Interview
Ashley Johnson on Bella Ramsey’s Ellie: “It has been such a joy to watch her”

The HBO adaptation of the Naughty Dog video game The Last of Us successfully completed its first season, and it was a roaring success. It was also a symbolic passing over of baton, from old Ellie to new, as Ashley Johnson, who played the character in the game, made an appearance as Anna, Bella Ramsey’s Ellie’s mom, in the finale. She recently talked about how she felt about Ramsey’s portrayal.
What does Ashley Johnson think about Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie?
In an interview with Deadline, Johnson opened up on watching Ramsey play her character on The Last of Us, “Yeah, it has been such a joy to watch her because she’s so good. And I feel like there’s been so many scenes that have been elevated because of her capabilities and her talent. And it’s also, she was exploring sides of her that will make sense for Season 2 because where the second game goes is even darker and heavier. It’s hard to watch because I’m watching these characters — Pedro [Pascal] and Bella’s version of these characters — and falling in love with them.”
“And it’s heartbreaking because I know that life doesn’t get better for them, and she is just so beautiful to watch because even in just these subtle moments, there’s so much going on. And I feel like there’s been so many moments and scenes where Ellie’s been able to stick up for herself or say things that didn’t happen in the game that feel good for me to watch.”
Ashley Johnson is looking forward to seeing Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us Season 2
Johnson further expressed her excitement by saying, “I’m blown away by what she’s done, and I’m so excited for her to have a space to make this character her own and to put her own imprint on it, in addition to bringing a character to life that she’s excited about and telling the story that she wants to tell within the character. And I’m sure there’s pressure for anybody to take on a character that people know well, and I think she’s killed it.”
How much time will it take to film The Last of Us Season 2?
The Last of Us showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann recently chatted with GQ Magazine after the finale of Season 1 aired on Sunday and talked about the upcoming season and the cliffhanger finale. They hinted that the second season was going to take at least two years to film, with Mazin teasing the fans saying, “I’m okay with that. That’s the anger of desire and anticipation.”
Read Next: Bella Ramsey will continue playing Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2
-
Editorial4 days ago
All Game of Thrones spinoffs — Everything you need to know about the prequel and sequel shows
-
Editorial4 days ago
Did Ned Stark’s honor and compassion lead to his downfall? Here’s George R. R. Martin’s take
-
News7 days ago
Matt Smith says House of the Dragon cast has received Season 3 scripts
-
News4 days ago
Another Game of Thrones spinoff based on House Targaryen in the works
-
News2 days ago
Ice Spiders & Ironbeak Griffins – Game of Thrones: Kingsroad brings George R.R. Martin’s iconic monsters to life
-
Editorial3 days ago
Is George R. R. Martin still involved with Elden Ring?
-
Media1 day ago
House of the Dragon’s Battle of Rook’s Rest was influenced by Top Gun: Maverick’s aerial battle