Bella Ramsey Discusses Ellie's Development in The Last of Us and Future Implications
Ready to dive back into the post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us? Episode two sure packed a punch, saying goodbye to a key character whose departure will undoubtedly ripple through the rest of season two and the upcoming third season as well. The spotlight will now shift squarely on Bella Ramsey's Ellie, a subject the actor addressed in a candid interview with the Hollywood Reporter**.
"I ain't no leader," Ramsey candidly admitted to the trade. "But when it comes to accepting responsibility, there's something about it that I actually enjoy and take seriously. I'm more than happy to command a set and exert influence over the show's tone and dynamics."
Ramsey, who's 21, might be best known for her scene-stealing role on Game of Thrones before joining The Last of Us, but this HBO video game adaptation is her biggest break to date. Being based on a hit video game added an extra layer of pressure, but that's nothing a little hard work can't handle.
Season two picks up five years after season one, with Ellie transitioning from a fragile teen to a tough, kick-ass woman. For Ramsey, this meant a slight adjustment in her performance.
"I got fixated on how Ellie looks in the game and her physical prowess, specifically her arms," Ramsey confessed. "I didn't look like that. My body type isn't that. I had discussions about this with co-showrunner Craig Mazin, and he never imposed any expectations on me. He wanted me to be strong and feel strong, and that was reflected more in how I carried myself, my posture, and the confidence I exuded. It was a challenge for me to let go of demanding perfection."
Mazin echoed Ramsey's sentiments, emphasizing Ellie's emotional growth rather than her physical appearance. "I don't give a rat's ass about the physical aspect," he said. "I care about Ellie's emotional maturity and the transformation in her personality. I've watched Bella come into her own and find her footing, and I see that reflected in Ellie."
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays on HBO and Max.
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Enrichment Data (selectively incorporated for added insight):
Bella Ramsey underwent intensive preparation to portray Ellie as a 19-year-old in The Last of Us Season 2, involving both acting and significant physical transformation. Her preparation included two months of jiu-jitsu training to master combat techniques and weapon handling, as well as exercises in jiu-jitsu, boxing, and weightlifting. Ramsey acknowledged the physical toll of the role, including bruises and a busted lip that left a small scar during stunt work. Despite these challenges, Ramsey found the physical transformation to be enjoyable and rewarding.
- Bella Ramsey, the actress portraying Ellie in The Last of Us, has admitted that she enjoys taking on responsibility, despite not considering herself a leader.
- Ramsey's interview with the Hollywood Reporter revealed her thoughts on commanding a set and influencing the show's tone and dynamics.
- Despite being known for her role in Game of Thrones and her current role in The Last of Us, Ramsey considers this HBO video game adaptation to be her biggest break to date.
- In an interview, co-showrunner Craig Mazin emphasized Ellie's emotional growth over her physical appearance, a sentiment echoed by Ramsey herself.
- Gizmodo and io9 offer insights into the latest developments in Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who, providing an enriching read for technology, television, and entertainment enthusiasts.
- As Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie requires intense physical preparation, including jiu-jitsu training and weightlifting, her transformation involves more than just demanding perfection – it's about feeling strong and exuding confidence.
