In a powerful start to HBO’s “The Last of Us” Season 2, fresh characters like Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever), Jesse (Young Mazino), and Dina (Isabella Merced) were introduced. However, the most recent episode titled “Through the Valley” dealt a shocking blow to the series as Pedro Pascal’s Joel was killed off, an event long-awaited by gamers. With Joel gone, Bella Ramsey’s character Ellie will now take charge moving forward. Before the new season began, some video game fans had voiced concerns about Ellie’s portrayal in the live-action series, and they’ve now experienced their own share of apprehension.
Initially airing in 2022, the post-apocalyptic show introduced audiences to Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of a rebellious teenager. Previously, Ashley Johnson had played this character in The Last of Us Part I and II. Ramsey brought a unique duality to her performance, which received praise from both critics and fans. However, some criticism arose as the Game of Thrones actor wasn’t portraying the toughness and physicality that viewers expected from the character in The Last of Us. Despite this minor backlash, it appears that Craig Mazin is tackling the issue directly within the series, given Bella’s multiple nominations for Best Drama Actress awards.
The Last of Us Season 2 Tackles Ellie’s Physicality
In Episode 1 titled “Future Days,” we join the story in Jackson, Wyoming, five years following the events of the final episode in The Last of Us Season 1 where Joel saved Ellie’s life by taking down several Fireflies. Despite Joel serving as her guardian, tensions arise when Ellie, now 19, engages in martial arts training with a local resident. Her sparring partner inflicts some injuries on her, sporting a broken nose, yet her tenacity is evident as she pins her opponent to the ground. Jesse steps into the barn and advises the man to be gentle with her, following Joel’s instructions. However, Ellie reacts strongly, insisting that Joel should continue shielding her, while also expressing a desire for self-reliance.
Wrapping up Ellie in a stronger outer layer seems to have silenced detractors focusing on her physical appearance. Ramsey shared with GameRant during a recent interview that for Season 2, she spent two months learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combat training, and boxing. The grit displayed within the opening minutes of Episode 1 is merely a hint of what’s to come in The Last of Us series, as Ellie plots her revenge against Abby and the WLF in Seattle. It’s clear that she will find opportunities to utilize these newly acquired skills along her journey.
Based on the powerhouse performances Ramsey delivered in merely two episodes, it’s tantalizing to speculate about the talents he’ll showcase as Ellie for the remainder of the season, further silencing those critics who still hold doubts.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays at 9 PM ET on HBO and MAX.
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2025-04-26 17:11