10 Shocking Facts About Bella Ramsey's Grueling Transformation Into Ellie For The Last Of Us Season 2

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As of December 20, 2025, the world is still buzzing about Bella Ramsey, the phenomenal English actor who brought the hardened, complex character of Ellie Williams to life in HBO's critically acclaimed series, *The Last of Us*. Their portrayal in Season 1 was a masterclass in raw emotion and teenage defiance, setting a sky-high bar for the highly anticipated second season. The journey for Ramsey has been anything but easy, involving intense physical training and deep emotional preparation to tackle the much darker narrative ahead. The transition from the relative innocence of the first season to the brutal, morally ambiguous world of *The Last of Us Part II*—which Season 2 will cover—required a profound commitment. Ramsey has shared numerous fresh, candid details about the grueling process, the emotional toll of the scripts, and how the role of Ellie has fundamentally changed them as an actor and as a person. Here is a deep dive into the latest on Bella Ramsey and the future of the post-apocalyptic drama.

Bella Ramsey: The Actor Behind Ellie Williams—A Complete Profile

Isabella May Ramsey, known professionally as Bella Ramsey, is an English actor who has quickly become one of the most compelling talents of their generation. Known for their powerful presence despite their young age, Ramsey has consistently taken on roles that demand intensity and emotional depth.

  • Full Name: Isabella May Ramsey
  • Date of Birth: September 25, 2003
  • Place of Birth: Nottingham, England
  • Gender Identity: Non-binary (uses they/them pronouns)
  • Breakthrough Role: Lyanna Mormont in the HBO fantasy series *Game of Thrones* (2016–2019)
  • Notable Roles: Mildred Hubble in *The Worst Witch* (2017–2020), the voice of Hilda in the animated series *Hilda* (2018–present), and Jane Grey in *Becoming Elizabeth* (2022).
  • Current Major Role: Ellie Williams in *The Last of Us* (2023–present)
  • Awards & Recognition: Nominated for a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award for their performance as Ellie.

Ramsey's career trajectory is marked by a penchant for portraying strong-willed, defiant young women, a quality that made them a controversial yet ultimately brilliant choice for the role of Ellie Williams, the immune survivor in the Cordyceps-infected world.

The Grueling Physical and Emotional Toll of The Last of Us Season 2

The narrative of *The Last of Us Part II* is notoriously dark, focusing on themes of revenge, trauma, and the erosion of humanity. Bella Ramsey's preparation for Season 2 reflects this intensity, going far beyond simply learning lines. The actor has been open about the demands of the extended filming schedule in Vancouver and the sheer emotional weight of the material.

Intense Training for Ellie's Hardened Future

To embody the older, more battle-hardened Ellie, Ramsey committed to significant physical training. This wasn't just about looking the part; it was about moving and fighting like a survivor who has spent years in a hostile, post-apocalyptic environment.

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Ramsey began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a martial art focused on grappling and ground fighting, which is crucial for the close-quarters combat Ellie faces in the game's sequel.
  • Boxing: In addition to jiu-jitsu, boxing was part of the regimen, helping to build the necessary stamina, aggression, and physical confidence required for the character's violent arc.
  • Mastering the Accent: A key element of their initial transformation was mastering the American accent and specific mannerisms of the video game character, a process they took very seriously for the first season and continued to refine.

Ramsey described the Season 2 shoot as "grueling," a word that perfectly captures the demanding nature of the source material. However, they also noted that the process was deeply personal, helping them to "understand more about themself."

The Emotional Weight and Addressing Fan Criticism

The casting of Bella Ramsey as Ellie initially sparked a polarized reaction among fans of the video game, with some critics questioning the physical resemblance to the original character. However, Ramsey's performance in Season 1—which earned widespread critical acclaim—quickly silenced most of the skepticism. Despite this, the discourse surrounding the show, particularly the controversial elements of the second game's story, continues to be intense.

Crying Over the Script

In a recent interview on EW's The Awardist podcast, Ramsey revealed the profound emotional impact of the Season 2 scripts. They confessed to crying while reading one of the episodes, a clear indication of the devastating and heartbreaking narrative turns that await viewers. This level of emotional investment suggests that the showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, are not shying away from the source material’s most difficult moments.

Teasing the Rift with Joel

The central relationship between Ellie and Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal, is the heart of the series. Ramsey has teased that Season 2 will explore the growing darkness and rift between the two characters, a pivotal and tragic development from the games. The emotional distance and conflict will be a major driving force, making their on-screen dynamic even more complex and painful to watch.

Responding to the Critics

Ramsey has consistently maintained a mature perspective on the criticism, particularly the backlash against some of the Season 2 narrative choices. While acknowledging the difficulty of dealing with online hate, they stated that they try to "steer clear as much as I [can]," focusing instead on the work and the positive reception from the vast majority of the audience and critics. This resilience is a key trait that mirrors the character they play.

What's Next for Bella Ramsey Beyond The Last of Us

While *The Last of Us* remains a central focus—with talks of a potential Season 3 already circulating due to the scope of the second game's story—Bella Ramsey is a prolific actor with other projects underway.

Ramsey was recently back in Vancouver filming a different project, showcasing their commitment to diverse roles outside the post-apocalyptic drama. They have also humorously teased the idea of a "next project" with co-star Pedro Pascal, following the widely known plot point of Joel's death in the second part of the story. While this is likely a playful nod to their close friendship and on-screen chemistry, it highlights the powerful bond between the two actors that fans adore.

The future for Bella Ramsey is incredibly bright. Their work as Ellie Williams has cemented their status as a powerhouse performer capable of handling the most challenging emotional landscapes. As fans brace themselves for the heartbreak and action of *The Last of Us Season 2*, one thing is certain: Bella Ramsey is ready to deliver a performance that will once again dominate the cultural conversation. The anticipation for their return as a more mature, vengeful, and emotionally damaged Ellie is at an all-time high, promising a television event that will be both unforgettable and deeply unsettling.

bella from last of us
bella from last of us

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