Bella Ramsey has returned as Ellie in The Last of Us season 2, bringing a new layer of personal and character development to the HBO adaptation. In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, Ramsey spoke about their recent autism diagnosis and how it intersects with their portrayal of Ellie.
While they previously identified as neurodivergent, Ramsey now openly describes themselves as autistic. “I said that I was neurodiverse before, and then I was like, ‘Why don’t I just say what it actually is, which is, yeah, I’m autistic.’” The actor, who uses they/them pronouns, says this clarity has allowed them to feel more comfortable and hopes it helps reduce stigma.
Ellie’s story resumes five years after the events of season one, with tensions between her and Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. Ramsey notes that the shift in their own identity and experiences since filming season one has influenced how they approach the character. “There’s always like a merging of me and whatever character I’m playing… that happens times 10 with Ellie.”
The new season explores Ellie’s relationship with Dina, a key storyline carried over from the video game’s sequel. Ramsey says the narrative’s approach to queer relationships is both authentic and meaningful. “It doesn’t feel like it’s representation added on top to check a box—it really feels like it’s just a part of the story.”
Outside the show, Ramsey has also reflected on the impact of growing up in the spotlight, having first gained recognition in Game of Thrones. They acknowledge both the challenges and the opportunities of having their development documented on screen.
The Last of Us has already been renewed for a third season, suggesting audiences will continue to see both Ellie’s and Ramsey’s growth. The actor concludes, “The more that you grow up, you just realise how little you know… and I think that’s something that Ellie is also discovering."
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