's time for THE LAST OF US SEASON 2!!! I wish my house had this lighting scheme happening right now.

Not that I live in a house that big. But who cares, the show is starting, and I thank you all for joining the ride!

Jayzus H. Yikes. Kicking off with "The Lie" is such a brutal way to start this season. And without a hint of reassuring music.

But then...hell yeah, look at all those giraffes!

Our first look at Kaitlyn Dever's Abby is a menacing one, with the new group standing around a large batch of graves in the aftermath of Joel's hospital massacre.

Wow, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann did not mess around with shaking up the source material's structure. We get right to mentions of Isaac, as well as our first meets with Owen, Nora, and Mel. And there's a ton of malice dripping off of Abby as she makes this ominous threat:

Fuck yeah, The Last of Us, fans. We're in for some sad, sad chaos.

FIVE YEARS LATER: Ellie doesn't need a safe word, and she doesn't want anyone to pull punches. She might have a different request for Abby if they ever knowingly cross paths.

I give this here Caleb fella another 30 minutes before he bites the dust. And not the spores kind.

Hearing Joel call Dina "Kiddo" and then referring to his failures with his own daughter before seeing him talk to Ellie in the current timeline is...not something I want to think too hard about.

As far as "things to say before bringing up a super-awkward subject with Joel" goes, joking about licking live wires was a good line. We can definitely expect for Joel's electricity lesson to come into play at some point, hopefully in the most positive way possible.

Boo on Joel for not being proud to be in therapy. How many people have to die before that's normalized?

Ellie and Tommy's sniping lesson is taken straight out of the video game, from the location to the crosshairs P.O.V. Love that.

I sure hope Dina is better at hiding Joel's therapy sercret than Ellie was when she screamed out:

It seems like anyone in walking vicinity would be able to hear her. Even if they would assume she was lying or joking around.

I know we're probably not going to get a whole lot of Pedro Pascal as Joel in "Snappy Businessman" mode, but there's something very heartwarming about him joking about the existence of a Constructo-meter, especially since it happened right before he get all cute and cuddly with his adorable li'l nephew Benji.

So much cute family time right up top can't be good for anyone's health down the line.

There was a time where I admittedly theorized that Catherine O'Hara's therapist was a figment of Joel's traumatized imagination, but that's clearly not the case at all. And I also didn't predict that she'd be a boozy marijuana enthusiast. Or at least whatever is passing for marijuana in this universe.

It would have been wild to take on Joel in The Last of Us Part II where his inner thoughts kicked in and he just started griping about Ellie and Dina all the time.

When it comes to original characters created for the live-action adaptation, Gail is quite the complicated mix. She's in the unique place of knowing that Joel killed her husband, and has clearly forgiven him enough to the point where she's able to provide him with these sessions. And is clearly one of the few people who can call him out on his bullshit without fear or any other reluctant feelings.

But once she tried to extract the truth of out him after sharing her own harsh opinions, his openness disappeared. Naturally. I'm legitimately curious to see if she can get it out of him eventually, though, probably with weed and liquor involved.

I love seeing Dina and Ellie's burgeoning relationship on display, even if their eventual status will rock Young Mazino's Jesse when he finds out. Dina still says "for now" when referring to their broken-up nature. Silly gal.

Note to self: put this band on your/my radar:

• Britney and the Jug Boys

Other note to self: do note eat attempt to crowdsource a bear-becue restaurant. Although I'm strangely hungry for sausages right now.

It's a small touch, but seeing Ellie jump onto the front of a vehicle and climb on top of the back half to reach an open window is such a trademark of the video games. As is sneaking into a new location quietly, though the made-up hand signals is sadly not a game staple.

Ellie and Dina's recon supply run is full of great touches from the video game. I love that we get to see a beer bottle used as a distraction ahead of Ellie leaping on the Clicker's back and stabbing its nasty head a bunch.

And the tackboard of notices, along with the lineup of Employee of the Month photos is also right out of the game. No need to use any picture info to open a safe in the show, I guess.

Hell, Ellie even fell through a floor, which is also something that happens on more than one occasion in The Last of Us game. I can't recall her finding any Jennifer Aniston-emblazoned issues of People, however.

So yeah, The Last of Us' stalkers are 100% just as unpredictable and nerve-rattling as they are in the game. The noises alone are enough to made me want to mute the TV, and then seeing the plant tendrils coming out of the beast's face somehow DIDN'T MAKE ANYTHING BETTER.

Good on Ellie for being the one to name it, at least unofficially.

The stalker scene's video game connections were immediately followed by a scene that the games did not get to dig into: Tommy and Maria heading up Jackson's city council, as it were. Gotta love that there's someone on board who reacted to Ellie and Dina's stalker-related experience with a Lily Tomlin quote.

I want to be at the next meeting for sure.

Ugh ugh ugh ugh ugh. And a few more ughs before and after that.

Joel and Ellie's first big scene together after that "swear it" opening was just awkward and ended with him brusquely taking Ellie's guitar for a restringing. I think we all know SOMEONE who needs his bass string recoiled, or something.

But enough about Joel. It's the video game's extremely adorable and first dance between Ellie and Dina, and Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced could not have cuter chemistry.

The Kiss! The Kiss! The Kiss!

And then came the bigotry, with Robert John Burke's Seth ruining the fun by calling out the girls' PDA and called them a slur that I won't repeat.

It's all straight out of the game, the way Joel steps up and decks Seth without a second thought, and the way Ellie chastizes him for it.

The first big Season 2 threat is introduced in the form of the cordyceps tendrils seen within the pipeline running beneath Jackson. Along with a fire nearby. But I can't imagine that burning this particular threat will work, as it would likely only bring more monsters to the city. So, in other words, everybody here is probably boned.

If that seemingly safe situation can go belly-up, are there any cities in the country that could safely avoid all invasions of infected matter?

The second and more sentient threat of the season returned, with Abby and Owen catching sight of lights in the far distance, a surefire sign of bustling life to the vengence-seeking duo.

It's not like anyone could have warned Tommy and Maria to turn everything off just in case someone was looking from atop a high mountain, but I can't imagine Abby's arrival will be good news for anyone, and especially not Joel.

So, I obviously knew going into the Season 2 premiere that it was just over an hour long, and it's been just over an hour and I feel like we should still have roughly 45 minutes left to go in the episode.

All in all, I'd give "Future Days" a solid A. From the time-jump exposition to introducing a wide variety of new characters, the show's creative team piece a lot of moving parts together in ways that still hit some horror-driven high notes. I still can't quite believe that Joel's biggest scene was an angst-oozing therapy sesh, even though I kind of love that it was. But more so if we get to see him destroy a lot of things in the next episode.

Thanks to everyone for joining us for the premiere watchalong! Hope you enjoyed your time with both the episode and with me, your pal Nick. Until we meet again, I'll be stalkin' ya! (But not really.)

More To Read From The Last Of Us

1. After Bella Ramsey's Latest Last Of Us Comments About Joel And Ellie In Season 2, I Need To Soak Up Their Happiest Moments - 'So Look Forward to That'
2. Kaitlyn Dever Almost Played The Last Of Us' Ellie In A Movie, And I'm Shocked By How Many Spoilers She Learned Years Before Joining The Show
3. The Last Of Us EP Explains Why Season 2 Switches Up How Abby’s Backstory Is Introduced, And I Honestly Think It Makes Sense
4. Bella Ramsey Revealed The Hilarious Way They Prepare For The Last Of Us' Saddest Scenes, And I Don't Know If I'll Be Able To Watch Without Laughing Now

How The Last Of Us' Season 2 Premiere Did In The Ratings

Incredibly enough, The Last of Us' second outing managed to top the stats of the very first episode that hit HBO and Max back in January 2023. Across the whole of Sunday night, "Future Days" was watched by more than 5.3 million people when both HBO's replays and Max's viewer data are combined, according to THR.

That total beats out the already impressive 4.7 million viewer tally that "When You're Lost in the Darkness" earned during its first Sunday night, for a 13% increase. That still doesn't match the series-high 8.2 million-strong audience that had been amassed by the time the finale aired. But it does seem like the Season 2 opener may eventually crest the peaks that Season 1 achieved.

Movies based on video games have been a tough nut to crack over the years. While we’ve seen a few success stories on the big screen, game franchises have had equal if not greater success in recent years on the small screen, thanks to shows like Fallout and The Last of Us. In terms of the HBO hit, it was actually going to be a movie before it was a series, and Kaitlyn Dever, who will play Abby in the season about to air on the 2025 TV schedule, was being considered for Ellie.

However, that got shelved, and everyone moved on, but the actress learned some big spoilers about the second game during those early days that shocked me.

Before it became a hit series, The Last of Us was first optioned as a movie, and Kaitlyn Dever was actually attached to play the role of Ellie, the female lead played by Bella Ramsey in the series. She told EW that she toured Naughty Dog Studios sometime in the mid-2010s to meet with studio head Neil Druckmann and talk about the role while the second game was in development. The actress said…

The Last of Us Part II wouldn’t be released until 2020, so Kaitlyn Dever got a very early look at the second game. She didn't even learn the name of Abby, the character that she will play in The Last of Us Season 2. However, she did get to see how Ellie, the character she thought she’d be playing, would age, and she learned details about the plot that she never revealed. Dever continued…

Details on games like this are often held on to pretty closely, so it says something about the relationship between Dever and Druckmann that he was willing to tell her what happened in the story. Of course, if the movie had happened, and it had been a success, a sequel film based on the second game would have been quite likely, so the studio chief was probably just thinking ahead.

The movie would, like so many others, fall into development hell and never get made. However, Dever’s relationship with Naughty Dog would continue. She would voice the character of Cassie Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, a franchise that would get its own movie, starring Tom Holland.

When The Last of Us was reborn as a series that can be watched with a Max subscription, Kaitlyn Dever wasn’t forgotten. Dever will play Abby, the villain (in a manner of speaking) of the second game. Now she’s finally going to be on screen in the adaptation, just playing somebody very different.

I can think of few upcoming video game adaptations with as much pressure and excitement on the line as HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, which will expand the Emmy-winning horror drama’s universe through the shocking and harrowing events of Naughty Dog’s video game sequel. Despite being one of the most faithful game-to-TV ports to date, fans should definitely expect some story changes when the series returns, particularly when it comes to Kaitlyn Dever’s antagonist Abby (and maybe even the arrival of the spores).

Previously, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann talked about opting to cast Dever as Abby despite the actress not being as bulky and muscular as the game character.And now they’ve addressed what will no doubt be one of the more potentially controversial changes made: to change up the timeline for Abby’s introduction.

Speaking at a press conference about Season 2 (via EW), Druckman addressed the reason why the HBO series will dig into Abby’s backstory in ways that don’t happen until much later in the source material. As he put it:

Similar to how novels put readers into the mindsets of its main subjects, video games go a step further by having players control the actions and fate of characters, which ideally makes players all the more empathetic. In the case of The Last of Us, Abby enters the game narrative fairly early on without much context behind her presence. The situation seems not to terrible early on, but it isn't long before everything goes belly up.

Which isn't so unusual for a survival horror concept, but in the case of TLOU: Part II, gamers have to live with characters' actions in the game without learning the full story until many hours later. Druckmann spoke to that aspect as well, pointing out that it would create quite the timing imbalance for TV audiences if they stuck to the source. As he put it:

By "that context," the video games' director seems to be implying that TV viewers will get the rundown for Abby's backstory far earlier than gamers did, which will very likely coincide with the very sad filming experience that Bella Ramsey talked about. Does that mean it'll happen in the very first episode that fans can watch or stream with a Max subscription? Not necessarily. But I'd expect it sooner rather than later.

One has to think that at least some elements will be held back until later, but it does indeed sound like one of the source's most shocking reveals will be a lead-off shocker rather than offering any late-stage explanations.

Why I Think It's Smart For The Last Of Us To Reveal Abby's Story Early

I mean honestly, everything that Neil Druckmann stated during the press conference makes complete sense. I've no doubt in my mind that Kaitlyn Dever makes Abby a fully rounded character from the jump, and that she would be capable of earning viewer sympathy all on her own without any additional information. But I'm not sure that the TV show could her story in the same way without identifying exactly why she stands opposed to Joel and Ellie.

Also, as it goes for just about any pop culture adaptation, a large section of the core audience will already be familiar with what happened in the game, and plenty of others have likely had the game's events spoiled by accident. So maintaining exactly the same timeline and story beats for fidelity's sake wouldn't really do much good for anyone.

Instead, I think Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are perfectly capable of figuring out ways to remix the emotional elements from Part II into the live-action tale in ways that feel completely new and fresh for every single audience memember, and not just the ones who are most averse to picking up a controller. Even if there are some moments that feel slightly wonky in comparison, that's to be expected.

I cannot wait to see how The Last of Us Season 2 sets up Abby's story, and how her group crosses paths with Ellie and Joel. TV may never be the same again after that happens. Find out along with me and millions of others when new episodes arrive on HBO and Max on Sunday, April 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET.

I couldn't be more excited about how close The Last of Us' Season 2 premiere is to arriving on the 2025 TV schedule, even if it means getting closer to all the nasty ass clickers and stalkers and other monstrous threats still thriving in this post-apocalyptic environment. Kaitlyn Dever's new character Abby will certainly be thriving as the live-action incarnation of TLOU: Part II's highly polarizing antagonist. Just don't expect TV Abby to be rocking big biceps.

When HBO's upcoming video game adaptation returns to its rabid fanbase, one of the key differences that gamers will notice is that Dever did not take on any Dwayne Johnson-level workout plans to bulk up to the size that Abby is in the source material. According to game director and live-action co-creator Neil Druckmann, that detail wasn't viewed as necessary for a one-to-one comparison. As he put it to EW:

As anyone who paid attention to the casting for Season 1 can attest, fans were initially on both sides of the opinion aisle when Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey were cast to bring the all-important Joel and Ellie relationship to life. But both actors proved their worth in the initial nine episodes, as did everyone else that was brought in, from Merle Dandridge reprising her game character Marlene to Melanie Lynskey playing the original villain Kathleen.

Personally, I like that Neil Druckmann and fellow creator Craig Mazin were more interested in stellar performances over casting someone who may have looked exactly like Abby but fell short by way of sheer talent. It's always great when someone can pull off the look while also delivering an award-worthy performance, but beggars can't be choosers.

Craig Mazin On How The Change In Size Changes Up Ellie And Abby's Dynamic

This change-up between characters isn't just about aesthetics and/or fulfilling the role's high expectations, either. According to Mazin, the difference between Dever's character and the digital Abby will also inform narrative-specific differences between the antagonist and Ramsey's Ellie. In his words:

I could spend a while talking about Mazin's use of "now and later" at the end there, but I'd rather put the focus on the general idea that the live-action Ellie and Abby will be more physically equal, which would definitely seem to give our teen hero the advantage. After all, one of the reasons why Abby comes across as so hardcore in the games is due to her physique and the strength with which she can swing a golf club, among other weapons.

So without extra bulk to give Abby the upper hand on the HBO series, that just means Kaitlyn Dever's version will have to fall back on other traits — perhaps flashes of unbridled fury and violence — to justify the character's sense of authority within her group, as well as to justify the idea of her being a legitimate threat to both Ellie and Joel.

