Laura Bailey is a renowned voice actor known for her extensive work, including titles like Marvel Rivals and Spider-Man 2. Neil Druckmann, head of Naughty Dog, initially hesitated to cast her as Abby in The Last of Us Part 2, considering she was already a prominent figure in gaming. During a talk with Cory Barlog at the D.I.C.E. Summit, he explained that his instinct told him to choose another actor, but after reviewing Bailey’s audition closely, he saw a unique vulnerability in her performance that prompted a change of heart.

Druckmann recalled:

“I was sure it was going to be a different actor, until I studied the audition videos frame-by-frame.”

Bailey eventually secured the role and received accolades for her performance, including a BAFTA Award and a Game Award. However, the exposure of her character, Abby, also led to backlash online, affecting both Bailey and others involved in the game. This anecdote highlights the complexities of casting decisions in the gaming industry and showcases how sometimes, the best choice arises from meticulous evaluation rather than initial perceptions.

The Last of Us Part 2, originally released in 2020, will see a remastered version launching on Steam in April.