The portrayal of beloved characters in adaptations often sparks heated debates, and Bella Ramsey’s casting as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us is no exception. While many have praised Ramsey’s performance, others remain critical, with discussions about her casting recently reigniting on social media.
The Tweet That Sparked Controversy
On February 19, 2025, the account @creepydotorg took to X (formerly Twitter) to spark a fiery debate:
“Who do you think is the worst miscasting in movie history? I’ll start: Bella Ramsey as Ellie in The Last of Us.”
This post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of responses from fans, critics, and casual viewers alike. The discussion ranged from outright criticism of Ramsey’s portrayal to passionate defenses of her performance.
Mixed Reactions From Fans
The responses to the tweet have been a microcosm of the larger debate surrounding Ramsey’s casting. One user, defending the actor, wrote:
“Honestly, I was a big hater about this too, but after watching it, I can’t think of a better actress to play Ellie.”
Another fan tweeted in frustration:
“This post ain’t it. The comments are full of people insulting the actress for their appearance, not a single comment about what they did wrong playing the character. Starting to remember why I hate this site.”
However, not everyone was convinced. Critics highlighted differences between Ramsey and Ellie’s in-game portrayal. One detractor commented:
“This did an ENORMOUS disservice to the studio and everyone who poured everything into making such a great game with one of my favorite stories in any video game.”
Some echoed concerns about Ramsey’s ability to embody Ellie from The Last of Us Part II, where the character evolves into a tall, muscular, and more physically imposing figure.
Bella Ramsey’s Response to the Backlash
Bella Ramsey has not shied away from addressing the controversy surrounding her casting. In an interview with The New York Times, Ramsey admitted that fan backlash initially made her doubt her ability to portray Ellie. “I saw the comments, and for a moment, I thought, ‘Maybe they’re right.’ But then I reminded myself that Ellie is more than her looks—she’s her heart, her pain, her resilience. That’s what I focused on,” she said.
Despite the skepticism, Ramsey’s Ellie won over many viewers by the end of the series’ first season. Critics praised her nuanced portrayal of the character’s trauma, wit, and fierce determination, with several calling her performance Emmy-worthy.
A History of Fan Backlash in Adaptations
The backlash against Bella Ramsey is not an isolated case. Casting choices for adaptations, particularly of beloved characters, frequently draw scrutiny. Fans have high expectations when transitioning iconic characters from one medium to another.
Some of the most contentious casting decisions in history include:
-
Heath Ledger as the Joker in The Dark Knight (later acclaimed)
-
Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale (dubbed “James Blonde” by critics initially)
-
Anne Hathaway as Catwoman in The Dark Knight Rises
In each case, initial skepticism gave way to widespread acclaim. Could Bella Ramsey’s portrayal follow the same trajectory?
