Misrepresentation: rarely has this term been used as a weapon against an actor more than in the instance of
Bella Ramsey
When the renowned British actor was initially selected for HBO’s extravagant video game adaptation
The Last of Us
It came as a shock – an admirably unconventional selection, defying calls from numerous fans clamoring for well-known performers.
Booksmart
Kaitlyn Dever, who was often mentioned as the top choice, was later cast as Ellie’s emerging adversary. During the initial season, Ramsey managed to win over even the harshest critics with her portrayal of the resilient, charming, and deeply nuanced 14-year-old apocalyptic survivor Ellie. However, when the second season began, the controversy about the casting choices reignited once more.
The concerns raised here were somewhat distinct. The second season, inspired by the 2020 video game, follows this approach.
The Last of Us Part II
is positioned approximately five years after the events of the initial installment; Ellie now appears more mature, somber, and distinctly non-infantile. When the series was being filmed, Ramsey was 20 years old, which is one year older than their portrayal of Ellie. However, unlike in the game where the character underwent noticeable physical changes to indicate aging, this transformation isn’t as evident visually for the actor. In the original version, Ellie was played by
Ashley Johnson
An actress who was in her thirties at the time played the role; the character was created digitally to show the progression of aging. It feels somewhat out of place having Ramsey—who appears younger than their years and possesses a gentle demeanor—navigate the darkness and mature themes of the new season. However, this isn’t a case of poor casting—it has altered the overall significance and underlying messages of the series in intriguing manners.
This has never been clearer than in the fourth episode to date.
The Last of Us
In the show’s second season, which debuted last night, Ellie continues her quest for vengeance following the loss of her mentor, Joel (Pedro Pascal). Accompanying her on this journey is another young woman named Dina (Isabela Merced). While Ellie’s short stint without Joel at the end of season one carried an urgent, almost childlike sense of danger, she now navigates a more mature realm where autonomy and duty define her actions.
To emphasize this point, the episode concludes with Dina informing Ellie about her pregnancy. “Oh my god,” Ellie exclaims, “I’m going to be a dad.” This exchange stands out as both poignant and unforgettable—particularly due to the reversal of traditional roles, which underscores the parallels between Ellie’s quasi-parental bond with Joel. However, what’s particularly notable is how youthful Ellie appears during this moment; it feels somewhat surreal hearing such mature words come from her lips.
In the television series, Ellie transforms from a tough young individual seen in the original content to an innocent teen who feels overwhelmed. This shift creates a much richer storyline and introduces a compelling yet sorrowful aspect to her persona. Throughout the season, as Ellie becomes progressively entangled in the dark world of vengeance, viewers will witness Ramsey’s character delve deeper into disturbing themes. Will their inherent, apparently indelible purity endure these challenges—or will it fade away?
Beyond this, Ramsey’s choice of casting highlights one of the more nuanced advantages of adapting material. Given how meticulously the series frequently mirrors elements from the source games, finding novel significance—truly validating the show’s place—is achieved through individual character quirks. By selecting and portraying Ramsey as he does, the narrative doesn’t merely echo Ellie’s journey; instead, it skillfully reframes it. Existing themes within the storyline—the loss of innocence, an age-old staple of growing up—are rendered with renewed clarity and specificity, all while paving the way for innovative concepts to emerge.
To put it differently, Ramsey’s portrayal in the series doesn’t point to a misstep in casting—rather, the backlash highlights a shortcoming in how their character has been interpreted. Simply questioning if Ramsey was wrongly assigned to the role misses the mark. Instead, one should ponder precisely what kind of characters they were meant to play. Unraveling this query remains an ongoing process.
‘The Last of Us’ is available for streaming in the UK on Sky and NOW, with fresh episodes added each Monday.
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