Bella Ramsey responds to haters of The Last of Us Season 2 while Season 3 promises big changes. Read on to know more.
By Amlan Shekhar Baruah, August 31, 2025
When a show as big as The Last of Us lands on our screens, it comes with as much love as it does criticism. Season 2, which aired earlier this year on HBO, wasn’t immune to that reality. Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, has been at the center of the discussion, with online backlash aimed at both the story and her character. In a recent interview, Bella Ramsey responds to haters directly, reminding us that while everyone is entitled to an opinion, it doesn’t mean the show needs to change course.
Speaking on The Awardist podcast, Ramsey shared that they try to avoid reading negative comments. “The show is out. There’s nothing I can do about it anyway,” they said. “People are of course entitled to their opinions. But it doesn’t affect the show in any way.” For Ramsey, the healthiest choice is to focus on the work, not on online noise. And when asked what she would say to the more vocal critics, her answer was simple: “You don’t have to watch it. If you hate it that much, the game exists. You can just play the game again.”
This kind of honesty is uncommon, and it’s clear Ramsey prefers to stay focused on the work rather than online reactions. At the same time, criticism, whether about creative choices or performances, is a natural part of any major series and worth acknowledging. Not everyone will connect with the direction of The Last of Us nor will they like Bella’s portrayal of Ellie, and that divide is part of what makes the show so widely discussed. Still, Ramsey’s Emmy nomination for best lead actress demonstrates that her performance has resonated strongly with many critics and viewers, even as debates around the season continue.
The Controversy Around Season 2
To understand why Bella Ramsey’s response to haters has become such a headline, we have to look at the story itself. The Last of Us TV show adapts the video games The Last of Us and The Last of Us – Part 2, and it soon became one of the most debated TV shows in recent memory. The controversy largely stems from two creative choices: the brutal killing of Joel, the character played by Pedro Pascal, and the depiction of Ellie’s relationship with Dina.
For many fans, Joel’s death felt like a betrayal. Others criticized the show for what they saw as forced themes of representation. Online review-bombing followed, with social media trolls posting homophobic comments and calling for boycotts. Yet despite the backlash, the season held steady in viewership and sparked conversation worldwide. If anything, it mirrored the same debates that surrounded the game’s release back in 2020.
From Console to Screen: The Video Game Legacy
Before there was an Emmy-nominated drama, there was a game that redefined apocalyptic storytelling. The Last of Us Part 1 and Part II, developed by Naughty Dog. The games won dozens of awards while also dividing players. Some praised it as bold and emotional, others rejected it for subverting expectations. But love it or hate it, the game’s willingness to challenge its audience made it unforgettable.
The HBO series has carried that same DNA. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann didn’t shy away from difficult storylines. Instead, they leaned into them, knowing that the show’s strength lies not in fan service but in exploring complicated characters and themes. That is exactly why Bella Ramsey responds to haters with confidence—because the creative team knew this story would always spark strong feelings.
Looking Ahead to Season 3
Despite the noise, the future of the series is already in motion. Season 2 ended on a cliffhanger, with Ellie ambushed by Abby, the controversial character played by Kaitlyn Dever. In Season 3, Abby will step into the lead role, a bold choice that mirrors the structure of the game. Showrunner Craig Mazin has confirmed this shift and will now guide the show alone, with Neil Druckmann stepping back to focus on Naughty Dog.
For viewers, Season 3 will look very different, with Abby taking center stage. Some people will be open to that change, while others may not enjoy it as much. Ramsey’s point is straightforward: not every decision will please everyone, and it’s up to each of us to decide whether we want to keep watching.