I was already sold with Dever's casting to begin with, but I love knowing that the specifics of her casting immediately presented a meaningful tweak for characters that are otherwise familiar. Of course, we'll have to wait until April to see how this upcoming horror series delivers the goods.

It’s a good time to be a fan of the MonsterVerse, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. In addition to Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 on the way and other spinoffs being developed for people with an Apple TV+ subscription, a sequel to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was announced in May 2024 and is on track for a spring 2027 release. Now today brings word of the first new casting for the sixth MonsterVerse movie, and while that’s great, there’s also some news that leaves me concerned about this franchise installment.

Kaitlyn Dever Is Being Lined Up For The Godzilla X Kong Sequel

According to Deadline, Kaitlyn Dever is in negotiations to join the Godzilla x Kong sequel, though no details about who she’d be playing were revealed. Dever’s notable credits range from movies like Booksmart, Dear Evan Hansen, Ticket to Paradise and No One Will Save You, to TV shows like Justified and Last Man Standing. Between this and playing Abby in The Last of Us Season 2, which premieres in April on HBO, the actress will be leaving quite the stamp on the science fiction genre in the next few years.

Humans Will Reportedly Have A Bigger Role In The Sequel

While I’m pleased to hear Kaitlyn Dever will lend her talents to the Godzilla x Kong sequel, as it’s about time she get to participate in a blockbuster event, there was something else in Deadline’s report that caught my eye. It states that while Godzilla and Kong will still be the main attraction, Legendary, the production company behind the MonsterVerse projects, “is looking to build on its human characters.” Furthermore, the upcoming movie will combine “character-driven storytelling with its signature epic scale and Titan-clashing action” coming from the vision of director Grant Sputore, who succeeds Adam Wingard.

Look, I’m not one of those people who minds human characters in the MonsterVerse movies and TV shows, and frankly, I’m not convinced a movie consisting entirely of Titans would work, especially if you’re trying to pad out a 2-hour runtime. But let’s be honest with ourselves, no one is going to a MonsterVerse movie for the stellar character work. They’re going to see giant monsters beat each other up and ignore the collateral damage they’re inflicting on humans in the process.

I’m not saying that efforts shouldn’t be taken to make the human characters in MonsterVerse stories interesting rather than generic, but it concerns me to hear that the Godzilla x Kong sequel wants to place more of an emphasis on them. I don’t want this to come to the detriment of what’s in store for Godzilla and Kong, so my fingers are crossed this won’t be the case. It’s one thing to delve deeply into characterization in a TV show like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters since there’s a lot more time to work with and less of an emphasis on the Titans, but for a major motion picture, there’s a fine balance that needs to be navigated efficiently.

The Godzilla x Kong sequel is set to arrive in theaters on March 26, 2027. Stream its five cinematic predecessors with a Max subscription while we wait for more news on what’s ahead in this Titan-filled world.

Sitcom staple Tim Allen returned to ABC with his newest comedy Shifting Gears hitting the 2025 TV schedule, where his car-restoring widow is tasked to find common ground with his estranged daughter and the grandchildren he barely knows. It’s quite a change from the family life his character Mike Baxter enjoyed on Last Man Standing, with Nancy Travis as Vanessa, wife and mother of their three opposite-of-estranged daughters. And Allen apparently took his TV fatherdom quite seriously at times.

As the stand-up comedian himself put it, he sometimes spoke (and maybe still speaks) of his younger Last Man Standing co-stars — Kaitlyn Dever, Molly Ephraim and Amanda Fuller — as if they were legitimately part of his immediately family at some point. When talking to US Weekly about his continued relationship with his Home Improvement TV son Jonathan Taylor Thomas, who popped up for several LMS episodes, Allen said:

For all that it might sound hyperbolic for Tim Allen to instinctively refer to his Last Man Standing daughters as if he was the actresses’ actual father, it speaks to the on-set relationship that he has with co-stars. At least on broadcast sitcoms, since he was called out by a Santa Clauses actress for rude behavior.

It apparently wasn’t only a one-off instance, either, as he also said this about Nancy Travis:

Perhaps if this were a prestige cable or streaming drama with extremely mature and trauma-triggering subject matter, Allen's fatherly instincts might feel more justified. But despite any downer story beats that affected the Baxter daughters Kristin, Mandy and Eve, none of Last Man Standing's were that affecting, at least in my memory. But dads, even ones with purely fictional ties, are gonna worry whether it makes sense or not.

To that end, though, Tim Allen has talked about his real-life relationship with Kaitlyn Dever mirroring the kinship that Eve and Mike had during Last Man Standing's run. Which, in turn, made her exit all the more painful, and made Dever's occasional returns as Eve all the more celebratory, especially with all the scheduling hurdles involved.

Allen's anecdotes about Nancy Travis are quite interesting to hear about at this early point in Shifting Gears' run, since he previously revealed in order to become the "Tom Brady of sitcoms," he really wanted to play a character dealing with the grief of losing a spouse, since that wasn't a route he'd taken previously. But maybe his ulterior motive was just to have fewer co-stars that he might mistake as being his real family members.

Check out how Shifting Gears' Matt continues to restore relationships and vehicles when new episodes air Wednesday nights on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET, and stream the next day with a Hulu subscription.

Major spoilers for The Last of Us Part II video game narrative, so those who haven’t played yet should tread carefully and listen for errant clicking sounds.

One of HBO’s biggest hits in recent years, and by proxy a top streaming pick on Max, The Last of Us was quickly thrown into the conversation for best video game adaptations ever. The show’s quality doesn’t appear to be dipping in TLOU Season 2, with many more desolate and monster-filled locations to explore throughout the 2025 TV schedule. But the latest footage does potentially hint at major changes being made to the core characters’ timelines, which would give TV viewers a VERY different experience from what gamers grappled with.

Just such a change was speculated about previously, when an earlier Season 2 trailer showed new addition Kaitlyn Dever kneeling by a makeshift grave, though like many other game fanatics, I wasn’t convinced showrunner Craig Mazin and source material director Neil Druckmann would actively make such a consequential adjustment, even if I can grasp the logic behind wanting the live-action series’ audience to react in far less polarized ways than gamers did to the controversial narrative reveals. Let’s look at the key moment from the latest footage that seem to point to such changes.

The Footage Kicks Off With Abby At THAT Location

Considering fans spent the first season following and caring massively for Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey's Joel and Ellie, and are no doubt wondering what their current status is, it is highly curious (at least from an outsider perspective) for this release-window reveal footage to kick off with the second season's biggest new cast member in a familiar-ish location that majorly ties into the character's highly important backstory.

To rip the Band-Aid off here: a seemingly younger version of Kaitlyn Dever's Abby is wearing her Firefly pendant necklace while walking carefully through the halls of what I can only assume is the hospital where all manner of carnage went down in the Season 1 finale, in which Joel more or less doomed humanity by refusing to allow doctors to sacrifice Ellie to study her immunity.

As gamers are aware, someone who was killed during all that chaos was a very important person in Abby's life, and that death sets the character on a years-long path to vengeance that brutally shakes up the lives of other more familiar survivors. However, this entire story point doesn't comes to light until deep into the second game's narrative, after a key point in which Abby seemingly proves herself to be a Grade A villain, completely upending expectations and viewpoints.

If The Last of Us Season 2 is already hinting at this moment happening, with the key alarm sounds instantly heightening my blood pressure, then it possibly means Mazin and Druckmann will shift these flashback scenes to appear earlier for the live-action series, potentially to give viewers more empathy from Abby from the outset. That'd be understandable, since I really don't want Kaitlyn Dever to suffer the wrath of his fanbase, but it would also shatter an element that makes playing Part II such an unforgettable experience.

Most Other Moments Line Up With The First Half Of The Game's Timeline

While we'll be waiting a while to figure out whether or not any such timeline alterations were implemented, i'm happy to see familiar moments that definitely came from the first half of the game. From Ellie and Dina's dancing and their harrowing subway trip to what appears to be a Seraphite dragging a sickle during the woodsy sequence with Ellie and a very unfortunate WLF member. Perhaps most telling? Not a whole lot of Joel footage.

One of the biggest questions fans have had is whether or not the TV show's creative team will actually pull off the video game's biggest shocker in Season 2, or if they'll hold off until the third season to extend the drawing power of Pedro Pascal. Either way, my eyes and tear ducts will be glued to my screens.

The Last of Us Season 2 will be available to watch on HBO and stream with a Max subscription in April, though an exact premiere date is yet to be revealed.

Spoiler warning for those who haven’t played The Last of Us Part II game and also aren’t aware of the bigger story beats that take place.

While the TV-adoring half of my brain can’t wait for The Last of Us Season 2 to hit the 2025 premiere schedule, the horror gamer side of my brain is perfectly fine with waiting as long as possible, since the events it’ll presumably cover from the second game did not exactly end so well for Joel. (Technically speaking, the game didn’t middle well for him, but I digress.) But its arrival on HBO is coming soon, amongst other upcoming horror series, and the network celebrated The Last of Us Day by releasing a Season 2 teaser with tons of new footage.

It’s an hype-worthy blend of Joel and Ellie interspersed with a ton of new The Last of Us cast members. Most come straight out of the video game series, such as Jeffrey Wright’s Isaac Dixon, the leader of the Washington Liberation Front, and Kaitlyn Dever’s soldier Abby, the majority-antagonist for the second chapter of the source material. Check out the trailer below if you haven’t already, and then read on!

And now to wallow through the feastering feelings that reside within that point to Pedro Pascal's Joel heading down a dark and depressing road in Season 2, much as it went in the video game, despite any and all hopes that the live-action series would change things up.

Moment #1: Joel Seems To Be In Therapy

Catherine O'Hara is set to arrive in Season 2 as a character whose identity has yet to be confirmed, but the first footage of her in the trailer above indicates she's serving as a therapist for Joel. And the dialogue used from their session is of her asking him what he did, and the implication there is that she's asking about the events from the Season 1 finale, in which Joel chose to save Ellie's life from Firefly scientists aiming to sacrifice the immune teen in an attempt to find a cure for the cordyceps virus.

As indicated in Season 1, Joel already has anxiety issues that crop up in moments of high stress, which this universe is full of. So it definitely makes sense that he would want to talk to someone even in the post-apocalypse. (Assuming this is happening in the present day.) But if Joel confesses his sins/crimes to anyone, that's a drain he won't be able to re-cork, and can't guarantee that word won't spread.

Moment #2: Abby Looking Peeved At Someone's Grave

One of the biggest gut-punches of the video game, which isn't fully confirmed to be playing out the same way in The Last of Us' TV series, is that the surgeon Joel killed at the Seattle hospital is the father of Abby, Kaitlyn Dever's character. And it should come as a surprise to no one that she seeks revenge for it.

So I get zero chill vibes coming off of Abby in the trailer moment where she's sternly looking back while visiting an unidentified grave. If it is her dad's, that'd be a big red flag for her vengeance coming alive. Really, I'm not so convinced this is her dad's grave, but possibly one of the other characters from her group that gets mauled by Joel, Ellie or Tommy. Either way, she looks ready to shoot eye lasers through someone's torso.

Moment #3: A Likely Shot From Joel And Ellie's Final Conversation

Just seeing Joel and Ellie playing guitar in the first look at Season 2 nearly sent me to pieces, since those musical moments play heavily into the game's emotional core. And while there's likely probably some point earlier in the game where Joel is seen strumming it up on the front porch, that visual is unmistakably tied to Part II's ending, which relays the final conversation that Joel and Ellie have before she severs ties and leaves him.

It's as emotional and reflective a sequence as any others in the video games, and I think it'd be smart for the TV show to have it play out in a different context rather than a season finale capper. But regardless of how it happens, the idea of a "final conversation" taking place in Season 2 just makes Joel's surviving until Season 3 that much more unlikely.

Moment #4: Ellie's Agonizing Screams

Ellie certainly had emotional moments in Season 1, and Bella Ramsey brought their A-game with those performances. But this moment from the trailer appears to show Ellie watching the most horrifying thing imaginable. And there are presumably only a limited number of events that could draw such an intense reaction out of her. And numero uno on said event list would be witnessing Joel's death.

To be fair, she could also be witnessing the death of her girlfriend Dina, though that's hardly a best-case scenario to think about. It could also be Tommy or one of the other survivors that Ellie befriends on her deadly journey, but it's truly hard to imagine her freaking out that hard over anything but her makeshift father figure.

Moment #5: That Final, Lingering Shot Of Joel

Hypothetical situation: this Season 2 teaser comes out, and instead of being 2 minutes long and revealing the previous 4 moments listed, it's only those final 5 seconds with Ellie and Joel at the table, where he's bursting with wistful pride without trying to overdo it. And to me, that's the show saying, "Soak it up, bitches, and kiss this daddy goodbye." Just perhaps not in so many words or implied fetishizing.

By all means, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann could very well serve fans a left-of-center twist that completely shakes up Abby and Joel's brutal confrontation from the game. I don't believe they'll go that route, since maintaining the core canon has been a big thrust for the co-creators, with exceptions being expanded character development that the game's locked point-of-view couldn't account for, such as with Bill and Frank's Emmy-winning episode. I think they'll stay true, and I think it'll crush people.

The Last of Us Season 2 doesn't yet have a release date set, but here are a bunch of shows to watch while waiting for its 2025 release.

With big shows come a lot of hype and a lot of hate, and sadly the latter is almost always inevitable. For The Last of Us Season 2, there’s so much excitement surrounding it and the new additions to its cast. However, as history has shown, sometimes viewers have a hard time separating the actor from the character, especially when they’re playing a villain. This is specifically true for Kaitlyn Dever, who is set to play Abby. She has been “extra secured by security” while filming, according to her co-star Isabela Merced, who recalled what it’s been like working with her and just how great she is at handling the pressures of playing this infamous character.

While there is so much hype around Dever playing Abby, Josh Horowitz explained on the Happy Sad Confused podcast while interviewing Isabela Merced that he’s “worried about your buddy Kaitlyn.” Abby does some terrible things in The Last of Us: Part 2, and the actress will likely receive hate for those actions simply because she plays the character. In response, Merced explained that during filming her co-star had extra security on set because of this:

Both Dever and Merced are new additions to The Last of Us cast, so they likely are very aware of the attention they’ll receive once the show starts airing.

The Superman actress is set to play Dina, Ellie’s love interest in the series. Meanwhile, as I mentioned, the Last Mand Standing alum will play Abby, a complex and ultimately antagonistic character. As my colleague Nick Venable wrote when rumors about Abby’s casting came to light, “she is both warm and menacing, sympathetic and murderous.” So, as you can imagine, with a character like that, the actress behind her is bound to receive strong reactions.

We’ve seen this happen over and over again. Recently, Fabien Frankel received major hate simply because he plays the deeply disliked Criston Cole on House of the Dragon. Ultimately, he reportedly limited who could comment on his Instagram, via Discussing Film, because of this. This conversation seemed to imply that Dever might be subject to that kind of criticism, which is part of the reason why they had extra security for her on set.

With all that in mind, Merced also explained why the Booksmart actress is so good in this role, saying:

For some context, the Alien: Romulus actress mentioned that Dever is “going through a lot, right now, personally.” Her mother died in February, so she’s been grieving. However, as her co-star said, she’s also still working, and she’s incredible in The Last of Us.

