Bella Ramsey did an exceptional job with their work in the first season of the live-action adaptation of The Last of Us on HBO. However, the performer was greeted with a mixed reception due to their appearance. The community is more concerned about their looks than their talent.
First impressions last and Ramsey was not the first pick by the gaming community, nor the second to portray Ellie Williams. Early set photos of the second season have made their way online and Ramsey is under fire yet again for the same reason they were attacked for the first season.
The Last of Us Star Bella Ramsey Doesn’t Need to Look like Ellie
The source material of the first season was the original which is well-renowned for the narrative and talent it possessed, the show was able to match the video game in terms of quality despite a few minor and major changes. The success of the series inspired the showrunners of other live-action adaptations of video games like Fallout and it motivated Jonah Nolan to take risks.
I don’t like it 🙁 I truly hoped they would do some aged makeup on Bella so she resembled an older Ellie. She looks the exact same as season 1. It just doesn’t feel right. Hairstyle also does not match. Little details are sooo important in these adaptations, especially to fans!
— Stew💋 (@StewpidSenpai) May 13, 2024
The gaming community is one of the hardest groups to please and showrunner Craig Mazin did not let the negative comments about the actors and their appearance affect them and their work. Ramsey may not look the part but their acting chops are compensating for it and fans fail to appreciate that.
I will say it and it is my opinion, but Bella Ramsey, despite her good performance that is undeniable, is a tremendous casting error for 'The Last Of Us'. There were actresses who fit perfectly and also on an acting level.
But it's scary to say it for fear of funa. A shame😢. https://t.co/PpKTf8DfdY— Emi nattramn (@eminattramn) May 14, 2024
Mazin was confident that the makeup and costume department would amplify Ramsey’s performance with an accurate design taken from the video game. The showrunner cited their age as appropriate and in line with their counterpart, however, some fans are still on the fence due to Ramsey’s young appearance despite being 19 and throwing them off which is a silly issue.
Bella Ramsey with the Ellie hairstyle from The Last of Us Part 2 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6k51ysBSFn
— DomTheBomb (@DomTheBombYT) May 12, 2024
There are fans out there who support the performer and are optimistic about the show. Perhaps the series could benefit Ramsey more if more action sequences and gore are implemented which will perfectly tie in the second video game where violence is a central theme.
Appearances do matter, but it is not worth nitpicking and harassing a performer just because they do not look like the character. Let the talent speak for itself and allow the people on the show to honor the video games in the way they see fit.
Bella Ramsey Will Do the Heavy Lifting in the Last of Us Season 2
The video game counterpart of Ramsey is shown to be strong, ruthless, and capable. There is no denying that the live-action series will deviate from the source material, it remains to be seen how the show will adapt these scenes.
Players of the game are ready for another emotional rollercoaster and it is Ramsey’s responsibility to convey the emotion that the game director wanted to deliver through a different format.
Looks are not everything and people should cut the performer some slack. There is no official release date yet for the second season but fans are eager to see what HBO has in store.
Are you excited to see Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams in The Last of Us Season 2? Let us know in the comments section below!
