Bella Ramsey Reflects on the Emotional Journey in Season Two of *The Last of Us*
Bella Ramsey approached her filming day with a sense of normalcy—she enjoyed her oatmeal, listened to music, and got ready for the day ahead. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when she witnessed her co-star Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel, meet a brutal fate at the hands of a golf club.
“I almost normalized it too much, pretending it wasn’t happening until it actually did,” Ramsey explains. “If I dwell on it, anxiety kicks in, and I can’t function.”This mindset helped her process the emotionally charged moment when life for her character, Ellie, took a tragic turn.
As she found herself sobbing while pinned to the floor, audiences felt her genuine grief over losing her surrogate father figure. Mark Mylod, the Emmy-winning director known for *Game of Thrones* and *Succession*, echoing her sentiment, admitted he was deeply moved during the scene’s shooting. “Despite being well-prepared, Bella’s performance destroyed me. It was beyond mere acting; it transcended into something profound,” he recalled.
Interestingly, Ramsey considered this day relatively easier compared to the grueling schedule they had faced throughout filming. “Often, the most intense scenes come easier because I understand their emotional depth,” she remarked, reflecting on her portrayal of Ellie—a character who has blossomed since Ramsey’s breakout role as Lyanna Mormont in *Game of Thrones*.
The popularity of *The Last of Us*, which premiered as HBO’s highest-rated show since *Thrones*, led to Ramsey receiving an Emmy nomination for her compelling performance in the first season. The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into darker themes, with its narrative based on the divisive 2020 video game, *The Last of Us Part II*.
Showrunner Craig Mazin notes the thematic shift as a challenge to traditional notions of heroism and villainy. “The idea of a protagonist or villain is flawed. This story aims to break down barriers that prevent genuine connections between individuals,” he states.
For Ramsey, who publicly came out as non-binary during the show’s first season, each scene marked significant shifts in both her professional and personal life. The powerful goodbye scene with Pascal signified the immense bond they developed over the years of filming. “Knowing our time together was limited made us cherish those moments even more,” Ramsey shared, illustrating the emotional connection forged on set.
Transitioning to being the lead star was another level of responsibility for the 21-year-old actor. Having publicly discussed her mental health struggles and her autism diagnosis, Ramsey embraced the complexities of playing Ellie, a role that encompasses both physical and emotional challenges.
Ramsey’s advocacy for environmental sustainability is noteworthy. In her contract, she includes a “green rider,” which requires productions to implement sustainable practices, promoting awareness across all departments. “Both producers and actors need to hold each other accountable for sustainability. It shouldn’t be an afterthought,” Ramsey argued.
This focus on eco-consciousness aligns with the themes in *The Last of Us*, where humanity’s downfall is linked to global warming from the very start. Despite the pressures of newfound fame, Ramsey remains dedicated to championing sustainability and equal treatment on set.
Explaining her philosophy, she stated, “I wouldn’t classify myself as a leader necessarily, but I value responsibility. I enjoy influencing the environment and ensuring everyone feels valued.” Ramsey’s past experiences remind her of the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive atmosphere on set.
The second season of *The Last of Us* proved demanding, marked by a transformative storyline set five years after the previous events. Ramsey underwent extensive physical preparation, focusing on disciplines like boxing and weight training to match Ellie’s evolution from game to screen.
“It felt empowering to embody a capable character, but I grappled with my body image compared to the game’s portrayal,” Ramsey admitted. Her conversations with Mazin helped her navigate these challenges, emphasizing strength over appearance.
Online scrutiny regarding her resemblance to Ellie has been a heavy burden, prompting Ramsey to deactivate her social media accounts to protect her mental well-being. “It wasn’t a dramatic decision, but it was an essential step for my peace,” she remarked, reflecting on the toxicity of online criticism.
Throughout the upcoming season, viewers will witness Ramsey embrace multiple emotional facets, ranging from humor to heartbreak. As Mazin eloquently remarked, “Bella’s emotional growth truly resonates in Ellie’s character arc.”
Pascual also noted the connection between Ramsey’s personal journey and Ellie’s evolution, remarking on how it reflects her growing independence—developed from within, encouraging themself to explore their identity freely.
Some scenes evoke strong emotions, exemplified by a poignant moment where Ellie mourns Joel’s loss. “I often find it challenging to tap into deep emotions, but I drew on my fondest memories with Pedro to convey that sadness on screen,” Ramsey said, illustrating her creative process.
Despite the rigorous demands of filming in harsh conditions, Ramsey maintains a balanced perspective on her career and environmental passions. She recognizes that Hollywood must take more rigorous steps toward sustainability, stating, “I see a lot of waste, and it’s concerning given the influence this industry holds.”
Addressing feelings of hopelessness surrounding climate change, she encourages individuals to implement small changes in their lives to counteract larger systemic issues. “Often, small, collective actions can lead to significant impacts,” she emphasizes.
When not immersed in her acting career, Ramsey engages in ordinary leisure activities like shopping and climbing, illustrating her well-rounded nature. “I need to stay active; I can’t just be idle,” she shared.
As her role in *The Last of Us* nears a close—particularly with the show recently renewed for a third season—Ramsey is eager for new challenges. “I want future roles to be distinct from Ellie, offering me new opportunities for growth and exploration,” she concluded, looking ahead with anticipation.
This insightful story is featured in the April 2025 edition of *The Hollywood Reporter*. Discover more within the issue.