Overall, it sounds like we’re not ready for her take as Abby, and I can’t wait to see it! Hopefully, people will be kind to her and her performance, because let’s all remember: actors are not the characters they play in real life. In fact, her villainous performance will simply be another feather in her cap of an already incredible career. Thankfully, no matter what happens, it sounds like The Last of Us crew has Dever’s back, they're supporting her and they're keeping her safe.

We can expect to see Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal and more on our screens when Season 2 of The Last of Us premieres in 2025. In the meantime, you can go back and stream Season 1 with a Max subscription, and make sure to check out the 2024 TV schedule to see what’s currently airing on the small screen.

We might not have an official release date just yet for The Last Of Us Season 2 — like many productions, filming was delayed due to the 2023 WGA strike and SAG-AFTRA strike — but we do have some fresh casting intel, with series star Bella Ramsey offering up their reaction to this season's newest acting additions, specifically Kaitlyn Dever. That's because, in an interview, the young actor revealed the amusing story about how they met the Booksmart actress, and why they had to keep it on the down low.  

Ramsey — who plays strong-willed teen Ellie in HBO's adaptation of the beloved video game franchise, opposite Pedro Pascal's hardened survivor Joel — recently revealed in an interview with GamesRadar+ how they first met Kaitlyn Dever. The actress is taking on the much-anticipated role of Abby in the drama's second season, and the Ellie actress had this to say about how they met:

Obviously, the two had to keep their interactions on the down low. At the time, Kaitlyn Dever hadn't been officially cast as Abby yet. It sounds like the last thing Ramsey wanted to do was accidentally spill the casting beans. So, they quietly exchanged numbers. However, now they can praise each other as much as they want!

Described as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved,” Dever's Abby is meant to have an antagonistic relationship with Ramsey's Ellie, a dynamic that thankfully did not play out between the performers in real life.

Instead, Ramsey disclosed that working with Dever — an actress who, ironically, was dream-cast by fans to portray the character of Ellie in the post-apocalyptic drama, though producers reportedly wanted a younger actor, per The Hollywood Reporter— was an "excellent" experience: 

The 20-year-old star also praised their other new castmate Isabel Merced — who previously starred with Dever in 2022's Rosaline and will play Ellie's Season 2 love interest Dina, who HBO calls "a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit." They also showed some love for Beef alum Young Mazino, who will portray Jesse, "a pillar of his community who puts everyone else's needs before his own, sometimes at terrible cost."

As for the new additions to The Last Of Us cast, Ramsey said they're "incredibly happy" having a "whole new bunch of people come and join the family." However, they also previously told Comicbook.com's The Last of Pods podcast that they didn't want to go into filming Season 2 "comparing it to the experience of the first season": 

Given how well-received Season 1 of the HBO drama was — it won eight Primetime Emmy Awards out of 24 nominations — and how excited fans are to see Kaitlyn Dever in The Last Of Us universe, we don't think Bella has anything to worry about, especially now that they don't have to keep the fact that they know each other a secret. 

CinemaBlend will keep you posted on everything related to the 2024 TV schedule and when you'll be able to see Ellie and Abby face off onscreen in The Last Of Us Season 2. In the meantime, you can catch up with the series through a Max subscription. 

As if a full-blown apocalypse wasn't already a big enough threat for the morally ambiguous protagonists heading up HBO's The Last of Us, the hugely popular first outing will give way to a second round that has the potential to be twice as much of a harrowing and emotional gut-punch, thank to the impending introduction of video game villain-turned-quasi-hero Abby. And now we finally know who will be taking on that complex and controversial role. 

The Last of Us Season 2 has officially cast Last Man Standing vet and No One Will Save You star Kaitlyn Dever to play Abby, a choice that I'd previously championed when the actress' name was attached to rumors for the role. Because it's clearly the perfect choice for whatever reasons you may or may not be able to come up with at a moment's notice. Dever is Abby, and that's just how it goes. 

While the casting first broke without unofficial confirmation, HBO confirmed Dever joined the show through the Max X page by tweeting the below message:

Granted, that isn't a full-blown agreement that the Book Smart co-star will indeed be portraying Abby when Season 2 kicks off filming, but I can't imagine how big of a pisser it would be for showrunner Craig Mazin to bring Kaitlyn Dever is as anyone but Abby. Or if she played some quickly eliminated rando whose name also happened to be Abby. Let's hope everyone involved is smarter than all that, though.

Part of what makes Kaitlyn Dever such a perfect choice for the video game adaptation is she was a key part of the casting hopes and rumors back when The Last of Us first sparked live-action conversations, with the plans initially being more movie-focused. By the time the HBO series was happening, she'd aged out of the teen role, which inevitably went to Game of Thrones vet Bella Ramsey, who certainly made their mark on the role in Season 1. 

So no regrets there, but I could not be more pleased that the panging for Dever to join the Last of Us universe is no longer a worry, and I can now just start to build up excitement for what she'll bring to the badass role. 

Dever also adds another layer of critical gold to an already stacked cast. Speaking of, Season 1 faves Nick Offerman and Storm Reid took home two of the HBO series' first Emmys, winning their respective Outstanding Guest Star categories during the Creative Emmy Awards ceremony. The series won out in 8 categories overall that evening, also for sound editing, opening titles and more, which is promising for its chances when the Primetime Emmys air on January 15.

The Last of Us Season 2 is set to film throughout much of 2024, and will hopefully debut on HBO (and for those with Max subscriptions) as early into 2025 as humanly or clicker-ly possible. Until then, check out all the other awesome upcoming horror TV shows that will keep us busy until Abby's sneer comes into our lives.

The Last of Us Season 2 was in the very early stages of coming together when the WGA strike kicked off, with showrunner Craig Mazin revealing he’d finished one script when everything shut down. Now that we’re in a post-strike world, the HBO hit is gearing up for production on its second round of heartbreaking episodes, and a new casting rumor points to an A+ actress being eyed for the role of the polarizing video game antagonist Abby Anderson: Kaitlyn mother-fluffing Dever.

The new rumor comes from The Insneider, which reports that Last Man Standing vet and No One Will Save You star Kaitlyn Dever is quite possibly the talent that Mazin brought up in August when he claimed to have found TLoU’s Abby. The actress is said to be in talks to take on the part, with negotiations unable to get worked out whenever the SAG-AFTRA strike was still ongoing. And I’m not sure I’ve ever wished so hard for a casting rumor to be true. 

Why Kaitlyn Dever Would Make Perfect Sense To Play Abby

First off, it’s a matter of talent, with Dever serving up winning performances in everything she signs on for, from Justified to Book Smart to The Front Runner and everything in between. Plus, she’s certainly capable of delivering grounded and emotional performances in projects that tap into dark, disturbing, and poignant subject matter. 

Look no further than Dever’s powerful work in the Netflix limited series Unbelievable to see how excellent she is at playing a stunted and scarred character caught up in a complicated situation. But let’s not forget her equally excellent portrayals in Hulu’s Dopesick or the streaming service’s horror anthology Monsterland. 

Not that she can’t also tap into more light-hearted and/or comedic roles. Last year saw her taking on the lead role in the Romeo & Juliet riff Rosaline and the George Clooney/Julia Roberts rom-com Ticket to Paradise. Her A+ work in this year’s alien invasion thriller No One Will Save You will soon be followed by Taika Waititi’s sports comedy Next Goal Wins. While Abby isn’t necessarily known for her stand-up comedy routines, she’s a human being, after all, and is far from being the kind of monster that TV antagonists usually shape out to be. 

Abby’s story from The Last Of Us Part II is full of spoilers that shouldn’t be discussed here, but suffice to say she’s a rounded character that deserves to be played by someone who excels at being both warm and menacing, sympathetic and murderous. And even if she’s not six feet tall and bulletproof, Dever can deliver the goods. 

Kaitlyn Dever Was Nearly Cast As Ellie 

Back when The Last of Us was in the early stages of development, Kaitlyn Dever was essentially the go-to actress that fans brought up when dream-casting the role of the scrappy teen survivor Ellie, regardless of age factors. She seemingly had a foot in the door by way of working with game director and TV show co-creator Neil Druckmann on the 2016 hit Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, and said that she would have loved to do it around that time. 

Alas, the role eventually went to Game of Thrones vet Bella Ramsey, who knocked it out of the park with their performance opposite Pedro Pascal’s Joel. As such, it’s hard to have any long-lasting regrets about Dever missing out on the role. But as far as any unresolved feelings go, maybe those can be squashed by Dever joining the show as Abby.

Here’s hoping Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann made the choice that we’re all hoping they’d make by bringing Kaitlyn Dever into Season 2, even if it’s not as Abby. (Though that would mean they’d need to create another super-important co-antagonist, which may be too much trouble.) While waiting to see where things go from here, all of Season 1 can be streamed in full with a Max subscription, and check out all the upcoming horror TV shows that are also on the way.

The bazillionaire socialite whom everyone previously loved to hate and hated to love is heading back to TV in a way that fans haven’t experienced before: as a dramatized character portrayed (at least presumably) by a completely different person. That’s right, Paris Hilton is cashing in on the success and relevance of her memoir and documentary by signing on to spin her autobiographical work into a scripted TV series. The few details that we know of seem pretty sweet already, and I know exactly who should play the woman who once asked if Walmart made walls.

The forever-buzzy studio A24 stepped in and optioned Paris: A Memoir to adapt as an episodic TV show, and it would appear as if the execs are highly invested in the project, quite literally, as the deal was reportedly worth six figures, with Dakota Fanning's producer banner also involved. The book made both headlines and heads turn when it was released in March 2023, as the former The Simple Life co-star shared many candid anecdotes from her storied life, including landing on the cover of Playboy and dealing with an eighth grade teacher with a crush on her, and one can only imagine that the TV version of things will also cause a stir or two.

Paris Hilton is said to be part of the upcoming adaptation in some way, shape, or form, but the details of her involvement were not detailed at this point. Now, I think we can all agree there would be a weirdly wonderful appeal to having Hilton portraying herself within the show, especially since the crew wouldn’t need to do much to de-age her. But I have an inaruable pitch for who would truly rock out as the House of Wax vet. 

Kaitlyn Dever, Y'All

Anyone who’s familiar with at least three projects from Kaitlyn Dever’s filmography knows that the actress works wonders in whatever role she takes, regardless of genre, tone, or amount screentime. Comedy? Look no further than Booksmart and her years on Last Man Standing. Straight drama? Dever was aces in Unbelievable, Dopesick and Short Term 12. And she’s no stranger to outside-the-borders fare such as Justified — Lorette McCready for life! — Monsterland and, most recently, Hulu’s invasion thriller No One Will Save You. So there’s nothing in my mind that thinks she wouldn’t be able to spin a multi-dimensional performance out of playing Paris Hilton. 

In the same vein, Kaitlyn Dever has all the cred in the world to instantly legitimize the objectively bonkers concept of “an A24 Paris Hilton movie,” in the same way Daniel Kaluuya producing the Barney movie for the studio makes it seem less ridiculous. Not that Hilton’s life informing a high-profile TV drama is nearly as weird now in the post-prestige TV era as it would have been a decade ago, but there are no doubt plenty of potential viewers who would need a good reason to be swayed into watching. And good reason, thy name is Kaitlyn.

And this is probably not as important as anything else, because Hollywood magic, but Dever is also at the perfect age where she could play a younger Paris without much work needed (beyond loads of blonde hair dye, naturally), and also wouldn’t need much touching up to play a version of Hilton closer to current day. 

Less Logical Dream-Casting Idea: Krysten Ritter

Wouldn't it be a uniquely fascinating trip to see Krysten Ritter in IT Girl mode as Paris Hilton?  I won't spend a whole lot of time trying to convince anyone about this one, since it would seemingly be far less likely to come together, considering Ritter and Hilton are so close in age. But if for some reason A24's head honchos aren't paying attention to my ideas about Dever, they could at least settle on my second choice, amirite? (This show would give the Love and Death co-star a whole different way to get drunk on TV than her time as Jessica Jones' titular badass, too.)

At this point, there's no telling when this new project will begin casting, or when that news will eventually reach future audiences, but I'll be here singing Kaitlyn Dever's praises all the while. In the meantime, our 2023 TV premiere schedule has more than enough small-screen fare to dig into while also wondering who the show will get to play the Kardashians and Nicole Richie. 

The following story contains a few spoilers for the Hulu movie No One Will Save You. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, go watch it immediately. It’s amazing. The rest of you, enjoy the article. 

During the spooky season of Halloween, audiences increase their appetites for the best horror movies ever made, and even try their luck on the streaming service of their choice to find new scares in October. Those with a Hulu subscription might have given Brian Duffield’s No One Will Save You a viewing, based either on positive word of mouth, or the 4.5-star review our own Eric Eisenberg gave it. Duffield’s movie brings real tension and fright to a home invasion story, but TikTok users are also helping the movie to go viral thanks to a pairing with Madonna’s 1990 smash hit Vogue… and once you see it, you can’t unsee it.  

Brian Duffield was a guest on CinemaBlend’s official ReelBlend podcast, and took a deep dive into spoilers for his movie. While talking with the co-hosts about the aliens in his film, and the way that they communicate, he eventually got around to the demonstrative physical sign language that one of his creatures uses. And he told us that you can now find these on TikTok, as his lead actress informed him. Said Duffield:

And now that you have heard about it, you absolutely need to see it, because it’s hysterical:

In the moment, that’s a very jarring scene. We don’t yet know what the aliens that arrive in Kaitlyn Dever’s town are capable of, and so when Daddy Long Legs starts to pose like such, it’s both unnerving and curious. Is it a threat? A means of communication? Some of this gets addressed in the movie’s ending, but it’s just another tool that Duffield uses to keep his audiences off balance. And it really works. 

Listen to our full interview with Brian Duffield right here:

Noted horror icon Stephen King has told you to watch No One Will Save You, as have numerous critics who’ve checked the film out. There’s a possibility that the film could earn itself a sequel, though I personally think it works really well as a standalone film that doesn’t need to be the launch pad for a franchise. Some stories reach their natural conclusion, and this one (to me) did. Make sure you see No One Will Save You now that it’s streaming on Hulu.   

I find myself both surprised and disappointed that I feel I have to ask if Kaitlyn Dever is considered a household name yet? If not, I think that is a sign of a major fracture in the Hollywood hierarchy because her stunningly talented and versatile actor – who has been cast in The Last of Us Season 2 as Abby – deserves all the recognition she can get. You will surely understand what I mean after taking a look at these picks for the best Kaitlyn Dever movies and TV shows (with a tip on how to watch them) now — starting with one of more recent leading roles.

No One Will Save You (2023)

Director: Brian Duffield

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever

What it's about: A young woman’s safe, isolated existence is interrupted by otherworldly creatures encroaching on her property and her life.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: For the first time, Dever shows she has what it takes to be an action star in No One Will Save You — a uniquely crafted, thoroughly terrifying take on the alien invasion genre from writer and director Brian Duffield.

How to watch No One Will Save You

• Stream No One Will Save You on Hulu

Last Man Standing (2011-2021)

Starring: Tim Allen, Nancy Travis

What it's about: A married sporting goods store marketing director (former Home Improvement cast lead Tim Allen) with three daughters struggles to maintain his manhood at home.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: Dever made a breakthrough when she was cast on Last Man Standing as the tomboyish Eve Baxter, which became a recurring part after the first six seasons of the long-running sitcom.

