Bella Ramsey is back as Ellie in the highly anticipated second season of HBO’s hit series The Last of Us. In an exclusive conversation with BBC Newsbeat, the young star, now 21, shares insights on their character’s development, the impact of their autism diagnosis, and their journey through Hollywood.
Bella Ramsey Opens Up About Season 2 of The Last of Us and Personal Growth
Bella Ramsey Opens Up About Season 2 of The Last of Us and Personal Growth
In a candid interview, Bella Ramsey discusses their experience portraying Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2, reflecting on personal growth, autism, and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight.
The onset of stardom began for Bella at just 13 when they were cast in Game of Thrones, catapulting them into the limelight. “I made a real decision at 11 that I wouldn’t be a typical teenager,” Bella states. Now they find themselves walking the red carpet for The Last of Us, a show that redefined the landscape of video game adaptations.
In this new season, viewers will find Ellie, now 19 years old, navigating a tumultuous relationship with Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. “There’s obviously tension in that relationship,” Bella remarks, highlighting their character’s emotional complexity. Ellie’s journey continues in a post-apocalyptic world where humans face extinction, and she becomes a symbol of hope with her unique immunity to a deadly fungus.
Bella also reflects on their personal journey with autism, having publicly shared their diagnosis while filming the first season. “I’ve opened up about it so I can be more free,” they reveal, hoping to inspire others facing similar challenges. Bella emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma around autism in the entertainment industry.
In this upcoming season, the plot also delves into Ellie’s romantic relationship with Dina, portrayed by Isabella Merced, showcasing authentic representations of queer relationships. Bella describes the portrayals as integral to the storyline, rather than mere tokenism.
Looking ahead, Bella notes that with each passing moment in the public eye, they recognize the ongoing journey of learning and growth, both personally and for their character. As fans anticipate the arrival of The Last of Us Season 2, set to premiere on April 14, there’s no denying the impact Bella Ramsey continues to have on screens worldwide.
The artistic authenticity and genuine storytelling remain at the forefront of The Last of Us, as Bella and their colleagues embark on another crucial chapter in this gripping narrative.
In this new season, viewers will find Ellie, now 19 years old, navigating a tumultuous relationship with Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. “There’s obviously tension in that relationship,” Bella remarks, highlighting their character’s emotional complexity. Ellie’s journey continues in a post-apocalyptic world where humans face extinction, and she becomes a symbol of hope with her unique immunity to a deadly fungus.
Bella also reflects on their personal journey with autism, having publicly shared their diagnosis while filming the first season. “I’ve opened up about it so I can be more free,” they reveal, hoping to inspire others facing similar challenges. Bella emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma around autism in the entertainment industry.
In this upcoming season, the plot also delves into Ellie’s romantic relationship with Dina, portrayed by Isabella Merced, showcasing authentic representations of queer relationships. Bella describes the portrayals as integral to the storyline, rather than mere tokenism.
Looking ahead, Bella notes that with each passing moment in the public eye, they recognize the ongoing journey of learning and growth, both personally and for their character. As fans anticipate the arrival of The Last of Us Season 2, set to premiere on April 14, there’s no denying the impact Bella Ramsey continues to have on screens worldwide.
The artistic authenticity and genuine storytelling remain at the forefront of The Last of Us, as Bella and their colleagues embark on another crucial chapter in this gripping narrative.
