A wave of discontent has rippled through the fanbase of the acclaimed series, sparked by recent casting announcements for its upcoming third season. The show, known for its faithful adaptation of the beloved video game, revealed its choices for the pivotal characters of Yara and Lev, siblings who profoundly impact a key storyline.
Bridgeton’s Michelle Mao and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’s Kyriana Kratter will embody Yara and Lev, respectively. Within the game’s narrative, these characters become central to Abby’s journey, with Lev serving as a moral anchor and companion for a significant portion of her travels.
However, the casting of Kratter as Lev has ignited controversy. In the game, Lev is a thirteen-year-old transgender boy, a crucial aspect of his character and story. Fans are expressing disappointment that a cisgender actress has been chosen for the role.
Reports indicate that HBO conducted an “inclusive casting” search, auditioning young actors from diverse backgrounds. Despite this effort, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from those who believe a trans actor should have been given the opportunity.
Social media platforms are filled with expressions of frustration and concern. Many argue that casting a cisgender actress perpetuates harmful tropes and overlooks the talent of transgender performers eager for representation. The sentiment is particularly strong given the character’s significance.
The original voice and portrayal of Lev in The Last of Us Part II was brought to life by Ian Alexander, a trans non-binary actor. Alexander had publicly expressed interest in reprising the role, further fueling the disappointment among fans.
Many point to Alexander’s proven ability and recent demonstrations of vocal range as evidence that they could have convincingly portrayed a younger Lev. The age of Alexander, 24, is also noted, as actors frequently portray characters younger than themselves.
The show’s creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, are returning for the third season, with Mazin taking the helm as sole showrunner. The season will also feature returning cast members alongside the newly announced additions.
The controversy surrounding Lev’s casting underscores the growing demand for authentic representation in media. It highlights the importance of not only inclusive casting calls but also prioritizing the lived experiences of the characters being portrayed.
This situation has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibility of adaptations to honor the core elements of their source material, including the nuanced identities of their characters, and the impact of casting choices on the community they represent.
