HBO’s upcoming third season of ‘The Last Of Us’ has sparked controversy after announcing its casting for the characters Lev and Yara. According to Deadline, Yara will be played by Michelle Mao, known for ‘Bridgerton’, while Kyriana Kratter, known for ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’, has been cast as Lev.
Lev and Yara, former Seraphite siblings, play a central role in Abby’s story in ‘The Last Of Us Part II’, which will be the focus of the new season. In the original game, Lev is a trans character, but in the HBO adaptation, the role will be portrayed by a cisgender actor, prompting criticism from some fans.
“I feel like it’s pretty tone deaf not to cast a trans male actor for Lev’s role,” wrote one Reddit user, noting the limited opportunities for trans actors in Hollywood. Another user expressed understanding of the challenges, citing the difficulty of finding a young trans actor willing to face public scrutiny. “As much as I would have wanted a trans person to play Lev, it’s just not safe,” they said.
HBO confirmed that Lev’s casting followed an “inclusive casting call” and that actors from diverse backgrounds auditioned for the part. Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie and came out as gender-fluid in 2023, has commented on the matter, saying that fans are entitled to their opinions, but it does not affect the show’s production.
The third season is expected to premiere in 2027 and is rumoured to be the final instalment of the HBO adaptation. Following a strong first season, the series experienced a 56 per cent drop in viewership for the season two finale, amid tensions between longtime fans and newcomers over various plot developments.
