Star of the HBO tentpole The Last of Us, Bella Ramsey, had several reservations about auditioning for the endeavor created by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. Amid an array of video game adaptations into film and television series, one principle rule governing their existence is the appeasement of pre-existing fans, who have loved, revered, and enjoyed the product for decades, if not years.
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From the likes of Super Mario Bros. to Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter to Mortal Kombat, Prince of Persia to Resident Evil—all such memorable IPs have been adapted for the screen (some titles multiple times), and only a few could satiate the wants of the audience. And the audience won’t shy away from offering brutal criticism.
This prospect of plunging into fame and being known by millions—which would, of course, involve being disparaged if you failed to live up to expectations—caused hesitation within the 20-year-old Ramsey when they had the chance to audition for the role of Ellie.
Bella Ramsey Felt Reluctant On Signing Up For The Last of Us
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, amid the press junket before the post-apocalyptic drama’s Season 1 release, Ramsey highlighted why they felt the need to initially turn down the opportunity of starring in the critically acclaimed show. Before attaining other-worldly stardom for their performance opposite Pedro Pascal in the Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann-created HBO series, the young English non-binary actor appeared in Game of Thrones.
They’ve boasted further credits in Catherine Called Birdy, Becoming Elizabeth, The Worst Witch, and more.
Their involvement in these projects, including GOT, demonstrates that they were acquainted with the spotlight one receives when starring in films and TV shows. But with TLOU‘s already-existing fan base, Ramsey would have to play the lead, compelling everyone’s attention with millions of eyes analyzing the actor’s every move. Now, that can be daunting. This makes Ramsey’s reason for initially being hesitant and pondering about turning down the show understandable.
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Describing their dilemma, Bella Ramsey commented:
“I seriously considered that maybe I don’t want to be famous, so I’m not going to do this show … it’s going propel me to a place I don’t want to go to in terms of being seen and … known. I like to blend in and hide.”
Despite such fears, Ramsey sent their tape for Craig and Druckmann’s perusal. The showrunners soon discovered their picture-perfect Ellie in the rising star. In the end, the part helped to solidify the actor’s reputation in the business and brought them nods from the Golden Globes and the Emmys. It was not all smooth sailing, though.
The reactions to their casting in the role suggested an unfavorable reception among some audiences. In a way, the fear the actor had initially felt materialized, but one thing, amid the criticisms, helped Bella Ramsey persevere.
Bella Ramsey’s Affinity To Ellie Kept Them Going Amid Intense Internet Hate
When the young actor was on set in Alberta, Canada, for The Last of Us, a kind of imposter syndrome plagued their senses. Bella Ramsey questioned their sense of belonging, “What am I doing here?” the now-20-year-old wondered at the time. Ramsey disclosed in the THR interview that at first, they didn’t deem themselves suitable for the job, “‘You’ve chosen the wrong person’—all of that goes around in your head,” admitted the star.
After their casting was revealed, the internet, not alleviating the actor’s concerns, became an epicenter of harsh criticism directed at Ramsey, with some fans claiming they weren’t an ideal live-action match for Ellie. It can be tricky to ignore such hurtful remarks, and although the Game of Thrones alum attempted not to delve into them, they eventually gave in.
Ironically, the reactions on social media cemented the validity behind Bella Ramsey’s initial reservations.
Of the reception, they said:
“I’ve seen everything. I’m aware of all of it. It was my first experience, really, with a lot of negative reactions.”
Nevertheless, Ramsey’s affinity—a serendipitous connection—to Ellie’s character allowed them to persevere amid self-doubts. They remarked:
“Ellie felt like a character I already had in me. Like the skins that you wear in a video game? She was one of my skins already.”
While opinions on the matter remain subjective to one’s tastes, most viewers and critics were won over by Ramsey’s authentic, convincing interpretation of Ellie in the first season of The Last of Us. Not only has the portrayal nabbed nominations for the young star at various esteemed award shows, but it has also underscored the potential of Bella Ramsey.
Proving themselves a credible talent and a suitable fit for a live-action iteration of the video game character, Ramsey’s on-screen prowess quieted, if not debilitated, the enraged keyboard warriors.
With Season 2 nearly on the horizon, fans await what else the Emmy-nominated star has to offer.
The Last of Us (2023) is available for streaming on Max.
