Kaitlyn Dever tapped to join Season 2 of 'The Last of Us'

Kaitlyn Dever arrives at the 74th Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 12, 2022.
Kaitlyn Dever arrives at the 74th Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 12, 2022.

Actress Kaitlyn Dever has been cast as Abby in HBO's "The Last of Us," the studio announced Tuesday.

The "Booksmart," "No One Will Save You" and "Last Man Standing" star joins the show, based on the video game series of the same name, for its second season, adding to its already star-studded cast that includes Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

The Hollywood Reporter previously reported that Dever auditioned for the character of Ellie.

Abby is the main antagonist of the game's second installment and is described as, "a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved."

Review: HBO's 'The Last of Us' is the best video game adaptation ever

"Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material," showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann in a joint statement to The Reporter. "Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family."

"The Last of Us" awards and nominations

The show took home eight wins on nineteen nominations at the Creative Arts Emmys, including wins for both Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Nick Offerman and Storm Reid.

The show received five nominations in the 75th Primetime Emmys, including nominations for Pascal and Ramsey in Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama series.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kaitlyn Dever to join 'The Last of Us' cast for Season 2