How to watch Last Man Standing

• Stream Last Man Standing on Hulu
• Buy Last Man Standing on Amazon

Justified (2011-2015)

Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Walton Goggins

What it's about: A no-nonsense U.S. Marshall is relocated from Miami to his hometown in Kentucky, where he cleans things up with his old-fashioned approach to crimefighting.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: Another one of Dever’s first and most acclaimed TV roles was a recurring part in the Justified cast as Loretta McReady — a troubled youth who finds a father figure in Olyphant’s Raylan Givens after her real dad’s murder on the hit Neo-Western TV show from FX.

How to watch Justified

• Stream Justified on Hulu
• Buy Justified on Amazon
• Buy Justified on DVD on Amazon

Bad Teacher (2011)

Director: Jake Kasdan

Starring: Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake

What it's about: A sleazy middle school teacher (Cameron Diaz) begins to step up her game in hopes of winning the heart of a committed, handsome new staff member (Justin Timberlake).

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: At the same time she was making waves on the small screen, Dever made her big screen debut in Bad Teacher — a raunchy take on the school movie genre from the point of view of a reluctant educator.

How to watch Bad Teacher

• Rent or buy Bad Teacher on Amazon
• Buy Bad Teacher on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Spectacular Now (2013)

Director: James Ponsoldt

Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley

What it's about: A debaucherous, aimless high school senior is inspired to clean up his act when he meets and falls for an astute young woman.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: Dever has a small role as Krystal — whom she described as “annoying… pushy… [and] bossy” to Shine On Media — in director James Ponsoldt’s acclaimed, romantic coming-of-age drama, The Spectacular Now.

How to watch The Spectacular Now

• Stream The Spectacular Now on Tubi
• Rent or buy The Spectacular Now on Amazon
• Buy The Spectacular Now on Blu-ray on Amazon

Short Term 12 (2013)

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Starring: Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr.

A young woman struggles to balance her career as a residential facility employee with her relationship with her co-worker and longtime boyfriend.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: For her second collaboration with Larson after The Spectacular Now, Dever gave a stunning performance in the powerful drama Short Term 12 as a girl with a troubling past named Jayden.

How to watch Short Term 12

• Stream Short Term 12 on Amazon Prime
• Stream Short Term 12 on Tubi
• Stream Short Term 12 on Peacock
• Stream Short Term 12 on Pluto TV
• Buy Short Term 12 on Blu-ray on Amazon

Detroit (2017)

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Starring: John Boyega, Anthony Mackie

What it's about: In 1967, a deadly police raid on innocent Black people at the Algiers Motel became the inciting incident leading to a historical race riot.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: In director Kathryn Bigelow’s historical drama, Detroit, Dever is terrific as a young woman named Karen Malloy -- a first-hand witness of the killings alongside Julie Delaney, who was involved with the production and recalled her side of the film’s shocking true events to the Detroit Free Press in 2017.

How to watch Detroit

• Stream Detroit on Peacock
• Stream Detroit on Tubi
• Buy Detroit on Blu-ray on Amazon

The Front Runner (2018)

Director: Jason Reitman

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Vera Farmiga

What it's about: A married family man and U.S. Senator from Colorado leads a very promising presidential campaign that descends into a downward spiral after the media catches wind of his affair with a young woman.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: Just a year after starring in Detroit, Dever played yet another real-life person named Andrea Hart — the daughter of U.S. Senator, Gary Hart — in director Jason Reitman’s scandalous political docudrama, The Front Runner.

How to watch The Front Runner

• Stream The Front Runner on Starz
• Rent or buy The Front Runner on Amazon
• Buy The Front Runner on Blu-ray on Amazon

Beautiful Boy (2018)

Director: Felix van Groeningen

Starring: Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet

What it's about: A newly separated father tries to help his teenage son overcome his drug addiction.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: Dever is mesmerizing in her otherwise brief but pivotal role as Lauren — a fellow young addict with a romantic connection to Chalamet’s character — in Beautiful Boy, Amazon’s heartbreaking adaptation of the memoirs by Nic Sheff and his son, David.

How to watch Beautiful Boy

• Stream Beautiful Boy on Amazon Prime

Booksmart (2019)

Director: Olivia Wilde

Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Beanie Feldstein

What it's about: A pair of introverted best friends take one last chance to make an impression on their high school social scene before graduating.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: For her first cinematic leading role, Dever absolutely kills it in the instant party movie classic, Booksmart, with pitch-perfect comedic timing and impeccable chemistry with Feldstein.

How to watch Booksmart

• Rent or buy Booksmart on Amazon
• Buy Booksmart on Blu-ray on Amazon

Unbelievable (2020)

Starring: Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever

What it's about: After a teenage girl is accused of falsifying an attack against her, two FBI agents search for an elusive rapist to find evidence that uncovers the truth.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: Dever gives one of the most acclaimed performances of her career so far (and her first to earn a Golden Globe nomination) as real-life sexual assault victim, Marie Adler, in Unbelievable — a shocking, Netflix original true crime miniseries from showrunner Susannah Grant.

How to watch Unbelievable

• Stream Unbelievable on Netflix

Monsterland (2020)

Starring: Various

What it's about: A socially challenged teen experiences a strange unwelcome encounter, a restaurant server at a dire crossroads, a grief-stricken married couple desperate for some form of solace, and more bizarre, thought-provoking tales of redemption make up this anthology series based on Nathan Ballingrud's book of short stories, North American Lake Monsters.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: In the same year she earned raves for Netflix’s Unbelievable, Dever switched streaming platforms to star in Monsterland — a Hulu-exclusive horror TV show in which she appears in three episodes (more than any other cast member) as a server named Toni.

How to watch Monsterland

• Stream Monsterland on Hulu

Dopesick (2021)

Starring: Michael Keaton, Rosario Dawson

The lives of a trusted medical doctor, a pharmaceutical rep, two U.S. attorneys, a committed DEA agent, and others intersect over the distribution of a powerful narcotic called Oxycontin.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: Dever earned her first Emmy nomination for her astonishingly authentic performance in the Dopesick cast as a fictionalized victim of America’s real-life opioid crisis in this eye-opening miniseries.

How to watch Dopesick

• Stream Dopesick on Hulu

Ticket To Paradise (2022)

Director: Ol Parker

Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts

What it's about: After learning their daughter is suddenly engaged in Bali, a divorced couple agrees to work together to prevent her from repeating their own mistake.

Why it is one of Kaitlyn Dever’s best: In addition to reuniting with her Booksmart co-star and friend, Billie Lourd, the fun rom-com Ticket to Paradise sees Dever holding her own alongside two Hollywood legends in the role of their onscreen daughter.

How to watch Ticket to Paradise

• Rent or buy Ticket To Paradise on Amazon
• Buy Ticket to Paradise on Blu-ray on Amazon

To be honest, we have barely scratched the surface of all that Kaitlyn Dever is known for or what she is capable of as an actor. It’s great to know that there is more where these came from as she could also be heard in the 2023 movie, Next Goal Wins, and has joined the cast of The Last of Us Season 2 as Abby.

It’s a good time to be a horror fan. The genre has been experiencing a renaissance for years now, with some of the best horror movies returning to theaters via new sequels. But there have also been some great new scary movies courtesy of streaming services. And between No One Will Save You and last year’s Prey, is Hulu the best major streaming service for horror?

Last weekend saw the premiere of Kaitlyn Dever’s new horror flick, which is available with a Hulu subscription. I personally loved No One Will Save You, which has also been getting praise from critics. And I felt similarly enthralled with Prey last year, especially as a horror fan who doesn’t necessarily love the Predator franchise as a whole. Which makes me think that Hulu might be the premiere streaming service for horror.

Of course, I’m only counting the major streaming services, and not more niche ones like Shudder which are specifically focused on horror content. But Hulu has been putting out quality scary movies for years now. In addition to the previously announced titles there were also other original projects like Bad Hair, and the new Hellraiser movie. And considering just how good both No One Will Save You and Prey were, it’s unlikely that I’ll be ending my subscription to the streaming service anytime soon. 

In addition to all the original horror movies that have been released by Hulu recently, it’s also the streaming home for the American Horror Story franchise. Every season of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series is streaming now, and new episodes premiere there as they air on FX. The current season Delicate recently debuted, and has already made a splash online.

As previously mentioned, Kaitlyn Dever’s new horror movie has already been performing super well on Hulu. Her performance has been acclaimed, especially since she has so few lines of dialogue. Even the great Stephen King shared his love for No One Will Save You, and fans are already hoping for a sequel.  

Regarding Prey, the Predator prequel was also a wildly successful hit last year. Prey was critically acclaimed, and is considered one of the best movies in the long-running franchise. That movie also has fans hoping for a sequel, so it seems like Hulu could become an even bigger hub for all things horror.

Since we’re in the midst of Halloween season, I’m going to be watching whatever each major streaming service offers. Netflix has a number of movies available, but they’ve also removed some original titles like Hush. Amazon also has some original titles available, but I’ve got to say that Hulu is winning the streaming war in that regard.

No One Will Save You and Prey are both streaming now. Be sure to check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains massive spoilers for No One Will Save You. If you have not yet seen the film, proceed at your own risk!

One doesn’t really need to dive beyond the surface of No One Will Save You to appreciate it. The conceit of a lonely young woman fighting for her life during a home invasion orchestrated by extraterrestrials makes for 93 minutes of cinematic excellence. Writer/director Brian Duffield makes you care about protagonist Brynn Adams (Kaitlyn Dever), and then he proceeds to run her through a ringer of ever-escalating terror – and it’s gripping every step of the way. Those qualities alone qualify it for consideration as one of the best horror movies of the year, but what particularly makes it special is the way in which it meditates on its key theme: grief.

There are a number of great horror movies that deal with the subjects of mourning and loss, but what makes No One Will Save You stand out is that the structure of the story and Brynn’s emotional experience can be mapped to the classic five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I can’t say how purposeful this was in Brian Duffield’s construction of the screenplay, but the metaphor struck me while reflecting on the film in the days after I watched it, and it’s only enhanced my appreciation of the work.

Denial

Early in No One Will Save You, the audience is clued into the fact that not everything is super ok in the life of Brynn Adams. She lives a life of total solitude, dedicates time writing letters to a deceased friend, and she shrinks in terror at the sight of a police officer and her wife she clearly knows. But you wouldn’t really know that if you were simply judging her by her disposition. She orchestrates her insular existence with smiles and sunshine, not properly dealing with the issues of her past.

Her home life is dedicated to sewing pretty dresses that she sells online and building a cute and charming model village in her living room. When she hops in her car and rides into town, she makes efforts to avoid people, but also gives a young man a grin and a wave… even though she clearly knows what kind of reaction she is going to get. It’s a case of denial – and kicking off the metaphor, what is her first reaction when she first sees evidence of extraterrestrial invasion a.k.a. a brown circle on her lawn? She grabs a hose and waters it, barely taking a moment to question it.

Anger

Then the aliens arrive! Just as anyone of us would be, Brynn is terrified beyond rational thought when she wakes up in the middle of the night and discovers that there is somebody in her house. And, naturally, her fear doesn’t dissipate when she realizes that the invaders are of the extraterrestrial variety. As far as fight or flight reflexes are concerned, the protagonist initially leans toward the latter – sneaking around her house and making efforts to avoid detection – but when the time comes for confrontation, she responds to the moment, and what unfolds is violence and death.

In the read of No One Will Save You where the aliens represent Brynn’s trauma, the metaphor is pretty clear here. She battles with the home invader, and her panic and fear in the moment lead to her thrusting a model church steeple through a sentient creature’s head (Which, it should be noted, mirrors the rage-fueled incident from her past that is her trauma.)

Bargaining

This is the stage in the film where the title of No One Will Save You is most prominent. It’s at this point in the grieving process where an individual tries to strike a deal with a higher power to halt or end their suffering, and for Brynn, this comes in two forms.

Her first attempt at bargaining is going into town and seeking help from the people who have figuratively been spitting on her for the last 10 years – and the result is that she gets literally spit on. The second bargain comes when she is paralyzed in alien light and has a parasite inserted in her throat. She is offered a deal to live in a fantastical reality provided she play host to an organism from outer space… though in this particular case, Brynn makes the healthy decision and chooses life.

Depression

After rejecting the alien parasite and pulling it out of her throat, the Kiwano melon-esque thing morphs and transforms into a clone of Brynn – and it’s here where the metaphor gets super strong. Sigmund Freud once said that depression is anger turned inward, and No One Will Save You presents that idea with a confrontation between the protagonist and her copy. The clone is the first to strike, stabbing Brynn in the gut with a broken piece of wood, but then our heroine strikes back – slicing her foe’s neck with her box cutter. It’s suicide… but not.

Brynn’s response to this death is to openly weep – her grief overflowing… but it’s not over yet. That being said, it’s not surprising that the next sequence, when she is at her lowest, is when she gets captured and abducted.

Acceptance

Taken aboard the alien spaceship, Brynn experiences what could be considered one of the most radical psychotherapy sessions in cinema. She is a curiosity to the otherworldly beings, and they seemingly use their special abilities to try and understand her. With a touch to her forehead, Brynn suddenly finds herself inhabiting her own memories, and while her first experience is a moment with her mom, she then finally confronts the moment that has defined her entire life: during a fight, she accidentally killed her best friend, Maude, with a rock.

It’s heartbreaking, and Brynn is powerless to stop the past… but what’s key to this analysis of No One Will Save You is what comes next. In the aftermath of the awful incident, young Brynn is shown all alone and seemingly writing her first letter to Maude – and adult Brynn goes over to her and takes her hand. It’s a 180 degree turn from the confrontation with the clone, as she comforts and accepts herself after reliving her most painful moment.

Returned to Earth with a hard drop, Brynn is able to truly smile and laugh – and with her entire town infested with alien parasites at the end of the movie, she is free of everyone’s judgements from the past and can live a happier and more well-adjusted life. It’s the happiness she deserves after the hell that she is put through over the course of the entire movie.

Regardless of whether or not the five stages of grief structure is intentional or unintentional in No One Will Save You, the movie is a brilliant piece of work that only gets better the more you think about it. If you care to check it out again, you can always rewatch it with a Hulu subscription.

Spoilers ahead for No One Will Save You.

Halloween season is upon us, and plenty of movie fans are watching horror movies to celebrate. Those with a Hulu subscription were treated to a new release with Brian Duffield’s sci-fi flick No One Will Save You. The movie stars Kaitlyn Dever, and has gotten a ton of praise since its release. But will Dever’s horror flick get a sequel? The director offered his thoughts.

Brian Duffield’s new movie looks like a bonafide hit for Hulu, so naturally there are questions about a sequel. No One Will Save you has gotten praise from Stephen King, and he’s not the only one that’s been impressed. Duffield recently spoke to Slash Film about the idea of directing a sequel and making it a bonafide franchise, and got honest about his feelings. He shared: 

Well, there you have it. It looks like Duffield has complicated feelings about possibly bringing another No One Will Save You movie to the masses. He admitted that he’s by and large not a sequel fan, but the movie’s success might inspire him and Hulu to formulate something. What’s clear is that he’s hoping to work with Dever again if he does.

