Laura Bailey’s Role in The Last of Us and the game

The highly anticipated The Last of Us episode 9 has just dropped on Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max, and fans are buzzing with excitement over a major reveal—Laura Bailey, one of the most iconic video game voice actors, has made her debut in the series. But for those unfamiliar with her name, Bailey's involvement in The Last of Us franchise goes far beyond her on-screen appearance in this latest episode.

Bailey is a powerhouse in the world of video game voice acting. You might recognize her as:

• Lisa in Days Gone
• Nadine Ross in the Uncharted games
• Helena Harper in Resident Evil 6
• Serana in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
• Lucina in Fire Emblem
• Fiona in Tales from the Borderlands
• Chun-Li in the Street Fighter series since its fourth installment

However, Laura Bailey is perhaps most famous for her portrayal of Abby in The Last of Us Part II. Not only did she bring Abby to life through her vocal performance, but she also played a pivotal role in capturing the character's movements and expressions through motion capture. Bailey’s portrayal of Abby is a complex mix of emotional depth, physical strength, and vulnerability—a performance that left a lasting impact on fans and critics alike.

In The Last of Us series, Bailey takes on the role of a nurse, which fans believe could be her portrayal of Kari, a character from the first game. While her exact identity has yet to be confirmed, Bailey’s character brings an added layer of familiarity for fans who are well-versed in the world of The Last of Us video games. Here’s the catch—if she is indeed playing Kari, there’s a chance she might reprise her role as Abby in a future season of the show.

Though nothing has been officially confirmed, fans are speculating whether Bailey will return to play Abby in The Last of Us TV adaptation. Abby’s character is based on a blend of three women—Jocelyn Mettler, Colleen Fotsch, and Bailey herself—who helped create Abby’s voice and motion capture performance. With such a strong connection to the role, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bailey step back into the shoes of Abby, though the show's writers may choose a different actress for the role.

One thing is clear: Laura Bailey’s influence on the The Last of Us franchise cannot be overstated. Her work has been essential in shaping the emotional and physical characteristics of some of the most unforgettable characters in gaming. As we move forward into the TV series' second season, Bailey’s role—whether as a nurse, Abby, or another character—remains a thrilling possibility. If the show decides to explore Abby’s character further, fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see one of gaming's most beloved voices return to the screen.

Stay tuned, as The Last of Us continues to unravel its gripping story, and Laura Bailey may be playing a bigger role than ever before.