The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin has responded to criticism regarding Bella Ramsey's appearance as Ellie in the upcoming second season of the acclaimed series. Many viewers have expressed concerns about her looking too young despite her character aging from 14 to 19. Mazin emphasized that he focuses on Ellie’s emotional and personality growth over physical appearance, showcasing Bella's journey toward independence. He believes this emotional maturity will come across in her performance, providing viewers a deeper understanding of Ellie as they watch the new season.
The second season will premiere next month and consists of seven episodes. It will not cover the entirety of The Last of Us Part 2's storyline but aims to deliver a captivating narrative arc across its episodes. This season has stirred discussions surrounding pivotal decisions made by the characters, notably around the controversial choices made by Joel.
Why is there criticism regarding Bella Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2?The criticism stems from fans feeling that Bella Ramsey still looks too young for her character, who ages from 14 to 19 in the series. However, the showrunner, Craig Mazin, insists that he prioritizes emotional maturity and character development over physical appearance, suggesting that viewers will notice the change in Ellie's character arc in the new season.
The Last of Us is based on the popular video game series developed by Naughty Dog, which has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and character depth. The original game tells the story of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger and moral dilemmas, which has translated effectively into the HBO adaptation. The show has garnered attention not only for its emotional depth but also for its visual storytelling and character development that resonates with both fans of the game and new viewers alike.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
Read more articles from Casey Loh
Comments
Honestly, the obsession with Bella’s age feels like missing the forest for the trees—Ellie’s journey was never about looking a certain way, but about the raw, messy humanity she brings to the role. If the writing and performances hit as hard as Season 1, the visuals will be the last thing on anyone’s mind.
Also, seven episodes That’s just cruel—give us more of this emotional rollercoaster, HBO
I get why fans are hung up on Ellie's appearance, but acting chops matter way more than hitting a specific age look—Bella's performance in Season 1 proved she can nail the character's essence. If the emotional arc lands, the age debate will fade fast once the season drops.
Adaptations always face nitpicks, but focusing on Ellie's growth over her looks feels true to the game’s spirit—after all, TLOU’s strength was never about photorealistic aging, but the weight of its storytelling.