Indeed, Dever has been universally praised for her performance in No One Will Save You. This feat was made all the more impressive since she has so little dialogue throughout its 93-minute runtime. She proved herself as an awesome final girl, and No One Will Save You’s critical response has been overwhelmingly positive. The movie expertly builds tension, and the aliens are truly terrifying in this twist on the home invasion movie. 

NOWSY is one of the best horror movies I’ve seen in a while, so I’d definitely love to see it grow into a full-fledged franchise. And the No One Will Save You’s twist ending definitely left some narrative threads to be pulled. Why did the aliens spare Brynn? Are more towns being taken over? Only time will tell, but hopefully a sequel is ordered.

No One Will Save You is streaming now on Hulu. Be sure to check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Need some movie and TV recommendations to properly celebrate spooky season? Stephen King is an excellent resource. The author obviously knows a thing or two about scary stories, and he frequently uses social media to offer commentary on both new and old films that he particularly enjoys. Last week, for example, he highlighted director Bruce McDonald's Pontypool as "a real creepshow," and now he has offered extreme praise for Brian Duffield's new alien home invasion thriller No One Will Save You.

Starring Kaitlyn Dever and featuring only a single line of dialogue in its entire runtime, the movie arrived as a Hulu exclusive this past Friday. It's received some high praise from critics, with many highlighting Dever's tremendous performance, and now Stephen King has joined the chorus. The author evidently watched the film over the weekend, and he offered his thoughts on his personal Twitter account:

Written and directed by Brian Duffield (Spontaneous), No One Will Save You stars Kaitlyn Dever as Brynn Adams – a young woman who lives in near isolation, having been ostracized from her home town following an incident from when she was a child. Though she is filled with grief and guilt about the past, she tries to live as cheerful a life as possible... but that constructed peace all gets destroyed when extraterrestrial visitors invade her house. 

As Stephen King notes, there is really nothing like it being made in modern Hollywood. It's a brilliant execution of showing instead of telling, and the story it unfolds manages to be outrageous, wild, terrifying, and emotional.

In regards to the reference in King's Tweet, "The Invaders" was the fifteenth episode of the original Twilight Zone's second season. The story centers on a woman (Agnes Moorehead) who lives alone in the boonies and must contend with a pair of aliens that invade her home. Like No One Will Save You, the Richard Matheson-scripted tale contains no dialogue. It's available to watch with a Paramount+ subscription, but you can also watch it with ads via Freevee.

If you're curious as to why Stephen King seems so blown away by No One Will Save You, you can check it out and watch it for yourself (though you should do yourself a favor and wait to hit play until it's nighttime and you've turned off all the lights). If you like scary films and want to get a jump on what's unquestionably going to be seen as one of the best horror movies of the year, make proper use of your Hulu subscription. After you watch, you can come back here to CinemaBlend and read our breakdown of the wild ending.

For all of the latest news from the world of Stephen King, head back here to CinemaBlend every Thursday for a new edition of my column The King Beat.

Since making her professional acting debut about a decade-and-a-half ago, Kaitlyn Dever has done a great deal to prove her versatility as a performer – not letting her young age be any impediment. Be it comedies like Bad Teacher, Party Down, or Last Man Standing, or drama like Justified, Short Term 12, and Dopesick, she has shown remarkable range. One thing she isn’t particularly versed in, however, is being an action star… but that was something that she and writer/director Brian Duffield set out to change in the making of the new alien home invasion thriller No One Will Save You.

In the film (which is now available to stream with a Hulu subscription), Dever plays a young woman who is isolated from her community and must find some way to survive when her house is besieged by extraterrestrials. The character, Brynn, isn’t a survivalist, ex-military or a martial arts expert; she is just an ordinary loner in a fight for her life against mysterious attackers. When I spoke with Brian Duffield earlier this month about Dever’s performance, he highlighted both his star’s passion for the physicality and how her acting background enhanced the character. Said the filmmaker,

There is an impact that casting can have on stakes in a movie. To borrow Brian Duffield’s examples, when you’re watching a Charlize Theron or Tom Cruise action movie, a room full of adversaries isn’t that threatening because the audience has seen the stars as their maximum badass potential. Kaitlyn Dever may one day become a Marvel hero or pull off a “Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2”-esque transformation and become a blockbuster lead doing all her own stunts, but she isn’t there yet, and that adds to the peril in No One Will Save You.

Going into the making of the new sci-fi horror film, Brian Duffield was well aware of Kaitlyn Dever’s talents and what she could do, and in casting her as Brynn, he was excited by her excitement about all of the movie’s craziness:

As the filmmaker said, it’s a different kind of action than fight choreography or gunplay, and I won’t spoil the kind of things that Kaitlyn Dever gets up to in the film, but it’s certainly impressive and looks exhausting.

Playing Brynn is complicated for many reasons, but Dever’s turn in No One Will Save You is one of the key reasons to watch the movie – as has been highlighted by many critics. Speaking with Brian Duffield, it’s immensely clear how proud he is of what she does. He told me,

No One Will Save You is new and available to stream on Hulu, and as I note in my CinemaBlend review, it’s one of the best horror films you’ll see this year. Check it out, and then head back here for our breakdown of the movie’s wild ending.

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains massive spoilers for No One Will Save You. If you have not yet seen the film, proceed at your own risk!

Sometimes you watch the end of a movie and just know that the discourse surrounding it is going to be fervent. The final moment of Inception is a relatively recent example that springs to mind, but there’s also the haunting twist of The Babadook and the shocking conclusion of Hereditary. Writer/director Brian Duffield’s No One Will Save You is the latest of these kinds of titles to be released, as it packs an unexpected ending that manages to be both happy and scary at the same time.

It’s a fascinating film all around, but we’ve put together this feature specifically with the aim of analyzing the special ending and the fate of Brynn Adams, the protagonist played by Kaitlyn Dever. Before we dig into the big mystery of the movie and Brian Duffield’s comments about how the final scenes came together, let’s first do a quick recap of what happens at the end of No One Will Save You...

What Happens At The End Of No One Will Save You

The beginning of the end of No One Will Save You comes as Brynn (Kaitlyn Dever) kills her alien clone before her alien clone can kill her – slicing her neck with a box cutter. When the clone dies, Brynn continues to try and run away, but her path is blocked by a massive, multi-legged extraterrestrial, and before she can even think about evading it, she gets trapped in a beam deployed by a floating UFO.

Brynn is pulled aboard the ship, and a group of the greys surround and analyze her while she remains paralyzed. One of them reaches out and puts a finger to her head, utilizing some kind of psychic ability. The protagonist suddenly finds herself inhabiting her own memories, and while she is at first happy to see her younger self doing crafts with her mother, she is then horrified to relive the incident that led her to be isolated from her home town: the death of her best friend, Maude. At first she can only observe events, but when she watches as her younger self writes an apology letter to her deceased best friend, Brynn is able to reach out and hold her hand.

Back in the present, the aliens discuss what they have witnessed, and they look up to the top of the ship as though awaiting an order from a higher authority. There are loud sounds and a bright light, and Brynn is ungracefully returned to Earth – dropped on the street where she was first abducted. She lies down in pain, still bleeding as a result of being stabbed by her clone, but after seeing some flashing colored lights in the sky, she begins to smile and laugh.

Sometime later during the day, Brynn happily puts on makeup in her bedroom and goes out for a bike ride – her face still showing healing cuts from her terrifying ordeal. When she waves at people in town, they no longer ignore her; instead, they smile and wave back… with the alien organisms in their throats wiggling and making their presence known. That evening, she attends a soiree and has the opportunity to dance and be happy and normal, all while UFOs gently float across the sky.

What Happened Between Brynn And Maude That Led To Brynn’s Isolation?

When we first meet Brynn in No One Will Save You, she is firmly entrenched in her life of solitude, but it’s never explicitly revealed why it is that she has been rejected by her community. We know that it has something to do with Maude Collins, her childhood best friend, but the movie remains vague about what actually happened. It’s made clear that it was something awful – most notably illustrated by the reaction the character gets when she accidentally runs into Maude’s parents – but it’s not until the end of the film that we learn what went down.

As revealed in the aforementioned alien-induced flashback, Brynn and Maude were having some kind of heated argument that escalated to the point where Maude pushed Brynn down to the ground. Filled with anger and not thinking rationally, the film’s protagonist instinctively grabbed a rock and proceeded to hit her friend on the head with it. An instance of horrible luck, the blow was fatal.

The film doesn’t get into the legal consequences that Brynn faced for the accidental death, but that’s arguably incidental in light of the prison that she has built for herself. She finds some happiness for herself in dressmaking and various crafts, but she is ensconced in grief and guilt and her entire life is trapped behind that one mistake. Through the alien home invasion she experiences, she finally has a true confrontation with all of her feelings, and she changes in a major way… while the world also very much changes around her.

Writer/Director Brian Duffield Kept Waiting For Somebody To Say “No” To His Wild No One Will Save You Ending, And Nobody Ever Did

If No One Will Save You were to end in a more traditional manner, it would conclude with Brynn working to build a new ordinary life for herself in a still ordinary world, having emotionally grown in the aftermath of her alien encounter. Instead, she comes out of her adventure a healthier person, but the world that she is living in has been conquered by otherworldly visitors.

When I spoke with writer/director Brian Duffield about the movie earlier this month during the film’s virtual press day, I specifically asked about the atypical ending and how it came together. The filmmaker explained that a big part of the equation was simply wanting to let the story on a happy note for his protagonist, saying,

Even after Brian Duffield adjusted his script to feature more setup for his desired ending, he still kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and for someone to tell him that it all needed to change. Ultimately, he got a suggestion for the last shot of the movie that ended up being used (the UFOs flying in the sky), but he otherwise didn’t field any arguments to alter what he had come up with. Duffield continued,

It’s a great lesson for all creatives out there: don’t just create something that you think other people want to see; always go with your boldest and best ideas, and you may get the opportunity to execute them.

No One Will Save You is now available to stream with a Hulu subscription, and you can discover all of the new films set to be released between now and the end of the year by checking out our 2023 Movie Release Calendar.

When it comes to the best horror movies, most fans are likely to have a preference for exactly what kind of scare they’re looking for-- whether it’s of the supernatural or extraterrestrial nature, or exploring more realistic frights that could theoretically actually happen to you. No One Will Save You seems to give audiences a bit of both, as alien invasion meets home invasion for Kaitlyn Dever’s Brynn Adams. Critics were able to screen the horror movie — now available with a Hulu subscription — before its release, and they’re here to help us decide if we’ll be adding this to our watch list.

Early reactions to No One Will Save You were overwhelmingly positive, with critics liking Brian Duffield’s take on alien invasion. The trailer also makes it look like this might be one of the scariest movies of the year, so I’m excited to see what the critics think. We’ll start with CinemaBlend’s review of No One Will Save You, as Eric Eisenberg rates the movie a near-perfect 4.5 stars out of 5. Kaitlyn Dever is dealt her most challenging role yet, as the movie has nearly no dialogue, and she nails it. He continues: 

Chris Evangelista of SlashFilm rates it a 7 out of 10, agreeing that the movie belongs to Kaitlyn Dever, who commands the screen from one scene to the next. Audiences don’t have to wait long for the thrills to start, either, as the critic writes: 

Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics rates it 3.5 out of 5 stars, saying the lack of dialogue isn’t just a gimmick, as it adds a layer of creepiness to the overall enjoyable sci-fi horror, while also proving that Brian Duffield is one of the best. In Hopson’s words: 

Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting says to turn the lights down low and crank the volume for this movie, as Brian Duffield leaves not an ounce of fat on this nonstop thriller. The critic rates it 4 out of 5 skulls, saying: 

Toussaint Egan of Polygon enjoys how No One Will Save You preys on the universal fear of home invasion, and it does so with stellar production design and “fantastic” special effects. Egan continues: 

It sounds like the critics highly recommend No One Will Save You as a spooky option to enjoy in the comfort of your own home — if you can even feel safe there anymore! The movie is available to stream now, and while you’re there, be sure to check out what else is new and coming soon to Hulu, as well as other upcoming horror movies for spooky season. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 was a messy year for film distribution, as studios struggled to figure out how to properly put out new releases to a hungry audience. Mistakes were made, and great titles slipped through the cracks of public awareness. Spontaneous, the directorial debut of The Babysitter screenwriter Brian Duffield, was one of them. Adapted from the book of the same name by author Aaron Starmer, it’s a comical and devastating blend of young adult drama and explosive horror, with teenagers spontaneously combusting serving as a bold metaphor for America’s school shooting epidemic. It’s a dark comedy made with a strong and confident voice, and it instantly confirms Duffield as an exciting talent.

Arriving three years later, No One Will Save You is exceptional further affirmation of that confirmation. It’s high concept sci-fi horror, with old school grey aliens terrorizing a protagonist alone in her house and isolated from her community, and it’s a phenomenal execution of sustained dread with awesome surprises. Simultaneously, it’s a minimalist character study powered by a stunning performance from Kaitlyn Dever, and a fascinating exploration of grief. It’s a wonder, and the latest big win for original genre movies.

Dever plays Brynn Adams, a young woman who lives a quiet, solitary life… but not entirely by choice. An incident from her past has rendered her a social pariah of sorts in her home town, and the cold stares she receives from people she casually waves at intensifies her deep and unshakable guilt. She keeps to her hobbies, like dancing, model village building, and dressmaking, but also frequently writes letters to her deceased best friend.

Interrupting Brynn’s placid existence one random night is a visit from an extraterrestrial invader. Being smart and capable, she is able to evade the creature and defend herself, but one night of fear turns out to be only the start of what turns out to be an ever-escalating nightmare.

No One Will Save You unfolds a terrifying adventure almost entirely without dialogue, and Kaitlyn Dever shines in the lead role.

What makes No One Will Save You particularly special beyond its rich themes and high tension is the fact that there is almost zero dialogue in the 93 minute runtime. Never feeling like it’s executing a gimmick, the movie performs a wonderful dance in its construction, following Brynn through scenes where either speech is unnecessary or where more can be said without it. The silence draws you in even as the horror activates your fight-or-flight reflex, and it’s the ultimate showcase of showing instead of telling in a cinematic landscape full of awkward exposition delivered in the name of explaining everything to an audience.

Of course, one of the side effects of No One Will Save You being a nearly silent film is an extra onus on the expressions of the protagonist – but taking care of that job is one of the best young actors of her generation. Kaitlyn Dever has been impressing audiences for years now, from the hard edge she demonstrated on the series Justified to her brilliant comedic timing in Booksmart, and yet, this is arguably her most impressive work yet. From peaceful solitude, to chest-clenching anxiety, to unbridled panic, to wrenching heartbreak, Brynn’s whole emotional journey is powerfully told through Dever’s near-wordless performance, and it’s arresting in every moment.

There’s a lot to love about No One Will Save You simply as a scary movie, but it also does wonders with heavy themes.

