Bella Ramsey Shuts Down The Last of Us Trolls: The Game Exists. Just Play That
HBOs The Last of Us debuted in January 2023 and quickly became one of the networks biggest hits, drawing praise from both fans of the original PlayStation game and newcomers alike. The series, adapted from the award-winning video game franchise, follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection that has decimated humanity. Along the way, the duo face dangerous survivors, emotional losses, and a bond that grows deeper with each episode.SPOILERS AHEAD!However, fans were stunned by the events of Season 2, particularly Joels brutal death and Ellies budding romance with Dina (Isabela Merced). Yes, were all upset Pascal is off the showbut thats no excuse to spiral into internet trolling. The series had already faced backlash in Season 1 for its devastatingly tender portrayal of Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). That episode was review-bombed by homophobic viewers, yet it still became one of the most acclaimed of the series. The hate didnt slow down the LGBTQ+ representation then, and it certainly isnt going to now.When asked about the backlash, Ramsey told The Awardist podcast (via GamesRadar) that they tried to steer clear as much as I could.Because theres nothing I can do about it anyway. The show is out. Theres nothing that can be changed or altered. So Im like, theres not really any point in reading or looking at anything, Ramsey said. People are of course entitled to their opinions. But it doesnt affect the show, it doesnt affect how the show continues or anything in any way. Theyre very separate things to me. So no, I just dont really engage.The Emmy-nominated actor also gave critics a direct option if they dont like the direction of the HBO series: You dont have to watch it. If you hate it that much, the game exists. You can just play the game again. If you do want to watch it, hope you enjoy it.Season 3 FocusWhile Ramsey is shrugging off the haters, were counting the days until we get Season 3. At a recent Emmys FYC event, showrunner and co-creator Craig Mazin confirmed that Kaitlyn Dever will be stepping into the spotlight. Yes, she does play Abby, the person who killed Joel last season. I cant believe that they let us structure the series in this way, meaning like, we just ended Season 2, and Season 3 is going to be starring spoiler alert Kaitlyn, Mazin said.Mazin will serve as the sole showrunner for Season 3 following Neil Druckmanns decision to step back to focus on his work at Naughty Dog, the studio behind the original games.Breaking Barriers at the EmmysPeople might have a thing or two to say about Ramseys character, but so do The Emmys. The star received their second Emmy nomination Tuesday morning, making history as the first nonbinary performer to earn more than one nomination from the Television Academy. Theyre up for best lead actress in a drama, alongside co-star Pedro Pascal in the lead actor category and the series overall for outstanding drama.In 2023, Yellowjackets actor Liv Hewson made headlines when they chose not to submit for Emmy consideration because the categories remain separated by male and female performers. Ramseys nomination marks another step toward broader recognition for nonbinary actors in Hollywood.Source