The Last Of Us
Warning ! This article contains pamperer for The Last of Us episode 1 and the original game . The casting of Bella Ramsey as Ellie forThe Last of Uscaused some recoil , yet the show ’s premiere proved this backlash wrong almost instantaneously . Ramsey is best know for her role as Lady Lyanna Mormont inGame of Thronesseasons 7 and 8 . After the success of relieve oneself a newfangled character so beloved at such a unseasoned historic period , Ramsey was cast as Ellie in The Last of Us , a theatrical role covet by many due to the brilliance of the plot character .
Alongside Bella Ramsey forThe Last of Usin the show ’s conscientious objector - starring role isThe Mandalorian’sPedro Pascal as Joel . The Last of Uscenters on Joel and Ellie , thrusting the two together in a post - apocalyptic America for a mission bigger than anything they have ever known . The Last of Usepisode 1 introduces the primary characters to both the audience and each other , with Bella Ramsey ultimately prove the doubters incorrect through her performance as Ellie Williams .
Related : The Last Of Us ' Cordyceps Zombie Virus & Stages explain
The Last Of Us Ellie Casting Backlash Explained
Firstly , it is deserving exploring the backlash and why sections of the fanbase are doubting both HBO and Bella Ramsey . Initially , the backlash get along from something pretty simple that is often reason against most videogame adaptations : the lack of likeness to the character . With a secret plan as hero-worship asThe Last of Us , the hardcore fanbase has been clamoring for other actors to play Ellie in alive - action since 2013 and the game ’s initial release , includingHBO ’s video recording plot version . Kaitlyn Dever and Elliot Page are some of the more popular selection due to their similar feeling to Ellie ’s game design .
The lover casting for Dever and Page were majoritively due to their similarity to how Ellie looks in the game . In the original plot , Ashley Johnson provide Ellie ’s voice and move capture . However , due to Johnson ’s senior age and Ellie ’s in - population age of 14 , Johnson was rarely fancast for the live - action version ofThe Last of Us . Despite these many fancast theories , Bella Ramsey was denote as Ellie in February 2021 , with many online vocalise their letdown due to Ramsey ’s different feeling to Ellie ’s game model .
While Ramsey does undoubtedly look different from Ellie ’s game design , the backlash was blown completely out of proportion . Since then , however , some more unfavorable criticism have surfaced among certain circles online . Some of the otherLast of Uscasting criticismhas center around Ramsey not being " attractive " enough to play Ellie , a charge that is out or keeping in numerous slipway . For one , judging an actress base purely on her forcible appearance is mortifying , debasing , and absolutely dismissive of Ramsey ’s act ability . Secondly , Ellie ’s part in the game and HBO’sThe Last of Usis 14 years old , intend judging the part and any actor hired to play her ground on attractiveness is more than problematic .
Bella Ramsey Is Great As Ellie
Despite all of this rebound , problematic or otherwise , The Last of Usepisode 1 show that Bella Ramsey is fantastic as Ellie . This is evident from her first introduction , with the graphic symbol bind to a radiator by the Fireflies . This view centers on Ellie ’s Firefly captors lay her through test to see if the raciness on her arm would make her to become infected by the Cordyceps computer virus in the2023 timeline ofThe Last of Us . Ellie is told to calculate from one to 10 tardily and clearly , which she completely rushes through in a way that is light she is done with their endless trial run , complete with flipping off the Firefly after the test is finish up .
Related : The Last Of Us Show Is Already Making openhanded Changes To The Game ’s Story
This fit should put doubts to layer , with Ramsey absolutely enchant the rebellious , rash , foul - mouthed , and moody part of Ellie ’s personality from the game . Given how Ellie was bear and put up in the Boston quarantine geographical zone , where any criterion and note value hold in gamey regard in real - life lodge have deteriorated , this personality is expected . Again , Ramsey captures this all , which is present again in the next scene featuring Ellie . This involves Marlene return Ellie ’s belongings , with Ellie immediately clutch her switchblade , showing off the aforesaid temperamental nature of the character .
However , this tantrum with Marlene — aLast of Usgame character — also showcases the other part of Ellie ’s personality that makes her character so darling : her innocence . This issue forth when Ellie tearfully involve why Marlene will not let her go home , with Ramsey attractively evoking the right amount of wide-eyed artlessness to make Ellie charitable . Also , Ramsey makes it easily credible that both the immature , empathic side of Ellie and the more mature , loathly - mouthed attitude can coexist . This is only furthered by the sense of wonder Ramsey captures concerning the populace beyond the QZ , turn out that any backlash the actress received for being cast inThe Last of Usis more than unwarranted .
newfangled episodes ofThe Last of Usrelease every Sunday on HBO .
More : Last Of Us ' Ellie Promise Proves The Show Can fend off An Adaptation whammy