Brynn is a character with a level of mystery maintained around her, but her innocent hobbies and sweet disposition make her lovable – and that makes for a perfect setup when No One Will Save You introduces aliens into the story. The film opts to not do anything too fancy in the design department, going with the aforementioned classic “grey” look, but their familiar appearance is paired with seriously scary abilities and technology that keep every moment of the journey intense. Just when you think the movie has thrown its wildest idea at you, it one-ups itself in both creativity and terror with paralyzing beams of light and hallucination-inducing parasites. It’s a shame that this is going straight to Hulu and not getting the opportunity to thrill audiences in theaters, as it’s a film that elicits big reactions, but it’s still a terrific experience watched at night in a dark living room.

It’s a perfect fit for spooky season viewing, but like the best examples of the horror genre, No One Will Save You sports real depth that keeps you thinking about it days after you watch. Without giving too much away, the experience the film’s protagonist has evading extraterrestrials has deep parallels to the recovery from grief – and it’s all capped with a terrific, unexpected but still fitting ending.

It’s because of movies like No One Will Save You that the horror genre is presently experiencing a boom, with the film joining an exciting roster of original titles from the last year including Barbarian, Smile, M3GAN and Talk To Me. Even if it ends up being buried like far too many streaming releases, it’s a movie that is destined to at the very least gain a cult following – but it deserves to be a hit, and is a must to be added to your Halloween 2023 watch list.

Two of my favorite premises in horror movies, aliens & home invasions, are about to come together like chocolate and peanut butter in the upcoming flick No One Will Save You. These fearsome scenarios are skillfully intertwined as actress Kaitlyn Dever takes on the daunting task of defending herself against relentless extraterrestrial intruders. In a recent interview, the film's director praised the Justified alum’s performance, and based on the terrifying trailer, it’s shaping up to be one of the most terrifying cinematic experiences of the 2023 movie schedule. 

Brian Duffield sat down to chat with ComicBook.com, praising the film's star and her exceptional dedication to her role. When asked about his top priorities while bringing this chilling story to life, the filmmaker’s admiration for the Booksmart star was unmistakable. He said:

But what truly stood out to the Underwater writer was Dever's physical commitment to the role, something she hadn't encountered before. Duffield explained:

Clearly, Dever relished the opportunity to engage in “Tom-Cruising” it. Turning Tom Cruise’s ridiculous stunt antics into a verb is the best, and I’m here for it. 

No One Will Save You finds Kaitlyn Dever's character, Brynn, seemingly tucked away in a serene and remote setting. But as the recently dropped trailer from 20th Century Studios reveals, this tranquility is short-lived when those enigmatic extraterrestrials make their dramatic entrance, plunging everything into absolute chaos as they relentlessly chase their quarry. It's hard not to draw parallels with another streaming sensation, the critically acclaimed Predator prequel, Prey, and it's safe to say we're in for a spiritual successor that's poised to keep us on the edge of our seats.

Early critical response to the upcoming horror movie–which will be available to stream with a Hulu subscription–has been overwhelmingly positive. 

As No One Will Save You gears up for its release on Friday, September 22, you'll have ample time to dive into this chilling flick and experience Kaitlyn Dever’s powerhouse performance before Halloween if it sounds like it will strike your fancy. And while you're browsing, don't forget to explore the array of other exciting content coming soon to Hulu.

October is nearly here, and that means that theaters have already begun offering some spooky options for its thrill-seeking, Halloween-loving audiences. That doesn’t mean you can’t experience the scares from the (dis)comfort of your own home, though. In fact, that’s probably the perfect setting for Hulu’s No One Will Save You, as it combines home invasion with alien invasion. Critics have had the chance to see the upcoming horror movie before it becomes available to those with a Hulu subscription on September 22, and it sounds like a promising option, despite its bleak title.

No One Will Save You stars Kaitlyn Dever — known for popular series like Justified, Last Man Standing and Dopesick — as Brynn Adams, who lives in solitude when she apparently gets the visit from some unwelcome extraterrestrial guests. Many of those who saw an early screening of the upcoming Hulu movie say the less you know about No One Will Save You going in, the better, so we’ll be sure to keep it spoiler-free as we take a look the first reactions. CinemaBlend's Eric Eisenberg calls Dever "phenomenal," tweeting:

Ethan Anderton of SlashFilm calls the movie not just one of the scariest offerings of the season but one of the best movies of the year overall, writing on X:

This is director Brian Suffield’s second directorial effort, following the 2020 dark comedy-horror Spontaneous, and Perri Nemiroff of Collider tweets that this is another winner. Kaitlyn Dever, as well, earns praise for an “especially demanding role. 

Brian Davids of THR agrees that Brian Duffield and Kaitlyn Dever both deliver, with themes that go even deeper than its alien- and home-invasion stories, tweeting: 

Peter Atencio is one of several who recommend that viewers turn the volume way up for No One Will Save You to ensure the best home viewing experience. Atencio writes: 

Josh Weiss calls the movie a “one-woman War of the Worlds,” and like many others, he praises the star, saying that Kaitlyn Dever has contributed to a movie we’ll be talking about for years to come. Weiss says: 

Drew Taylor of The Wrap is in agreement with his fellow critics and says don't wait until Halloween to catch this one. In fact, Taylor suggests watching as soon as it's released, and then going back for a repeat viewing. In his words:

Those who saw an early screening of No One Will Save You seem pretty enthused about the Hulu horror, and with a release date of Friday, September 22, you’ll have plenty of time to check this one out before Halloween, if it sounds like something you might enjoy from the streamer. While you’re there, be sure to check out everything else that’s new and coming soon to Hulu.

Two of the most tense scenarios any thriller can hang its proverbial hat on are alien abductions and home invasions. In the upcoming movie No One Will Save You is about to sandwich those fears together, with The Walking Dead vet Kaitlin Dever fighting off those extraterrestrials trying to get her. Judging by what we’ve seen in the newly released trailer, it could be one of the scariest movies of 2023. 

Writer/director Brian Duffield’s picture sees Dever’s character Brynn, isolated in what looks like an idyllic, out of the way location. That is, until the E.T.s in question show up in 20th Century Studios’ trailer, throwing everything into chaos as they pursue their target. Already this is looking like it's partially a spiritual successor to another streaming exclusive hit: the critically acclaimed Predator prequel, Prey.

As if that’s not enough, the synopsis to this original film available with a Hulu subscription makes special note of how these visitors “threaten her future while forcing her to deal with her past.” So there's more trauma than meets the eye in this wild looking adventure, and that's saying something based on what you can see above.

Now obviously we’re not getting a lot of peeks at the beasties central to No One Will Save You. Come to think of it, it’s not apparent whether there’s more than one, or if this is a 1v1 match between Kaitlyn Dever and her would-be attacker.

All that can be assumed at this point is that whatever is stalking the Last Man Standing cast member, it’s resorting to some interesting strategies in its side of the game. Overturning a mail truck is certainly a strong message to send people you’re trying to strand, and possibly kill. So is distorting broadcast signals, and playing with the electricity that runs throughout your prey’s living area.

However, taking over some of the only other humans in the area Kaitlyn Dever is trying to escape is quite ingenious. Not to mention, it looks like that possession was achieved during yoga hour, and I’m now frightened of that very exercise practice just a little more.

One of the greatest compliments I can pay No One Will Save You, based on its trailer and pedigree alone, is that it mixes two different things I happen to enjoy. As it presents a 10 Cloverfield Lane style vibe from the same writer/director who gave us the vastly underrated comedy Spontaneous, those two halves mix quite well for me.

That is especially true when, again, being reminded of the fact that this alien creature’s reveal looks to be one of the biggest thrills to look forward to. Taking a page from the Cloverfield mystery box marketing strategy, that's a tease that can play for as long or as short as you want. Which is good for those of you who are a bit more impatient, as we'll only have to wait until No One Will Save You debuts on September 22nd to find out!

As one of the many exclusive titles that make up what’s new on Hulu, you'll definitely  want to watch the skies when it comes to what’s currently on the platform, and what’s being added in the coming months. You never know what could be lurking on the horizon.

Among the fun things you need to know about Beanie Feldstein is the fact that she loves summer camp. She loves it so much that when she and her partner, producer Bonnie Chance-Roberts, celebrated their wedding, they did it in the most unique and nostalgic way. The couple hosted a camp-themed extravaganza in the picturesque Hudson Valley, immersing their guests in a whimsical and sentimental atmosphere. The star-studded event featured Hollywood pals like Kaitlyn Dever, Sarah Paulson, Ben Platt and many more, making it a truly memorable occasion. But, just wait until you see her gorgeous dress!

Sharing the joyous news on social media, the Booksmart star took to Instagram to give us a sneak peek of her enchanting wedding gown. The photo showcases her in a mesmerizing Gucci creation that flawlessly merges vintage charm with a modern twist. It's a dress that exudes both modesty and sensuality, capturing the essence of her personal style. Feast your eyes on this breathtaking masterpiece below:

The wedding ceremony itself was an intimate affair held at a picturesque location, attended by close friends and family. Among the guests was the talented actress Sarah Paulson, who starred alongside Feldstein in the critically acclaimed third season of Ryan Murphy’s series Impeachment: American Crime Story. The couple's decision to keep the event private showcased the depth of their bond and the love they share with each other as well as their friends and family.

Also in attendance was Kaitlyn Dever, who, with the Lady Bird actress, captivated audiences with their portrayal of best friends in the beloved coming-of-age comedy Booksmart. The two have cultivated a genuine connection that continues to flourish. In a heartwarming Instagram post, The Last Man Standing star shared a glimpse of the ceremony, expressing her joy for the newlyweds with a simple and heartfelt message: "B&B are married. ❤️" Get a glimpse of the joyous occasion below:

As news of the wedding spread like wildfire, fans and A-list well-wishers from Hollywood took to social media to shower the newlyweds with congratulatory messages. Natasha Lyonne, the star of Peacock's hit series Poker Face, expressed her admiration for the couple. In a comment, she couldn't help but share her heartfelt support for the pair’s union, writing:

Someone who knows a thing or two about fashion, Queer Eye’s Tan France, had nothing but praise for the Neighbor’s 2 performer’s wedding look. He commented: 

But the best reaction came from the charming Bridgerton actor, Thomas Flynn. Overwhelmed by his fellow actor’s elegance, he playfully revealed that most people were left speechless, only able to let out gasps of amazement in response to her breathtaking appearance. He said:

Among the heartfelt comments, one that stood out as particularly meaningful came from none other than the mother of the How to Build a Girl star herself. Sharon Feldstein proudly showed her support for her daughter on this momentous day, making it clear that her admiration was not mere parental pride. In a comment filled with love, she declared:

This milestone marks a new chapter in Feldstein and Chance-Robert's relationship. The heartfelt comments from these notable figures in the entertainment industry reflect the collective awe and joy surrounding their wedding, making it clear that it was a special day that was truly one for the books.

A big congratulations to Beanie Feldstein and Bonnie Chance-Roberts from the entire CinemaBlend team! For fans eager to witness the actress's brilliant portrayal of Monica Lewinsky in Impeachment: American Crime Story, all it takes is a Hulu subscription. Or, if you're looking for another fantastic performance from her, you can stream Booksmart with a Peacock plan. 

Since the early days of its second season, ABC’s The Goldbergs has provided a professional home for star Sam Lerner, whose Geoff Schwartz has been a fan favorite for much of that stretch. As such, it only makes sense that his longtime sitcom co-stars were quick to reach out after he shared the news that his uncle Michael Lerner, Hollywood icon known for works such as Elf, and Barton Fink, passed away over the weekend. 

Sam Lerner took to Instagram to share a loving and kindhearted message about his talented uncle, while also showing off plenty of picture’s from the actor’s career. Here’s what he had to say about Michael Lerner’s passing:

Quite a loving and honor-driven post from the Monster House voice actor, and it's clear there was a lot of love going around this particular sector of the Lerner family tree. And it's clear that the Eight Men Out star had a big influence on his nephew's career goals. Considering the older actor's first handful of years getting regular Hollywood gigs had him on memorable shows such as The Brady Bunch, That Girl and The Doris Day Show, only to go on and land nearly 200 other roles throughout the industry. (Though never on The Goldbergs, unfortunately.) 

Quite a few of Sam Lerner's co-stars, friends and followers reached out with condolence-filled messages following his reveal. One actor who rushed to share his feelings was The Flash soon-to-exit star Grant Gustin, who said the following:

To be expected, several of Sam Lerner's co-stars from The Goldbergs also reacted to his sad news on social, such as the '80s family matriarch Wendi McLendon Covey, fellow student portrayer Alex Jennings, and the actor's TV mom Mindy Sterling. Their comments can be read below. 

• Alex Jennings: Oh man, so so sorry Sam. Sending love to you and the whole fam. ❤️
• Wendi McLendon Covey: I'm so sorry! Sending love to you and your family.
• Mindy Sterling: Sam I know it’s tough I also no how proud you were of him. Sending love to you and your family and especially your dad❤️

Beyond his own Goldbergs co-stars, Sam Lerner also got some love from some former ABC sitcom stars such as Last Man Standing vets Kaitlyn Dever and Molly McCook. 

• Kaitlyn Dever: ❤️
• Molly McCook: So sorry, Sam. ♥️♥️♥️ sending love

Fear the Walking Dead alum Alycia Debnam-Carter shared a heart emoji in response to Sam Lerner's news, while Flight Attendant and Glee vet Nolan Funk expressed how sorry he was to hear the news. Fans can check out the bulk of the photos that Sam Lerner shared on his Instgram post, while also going through the comments to read all the kind words for the actor.

The Hollywood icon's death clearly serves as a major blow to Lerner, who is already dealing with having to say farewell to the biggest TV gig he's landed so far when The Goldbergs ends with Season 10's conclusion. The show wrapping up at ABC was partially expected in the aftermath of Jeff Garlin's exit in Season 9, with the tenth season itself being something of a surprise when it was ordered. 

Have you seen Ticket To Paradise yet? Well, if you have, you know it’s a lot of fun, and part of the reason why it’s so much fun is because the chemistry is great between everyone involved. Julia Roberts and George Clooney are quite obviously having the best time together, but that natural affinity also extends to the rest of the cast. It’s particularly clear when Kaitlyn Dever and Billie Lourd bounce off one. There’s an obvious spark, which makes sense given they’re really close in real life.

It turns out when Kaitlyn Dever agreed to play Lily, the daughter of Roberts and Clooney’s feuding exs, she was asked by the director who she’d like to play her best friend in the movie. She picked Billie Lourd, and the two had the best time hanging out while shooting the movie in paradise. Luckily for fans, they also kept a video diary on set, which was turned into a featurette called Keep A Straight Face for the upcoming home entertainment release (digital on 12/9 and Blu-ray on 12/13). You can check out an exclusive clip from that featurette below…

The great thing about shooting a movie with your friend is that you always have a friend. Kaitlyn Dever says that during the featurette and it’s such a simple yet obvious truth. It’s clear the two had an absolute blast both while they were on set and during their downtime, of which there is a lot on movie sets. Fortunately, that time passes a lot more quickly when you have a buddy who wants to do things like record Fleetwood Mac covers and go swimming.

Now, just because everyone likes each other doesn’t inherently mean the end product is going to work. Fortunately for Dever, Lourd, Clooney, Roberts and everyone else involved with the infectious chemistry, the end result here is a good time. It might not be Pretty Woman, but it’s a fun spin on a romantic comedy with several exciting B-plots that work in really strong acting all around. If you like the genre, you’ll like this for sure, which is why it’s running at an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Thankfully, if are you down, you don’t have to wait long to pick up a home entertainment copy. The digital release is out today, and you’ll be able to pick up the physical copy on Tuesday. You can do that and in the spirit of this featurette, perhaps go watch it with your own best friend. 

