Bella Ramsey Claps Back at ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Critics : “You Don’t Have To Watch it”
Bella Ramsey is speaking out about the criticism surrounding The Last of Us season 2. The HBO Max series, based on the popular video game, was a huge hit when it premiered in 2023, praised for its story, characters, and faithful adaptation of the game. But when season 2 aired, some fans reacted differently.
The second season received backlash from some viewers, not only for story choices but also for Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie. Some fans compared the show to the video game and criticized changes made to the character and plot.
Others focused on Ramsey herself, questioning her casting as Ellie, despite the actor making history as the first nonbinary actor to receive multiple Emmy nominations.
In an interview on Entertainment Weekly’s Awardist podcast, Ramsey addressed the criticism. “I tried to steer clear as much as I could, to be honest, because there’s nothing that I can do about it anyway,” she said.
“I mean, the show is out. There’s nothing that can be changed or altered. So I’m like, there’s not really any point in reading or looking at anything. People are, of course, entitled to their opinions, but it doesn’t affect the show. It doesn’t affect how the show continues or anything in any way…. They’re very separate things to me.”
Ramsey also sent a clear message to critics. “You don’t have to watch it if you hate it that much. The game exists. Like, you can just play the game again. You don’t have to watch it, but if you do wanna watch it, then I hope you enjoy it.”
Season 2 brought back most of the original cast and introduced new characters, exploring the consequences of Joel’s actions in season 1, including the fallout from his fight with the Fireflies. The season also introduced Abby, the daughter of a surgeon Joel killed.
Ramsey explained some of the differences between the show and the video game. For example, Ellie’s excitement over becoming a parent to Dina’s baby wasn’t planned in the game. “Stuff like that, I think Craig just threw in,” Ramsey said, referring to showrunner Craig Mazin.
She added, “In the dynamic of her and Dina, she definitely sees herself as more of, I guess, stereotypically the guy, I suppose. And so the idea that she would be the dad was just a funny one that was in there. But, yeah, I think there’s those specific deviations from the game sometimes. They’re really thought about and really detailed, and sometimes it’s just for the fun of it.”
Despite the criticism, Ramsey is focused on the story and the character of Ellie, rather than the negative reactions. Her comments show a clear boundary between fans’ opinions and the creative direction of the series, highlighting that the show is meant to stand on its own while honoring the game.
While season 2 faced criticism from some fans, Ramsey’s response shows confidence and professionalism. The series continues to explore bold story choices, and her portrayal of Ellie remains central to the show’s impact. What do you think about the changes in season 2? Share your thoughts in the comments.
