Last of Us HBO Casting Choice Sparks Controversy: Lev Role Goes to Cis Actor

HBO has cast Michelle Mao and Kyriana Kratter in the roles of Yara and Lev, respectively, for the third season of its adaptation of “The Last of Us.” The casting decisions, announced this week, have sparked concern among fans of the video game source material due to the portrayal of Lev, a transgender character.

Kratter, known for her role in “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” will play Lev, who in “The Last of Us Part II” is depicted as a transgender boy. While producers have stated that the character will remain a transgender boy in the series, Kratter is a cisgender actress. Deadline reported that producers felt Kratter “best embodied the character.”

The casting decision echoes a long-standing debate within the entertainment industry regarding the portrayal of transgender characters by cisgender actors. Actors such as Hilary Swank and Eddie Redmayne have received accolades for their performances as transgender individuals, a practice often criticized for potentially denying opportunities to transgender actors.

Lev’s gender identity is central to his storyline in the game, adding weight to the controversy. The casting decision comes after the original game cast a trans actor, Ian Alexander, in a significant role.

Neil Druckmann, the director of the original “The Last of Us” games, is not involved in the production of the third season, according to reports. The showrunner, Craig Mazin, has faced criticism for perceived deviations from the source material.

The third season will adapt the events of “The Last of Us Part II,” focusing on Abby’s storyline and her encounters with the Seraphites, the religious group to which Yara and Lev belong. Production on the third season is currently underway, with a premiere date yet to be announced.