Ah, love is in the air! Ben Platt announced on Friday that he’s engaged to his boyfriend of over two years, fellow actor Noah Galvin. And they have a mutual friend in Kaitlyn Dever, who starred alongside both Platt and Galvin in big-screen productions. With that, the actress shared her major excitement over the engagement in a sweet way.

This is an adorable pairing, considering Ben Platt and Noah Galvin apparently met when Galvin took over Ben Platt's iconic leading Broadway role in Dear Evan Hansen in 2017. The talented couple became friends before falling in love. Upon Platt sharing that Galvin “agreed to hang out forever,” Dever took to Instagram to swoon over the engagement photos:

Dever was nearly speechless, as she shared the photos of her two good friends sharing a sweet moment together upon becoming engaged. She wrote “I …just” as she hyped up the couple’s milestone. The Ticket To Paradise actress also posted Galvin’s engagement announcement from Instagram as well, saying “I love you congratulations” to the happy couple. 

There’s something special about seeing your friends fall in love and then decide to get married. Kaitlyn Dever worked with Noah Galvin on Olivia Wilde’s 2019 directorial debut, Booksmart. In the acclaimed comedy, Galvin played the role of a student named George. When CinemaBlend spoke to Dever during Rosaline interviews, the actress even gave Galvin’s character a shoutout, saying she’d love to see a spinoff starring Galvin's character in particular.

Following the high school romp, Dever was cast as Platt’s co-star a year later, playing Zoe Murphy to his Evan Hansen, who Platt originated and played on the Broadway stage for several years. Unfortunately, the Dear Evan Hansen movie was not wel received by most critics, and Platt got a lot of internet hate. Many claimed that the then-27-year-old star was too old to play the high schooler.  

Ben Platt recently reflected on the movie being a “disappointing experience” due to that aspect of the reception, but otherwise has focused on the audiences who found the movie moving and “really felt seen by it.” CinemaBlend’s own Dear Evan Hansen review awarded the movie a 3.5 out of 5, calling it a “solid movie musical with some gorgeous performances.” If you’ve yet to catch the 2021 musical adaptation, it can be streamed with an HBO subscription. 

As Ben Platt and Noah Galvin get ready to tie the knot, the couple are set to star in a movie together called Theater Camp, which the couple has already filmed. The comedy was co-written by Galvin and follows the staff of a rundown theater camp in upstate New York. They must band together with the son of the founder, who falls into a coma right before the summer season. I'm exciting to see the two work together and, like Kaitlyn Dever, I'm pumped for their upcoming nuptials!

When the 2019 comedy Booksmart came around, several people involved at the top levels were still getting their feet wet in terms of storytelling, filmmaking, and appealing to a broader audience. It marked the directorial debut of actress Olivia Wilde, and her two lead actors – Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein – were graduating to leading roles after entertaining in ensembles. It was a learning experience for everyone involved (though based on the recent drama regarding Don’t Worry Darling, Wilde might have needed different lessons). And now that Dever is moving on to Ticket to Paradise, we wondered what she took away from her Wilde collaboration, and how it still applies to her current work.

In the new movie Ticket to Paradise, Kaitlyn Dever plays the grown daughter of Julia Roberts and George Clooney. That’s some DNA! And while Dever cut her teeth on the extremely successful sitcom Last Man Standing opposite Tim Allen, her work on Booksmart propelled her into the broader spotlight of movie stardom, and set her up for the opportunity to play in the same comedic sandbox as Roberts and Clooney. So when Dever sat down with CinemaBlend’s ReelBlend podcast, she opened up about what Olivia Wilde taught her with regards to running a set, and being open to ideas. Dever told us:

As Kaitlyn Dever goes on to explain, this wasn’t as easy as one might imagine, because more than half of that movie was filmed in the evening, leading to long nights of shooting and an unusual schedule for the cast and crew. But she says even at 3 am, the cast was still having the best time filming. As Dever went on to explain:

It sounds like Kaitlyn Dever had a much better collaboration with Olivia Wilde on Booksmart than Black Widow star Florence Pugh did making the drama-thriller Don’t Worry Darling, which spurred all sorts of rumors following production and clouded the movie’s release (especially the world premiere in Venice). The director has come out and said that she remains proud of Don’t Worry Darling, just like Kaitlyn Dever is proud of the way that Booksmart turned out. 

If you want to see what Dever has been getting up to recently, grab a ticket to Ticket to Paradise, and enjoy a vacation with George, Julia, and Kaitlyn. 

The cast of ‘Rosaline,' including Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Kyle Allen, Sean Teale, and Minnie Driver are joined by Director Karen Maine to discuss Hulu’s hilarious twist on ‘Romeo & Juliet.’ Watch as they discuss their favorite recreated scenes and characters, past works like ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Will and Grace,’ and future projects like Sony’s 'Madame Web.'

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro / Romeo x Dario Tease
00:18 - Isabela Merced and Kyle Allen On Their Favorite Changes Made To The Starcrossed Lovers
01:31 - ‘Rosaline’s' Director On What Drew Her To This Project
02:44 - The ‘Rosaline’ Cast On Their Favorite Scenes To Put A ‘Twist’ On
05:21 - Director Karen Maine On Adapting Modern Songs With A Renaissance Twist For The Score
06:30 - Kaitlyn Dever and Sean Teale Have Spinoff Ideas For ‘Booksmart’
07:55 - Minnie Driver On Roles She’d Like To Revisit (Including ‘Will & Grace’)
08:49 - Isabela Merced Has An Unexpected Favorite ‘Rosaline’ Character
09:02 - Kyle Allen And Sean Teale Want To See A Romeo x Dario Love Story
10:18 - How Isabela Merced Feels About Starring In ‘Madame Web’ In The Sony Spiderverse

One of the best comedies in recent memory was Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart. The coming-of-age movie is about two best friends (played by Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) who’ve been too busy studying throughout high school to party, but decide to finally go for it right before graduation. Although Wilde recently pursued a completely different film in the drama-filled thriller, Don’t Worry Darling, could a sequel or spinoff happen at some point?  

We’d love to see it. And it came up in CinemaBlend’s recent conversation with Kaitlyn Dever for one of her latest movies, Rosaline. Since the comedy places a Shakespeare side character, Romeo’s ex, at the forefront, I asked the actress if there was a supporting character from one of her other movies she’d like to see get the spotlight. Obviously things went to Booksmart immediately. In her words: 

If you need some refreshing on her answer, Noah Galvin played George, a theater kid who is somewhat of the school’s resident mean queen in Booksmart. He stole so many of the scenes of in the 2019 movie, such as bragging about living in Barcelona, doing karaoke to Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” hosting his extravagant murder mystery party or bantering with Beanie Feldstein’s Molly. 

Like many of us, my own favorite supporting character in Booksmart is Gigi, marvelously played by the late Carrie Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd. When I threw that idea out there, Kaitlyn Dever said this:

In other words, we just need another Booksmart, right? It would certainly be fun to see the comedy continue from another character’s perspective and both of those are inspired choices. Booksmart might go down in history as one of the best women-led buddy comedies, can we get more of the hilarity Olivia Wilde crafted... please? 

Dever seemed up for it on the heels of starring in Rosaline, which is now available to stream with a Hulu subscription. The movie based on Romeo and Juliet is filled with twists on the original tragedy and stars Minnie Driver, Kyle Allen, Sean Teale and Isabela Merced. The movie received positive praise from critics and audiences overall – check out our Rosaline review. 

Booksmart ends with Dever and Feldstein’s characters having to go separate ways for the summer to follow their respective dreams after high school. Maybe there could be some high school reunion party while their in college or a few years down the road that could be explored? Either way, that movie is an absolute gem, I’m turning it on immediately. 

Alexandra Daddario, Kaitlyn Dever, and Kiernan Shipka are three stunning women who are rising stars in Hollywood. While this is a trio I had never thought of, when I saw they posed for a photo together at an event it immediately made me realize we need a project with these three powerhouses at the front of it. Who knows, maybe another remake of Charlie’s Angels? I think that would be pretty epic. 

The three were all in attendance at a Giambattista Valli event. They were dressed to the nines in gorgeous dresses, and in Dever’s case, a stunning two-piece set. Luckily we all got an inside look at the event, and the actresses meet up via Daddario’s Instagram. Check out the epic photo for yourself here:  

The White Lotus star kept it simple in the caption, just writing that she had “dinner with cool people.” She’s right, cool people indeed. Now I need them to do a project together! I could totally see the trio following in the shows of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu in a new iteration of Charlie’s Angels. Daddario, Shipka, and Dever have all shown off their versatility as actresses through their wide range of projects, and to see them all team up in an epic action movie would be incredible. 

While the actresses have been working consistently since they were very young, all three have recently taken on projects that have made them even more well-known. All three actresses have appeared in revered shows in recent years that have big followings and are critically acclaimed. 

Shipka played Sally Draper on Mad Men when she was really young, and then she went on to lead the cast of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina for 4 Seasons on Netflix as the title character. 

As for Dever and Daddario, they both starred in two shows that were the talk of the TV schedule when they came out. Both shows also made it onto the 2022 Emmy winner list. Daddario was part of the incredible ensemble cast of The White Lotus (which can be watched with an HBO Max subscription). While Dever joined Michael Keaton and Peter Sarsgaard, among others, in the cast of Dopesick (which can be watched with a Hulu subscription.) 

Dever is also in the midst of a massive fall, as she has two movies on the 2022 movie schedule. Earlier in October, she starred as the title character in Rosaline, a silly satire of Romeo and Juliet told from the perspective of Romeo’s ex, on Hulu. She’s also starring alongside Hollywood legends George Clooney and Julia Roberts in their rom-com Ticket to Paradise which hits theaters on October 21. 

With this trio of actresses really breaking big in the last few years on their own, seeing them together was super empowering. They’ve all proven their abilities to be fantastic dramatic and comedic actors, now what we really need is for them to team up to create an epic ensemble, and I think Charlie’s Angels would be a perfect fit for that. 

SPOILERS are ahead for Rosaline, now streaming with a Hulu subscription. 

Over the years there have been many romantic comedies based off the works of William Shakespeare that we know and love, between 10 Things I Hate About You, She’s The Man or yes, Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio. And yet, Hollywood will always come back for more and does with Hulu release, Rosaline, a spinoff of Romeo and Juliet from the perspective of Romeo’s ex. But Kyle Allen’s own spinoff idea for the famed play is inspired. 

When CinemaBlend spoke to the Rosaline actor who plays Romeo in this new version of the story, Kyle Allen shared that while on set he formulated an alternative idea for the iconic romance. In his words: 

It’s been over 400 years since Romeo and Juliet has been around, and yet, it remains a straight love story. In Rosaline, Kyle Allen plays a Romeo who falls fast in love with everyone and he’d have liked to see him have a queer romance with Sean Teale’s Dario. Teale was into the idea too, saying this: 

It sounds like Kyle Allen and Sean Teale really hit it off on set and had some palpable chemistry in real life, spawning this original idea for a Romeo and Juliet spinoff. And hey, if two men in the olden days fell in love it might be quite similar to the story of Romeo and Juliet, because it would not have been readily accepted by their two families and may have even ended in tragedy.

The classic story of starcrossed lovers itself feels primed to get a queer retelling, through we’d certainly prefer it to be an LGBTQ+ romantic comedy so it gets a happy ending. In the old days, when these plays were performed by all male casts, so Romeo and Juliet was often two men falling in love under those fancy costumes.

By the end of Rosaline, the spin on the classic play sees Romeo and Juliet faking their deaths and riding off to the sunset only to realize they might not have much in common, while Rosaline gets a happy ending in finding Dario. If only Rosaline made Romeo a bisexual character, because it’d totally make sense, but either way Kyle Allen has a fab idea to twist around the Shakespearean tale.

Kyle Allen has been no stranger to romances as of late, also starring with Joey King in The In-Between earlier this year along with The Map of Tiny Perfect Things and in another Romeo and Juliet adaptation, Spielberg’s West Side Story. You can check out CinemaBlend’s review of Rosaline and stream it on Hulu.

The stories of William Shakespeare have been passed down for hundred of years, with one of the most popular titles being Romeo and Juliet. That story has been adapted for film in a variety of ways, but we're getting a fun new take on it with the upcoming Hulu romantic-comedy Rosaline. Starring actress Kaitlyn Dever, the first trailer for Rosaline offers a raucous modern take on that Shakespeare classic.

As you can see in the trailer above, Rosaline features Kaitlyn Dever in the title role. She's an unseen character in Romeo and Juliet, and his Juliet's cousin and Romeo's ex. And the upcoming rom-com will follow her perspective throughout the events of The Bard's most iconic work. Although it'll be done with modern dialogue rather than iambic pentameter. 

This trailer for Rosaline (which has been in the works for years) opens on one of the most beloved scenes from Romeo and Juliet: the balcony scene. And while the young lovers kiss, we soon see that there's a witness: Kaitlyn Dever's character. And she's not happy about seeing her ex-boyfriend and cousin smooching at the Capulet place. What's a young maiden to do, besides meddle a bit?

From there we get to watch as the schemes and misadventures follow Rosaline as she attempt to intervene in the blossoming romance between the ill-fated Romeo and Juliet. Although given how we know the story ends, her sabotage was probably the best possibly outcome for Shakespeare's young lovers.

Set to the tune of "I Love It" by Icona Pop, Rosaline's trailer sets up the various characters at play, featuring some familiar faces. Minnie Driver will play The Nurse, who was Juliet's confidante in the play. Bradley Whitford also has a role as Friar Laurence, although he's noticeably missing from this first footage. Dora and the Lost City of Gold's Isabela Mercod is featured as Juliet, and will seemingly share a ton of scenes with Dever throughout the rom-com's runtime. Although there are some hoping to see the Last Man Standing actress join the MCU in the future.

As previously mentioned, it's immediately noticeable that the characters of Rosaline are using contemporary dialogue, despite the upcoming movie being a period piece. This is a choice that's been done before, resulting in some criticism for Dakota Johnson's recent Netflix movie Persuasion. We'll just have to wait and see if the public responds to the same way to Kaitlyn Dever's latest romantic role, which follows her starring role in Dear Evan Hansen.

The story of Romeo and Juliet has been adapted for film a number of time throughout the years, in both film and TV. Perhaps the most notable are the 1968 movie by Franco Zeffirelli and Baz Luhrmann's hugely successful 1996 flick starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. A 2017 ABC series Still Star-Crossed picked up immediately after the events of Shakespeare's play, and starred Lashana Lynch as Rosaline Capulet. 

Rosaline is expected to arrive on Hulu October 14th, 2022. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

While George Clooney and Julia Roberts haven’t acted together since 2016’s thriller Money Monster, their performances as the divorced Danny and Tess in the cast of the  Ocean’s Eleven movies made them an iconic pair. Huge stars in their own right both before and after those films, putting them together is a formula that works like a charm. So leave it to Clooney and Roberts’ reunion in the upcoming movie Ticket to Paradise to prove that rom-coms with A-listers are back, baby!

Once again playing a divorced couple who love to stand firmly on the opposing side of matters, the characters of Clooney's David and Roberts’ Georgia find the time and energy to unite in Ticket to Paradise's big mission. As seen in the trailer recently released by Universal, that common cause is to make sure that their daughter (Last Man Standing’s Kaitlyn Dever) doesn’t make the same mistake of marrying young. 

Based on the bickering their characters engage in, you can see why Ticket to Paradise’s central couple is doing what they’re doing. Of course, that’s where the pure rom-com hijinks start to kick in. As George Clooney and Julia Roberts trade barbs together just as well as they scheme, all sorts of craziness ensues. And, of course, there's the potential for these two crazed parents to fall in love all over again. Which is totally a move that even the best rom-coms of all time have frequently borrowed.

If there’s one moment that Ticket to Paradise shows George Clooney and Julia Roberts’ re-teaming is absolute comfort viewing, it has to be the opening of the trailer. As David and Georgia react with mutual horror that they’re both on the same flight, the fast paced barbs and insults start to fly. The energy, and the cattiness, is reminiscent of one iconic scene from Ocean’s Eleven, which only proves that the Clooney/Roberts team is in its element: 

George Clooney isn’t only reuniting with Julia Roberts on director/co-writer Ol Parker’s film, but Ticket to Paradise is also Clooney’s first rom-com in years. The same goes for his co-lead, as Roberts stopped making rom-coms because they didn't have special something. Clearly there's magic in the air, as both stars look to be enjoying themselves, which opens up audiences to the possibility that Ticket to Paradise might just give them those same blissful feelings. 

You can buy your Ticket to Paradise, pack your bags, and leave for your local theater on October 21st. Should your heart be fluttering with the sight of a Clooney/Roberts rom-com in view, it’s highly recommended that you become an HBO Max subscriber. All three Ocean’s Trilogy films are available there at the time of this writing, and you can’t go wrong with those classics.

At only 25, Kaitlyn Dever has covered almost all of the bases a performer can in the decade or so that she has been acting professionally. Her filmography is filled with comedies like the hit, long-running sitcom Last Man Standing, crime thrillers like Justified, fact-based dramas like the Netflix exclusive limited series Unbelievable, horror TV shows like Hulu’s Monsterland, and now, with Dear Evan Hansen, even musicals. 

The one major box she currently has left unchecked is superhero movies, despite some fans already being hard at work to figure out who she could play in the Marvel movies one day. We had the same idea in mind, which is how we came up with this list of comic book characters Kaitlyn Dever seems like the right choice for, including one that could lead to a reunion with her Booksmart director.

Gwen Stacy 

In 2019, Olivia Wilde made her feature-length directorial debut with the delightful coming-of-age comedy Booksmart, starring Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein as soon-to-be graduates looking to have the night of debauchery they never got to have in high school. The following year, Wilde’s follow-up was announced as a Spider-Woman movie with Sony, but without any confirmation of which iteration of the female webslinger the film will focus on. Most people’s money is on Jessica Drew, but I have another cool idea in mind.

To be honest, I am not 100% convinced that Kaitlyn Dever is right for Jessica Drew, but I do think she could be a wonderful Gwen Stacy, whose tenure as Spider-Woman has yet to be adapted for live-action. For the sake of giving Wilde and Dever an opportunity for their second collaboration, I think the teenage superhero’s story should be the focus of her own Marvel movie. Some blonde hair dye is all the preparation the actress would need.

Black Cat

On second thought, a live-action comic movie about Jessica Drew is probably more likely to happen than a live-action Gwen Stacy movie at the moment. Nevertheless, that does not mean that Kaitlyn Dever could not be a part of Wilde’s Spider-Woman movie in some way. In fact, I have another great character in mind for the actress that would only require a different shade of blonde hair dye.

One of Jessica’s most trusted allies is Felicia Hardy, otherwise known as Marvel’s answer to Catwoman, Black Cat. While the platinum blonde anti-hero (noted for her affection for Peter Parker) was once adapted for live action and portrayed by Oscar nominee Felicity Jones in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, she never got to officially debut as her felinesque, femme fatale alter ego. I would say that Dever definitely has the right mix of class and spunk to make comic book fans’ dreams come true and finally bring Black Cat to the big screen in her proper form.

Kitty Pryde 

Speaking of having a good mix of class and spunk, there are few different members of the X-Men who famously fall under that description. One such young mutant is Shadowcat, otherwise known by her birth name, Katherine Pryde, or her more casual nickname “Kitty.” The inspiration for her crime fighting alias is her ability to phase through solid objects, but she can also communicate with others telepathically, as well as resist telepathic manipulation.

The character was previously portrayed by Academy Award nominee Elliot Page in X-Men: The Last Stand from 2006 and 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, but for whenever Kevin Feige and co. begin casting their inevitable X-Men movies reboot for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I would recommend Kaitlyn Dever. I am actually not the first person to make this suggestion as fans have noticed that she already has the right look and, of course, the versatile acting talent to be the next Kitty Pryde. She would not even need to make any alterations to her hair.

Hope Summers

Kitty Pryde is not the only mutant from the X-Men comics whom Marvel fans have campaigned for Kaitlyn Dever to play in a movie (or even a TV show, perhaps). Said character (who has gone by all kinds of different aliases, from Exploding Girl to Antichrist) is really named Hope Summers, which is a last name comic book experts will likely recognize. That is because she is the adoptive daughter of Cable - the partially cybernetic time traveler from Deadpool 2 played by Josh Brolin, who is also the son of Scott “Cyclops” Summers.

Hope actually made her cinematic debut in the 2018, Ryan Reynolds-led sequel (as played by Islie Hirvonen) in a flash-forward to Cable’s timeline. However, that brief cameo did not give us a chance to see her demonstrate her ability of power manipulation - which means that she can literally do anything that any other mutant can, making her a perfect match for any formidable foe. Plus, since we know that Cable was able to prevent her murder in the Deadpool 2 ending, that is proof that she already exists in the cinematic Marvel Multiverse and it is only a matter of time before Kaitlyn Dever can step in.

Aurora

In the event that Kaitlyn Dever does get cast in the MCU, it would not be the first time she has worked with a Marvel star, such as Anthony Mackie in Detroit, Hugh Jackman in The Front Runner, and Tye Sheridan in All Summers End. She has also acted alongside Academy Award winner Brie Larson (who made her debut as Carol Danvers in 2019’s Captain Marvel) in The Spectacular Now and in Short Term 12 - both of which were released in 2013. I have an idea for how the actresses could collaborate a third time, in a Marvel movie.

Carol Danvers is a founding member and one-time commander of the space program called Alpha Flight, which is a branch of the Canadian superhero team of the same name. A founding member of both of these organizations is Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, who is also known as Aurora - the name of her more boisterous, but heroic, split personality. I would love to see how Kaitlyn Dever would approach playing both of these personas in a future Captain Marvel movie.

Now, if the role was still up for grabs, I actually think that Kaitlyn Dever would have also been a great fit for the DC movies as Barbara Gordon, before Leslie Grace was cast as the lead in the Batgirl movie. However, if you believe the MCU is the rightful place for the actress to make her comic book movie debut, which character do you think is the best fit?

Film adaptations of musicals have certainly taken off in the past few years, such as Hamilton last year and In The Heights this summer. Now we’re going to see a movie adaption of the smash hit musical Dear Evan Hansen, which won several Tony Awards and will continue its Broadway run after it resumes production after the Covid-19 delay. Evan Hansen, a high school student with Social Anxiety Disorder, has a therapeutic self-intended letter stolen by a classmate named Connor Murphy, who later dies by suicide. Connor's family mistakes the letter as a letter sent to Evan by Connor. Evan then inserts himself into the boy's past, leading to a series of lies and confrontational events.

Ben Platt portrayed the original Evan Hansen in the show’s Broadway run, and he reprises his role for the movie musical (a decision that led to some controversy). The movie musical was directed by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and also features Amy Adams, Kaitlyn Dever, Julianne Moore, Amandla Stenberg, Nik Dodani, Danny Pino, and Colton Ryan. Dear Evan Hansen will premiere in theaters on September 24, but critics have started to share their official reviews, so let's check them out.

Let’s start with the home team. CinemaBlend’s Corey Chichizola enjoyed Dear Evan Hansen, especially Ben Platt’s return to the titular role. Platt won a Tony Award for originating Evan Hansen on Broadway, and Chichizola argued that the actor killed it this time around, too. He also noted that this film iteration allows for viewers to see even more details in the actor’s face, which helps to immerse us in his journey. He also really enjoyed the performances from the supporting cast members, though he noted that some of them were underused, which is a result of the musical having to be condensed into a shorter runtime. Overall, here’s what he said:

Steve Pond from The Wrap also commended Platt’s star quality as Evan Hansen, but he also praised the other characters like Stenberg, Dever, Adams, and Moore. While Pond noted that the narrative is a little too messy at times and that it could have gone with a more nuanced approach to addressing mental health issues, he argued that you will still enjoy the movie musical overall, saying:

Michael Rechtshaffen from The Hollywood Reporter had a somewhat mixed opinion of the drama. He really enjoyed the acting from the main characters (definitely sensing a pattern in these reviews) and the beautiful moments of human connection the film offers. But he argued that those intimate moments too often bump up against distancing cutaways and music video cliches that take away from the impact. Rechtshaffen thought director Chbosky leaned too much into the drama formula aspect, saying:

IndieWire’s Tina Hassannia did not have a very positive review of Dear Evan Hansen. She criticized Chbosky’s direction, such as making Platt’s larger-than-life characterization of Evan Hansen too pronounced, as that affectation works well on stage, but looks too “creepy” on screen. Hassania also noted that the mix of dialogue and song was too choppy. She argued that unfortunately, the music is what will make the drama lose the audience, saying:

Valerie Complex from Deadline also had many criticisms of the movie musical, though she did praise the singing, particularly from Amandla Stenberg. But Complex considered Dear Evan Hansen “terrible,” criticizing the storytelling and the shallow statements on community and class structure. She also argued that it was a problematic choice to force the audience to feel sympathy for a compulsive liar whose mental illness is exploited. Overall, Complex noted:

Well, those were pretty mixed reviews. You'll be able to check out the teen drama soon, as Dear Evan Hansen debuts in theaters only on September 24th. Until then, plan your next movie-going experience with our 2021 new movie release guide.

2021 has become the year of the movie musicals, with a variety of beloved stage productions being adapted for the screen. Dear Evan Hansen is the latest of these projects, helmed by Perks of Being A Wallflower’s Stephen Chbosky. Tony Award winning star Ben Platt is back as the title character, and truly manages to shine in this emotionally exhausting drama.

Dear Evan Hansen became a hit Broadway musical when it debuted back in 2016. Ben Platt had already been in movies like Pitch Perfect, but his ability to weep and sing through such an emotional story was a star-making moment that led to way more TV and film roles. Luckily for those of us who were unable to see his run in New York, that performance has now been immortalized through this film adaptation.

The story of Dear Evan Hansen is a dark one, with mental health and sucide at the center of the narrative. The isolated Evan has a chance encounter with Conner Murphy (Colton Ryan) shortly before his suicide, and a misunderstanding endears him to a mourning family. This includes his crush Zoe (Kaitlyn Dever) and her parents (Amy Adams and Danny Pino). It’s a story about connection, lies, and mourning that makes for an emotional moviegoing experience. Luckily filmmaker Stephen Chbosky is experienced with telling authentic teenage stories.

This difficult material is buoyed by the music of Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, who became household names thanks to their work on The Greatest Showman and La La Land. Every musical number helps to raise the stakes, especially when Ben Platt is given the time to embody Evan Hansen’s social anxiety and longing for acceptance. Acceptance is ultimately a theme of the movie, although we’ll have to sit with Evan’s lies and the discomfort that causes throughout most of the movie’s runtime.

Ben Platt Gives The Same Heart And Commitment That Won Him A Tony For Dear Evan Hansen

As previously mentioned, Ben Platt won a Tony Award for originating the title role of Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. His return to the role years later was the cause of some backlash by naysayers, although the film performance doesn’t falter. Platt sounds killer singing those beloved songs, and also gets more stillness and time with the character this time around.

Dear Evan Hansen opens with the show’s biggest anthem, “Waving Through the Window,” which allows the audience to see his invisible Evan feels. This is invaluable to the audience’s experience of the story, which is one where Ben Platt’s character lies time and time again to a mourning family. His own anxiety and isolation makes the situation easier to digest, but the part of Evan needs to be played perfectly in order for the audience to be on his side.

Despite the various cards that may be stacked against him, Ben Platt's triumphant return as Evan is an emotional tour-de-force that deserves to be seen on the big screen. Fans will be able to see every micro expression in the actor’s face, which helps us to be immersed in the title character’s journey. And while the material of Dear Evan Hansen is super heavy, Platt time time again dodges opportunities for melodrama.

Supporting Cast Members Like Julianne Moore Are Underused

Of course, Ben Platt isn’t the only familiar name bringing the story of Dear Evan Hansen to life in Stephen Chbosky’s film adaptation. Platt is the only original actor in the cast, allowing for icons like Julianne Moore and Amy Adams to play the roles of Heidi Hansen and Cynthia Murphy. The movie also got a ton of attention for casting Last Man Standing’s Kaitlyn Dever as Evan’s love interest Zoe. In the end, the movie is a deeply emotional experience filled with stunning performances, although some cast members like Moore do end up being underused.

As is the case with every film adaptation of a Broadway musical, certain songs from Dear Evan Hansen were cut in order to condense the narrative into its 137-minute runtime. While this helps to streamline the story, it also leaves supporting characters like Evan’s mother Heidi without as much screen time. Julianne Moore sings and acts the hell out of the ballad “So Close, So Small”, but unfortunately her other two big songs were cut out of the film adaptation. But unsurprisingly Moore is able to make the most out of every scene and brings a quiet sincerity to the film.

Amy Adams’ role is also smaller as a result of these cuts, although Enchanted fans will be thrilled to hear her singing alongside Kaitlyn Dever and Danny Pino in “Requiem.” But given the pedigree attached to Dear Evan Hansen’s cast, the film does ultimately leave one wanting more from those talented names. For her part Dever gives a solid performance as Zoe, and is able to duet with the likes of Ben Platt.

The Dear Evan Hansen Movie Improves On The Original With Inclusion And Closure

While there are notable cuts in Dear Evan Hansen, there are ways that the movie adaptation improves on the narrative. For one, more inclusion and diversity is brought to the starring cast of actors. Evan’s friend Jared (Nik Dodani) is queer in this adaptation, while the Murphys are a mixed family featuring Cuban American actor Danny Pino as Larry. Additionally, the role of supporting character Alana is expanded, with actress Amandla Beck getting a new song in the process.

But perhaps the best change in Dear Evan Hansen comes from the movie’s ending. While the show’s conclusion is a bit vague, audiences will be given appropriate closure by the time the credits roll. That being said, it’s an emotionally grueling process to get through to the end, so pack your tissues.

Dear Evan Hansen is a solid movie musical with some gorgeous performances. While the story might have suffered a bit in its journey to the screen, it’s ultimately a moving piece that asks some tough, contemporary questions. Now we’ll just have to see if “You Will Be Found” heading back to theaters to see it all shake out on the big screen.