Is Bella Ramsey the Worst Casting Choice Ever? Fans Are Divided Over Her Role as Ellie in The Last of Us

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.

Who do you think is the worst miscasting in movie history?

I’ll start:

Bella Ramsey as Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’ pic.twitter.com/dtMFq8Ao3a

— Creepy (@creepydotorg) February 19, 2025

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?

The Case for Bella Ramsey as Ellie

Supporters of Bella Ramsey’s casting argue that her performance captured the essence of Ellie. From her sharp tongue and dry humor to her vulnerability and emotional depth, Ramsey’s portrayal resonated with many viewers.

One fan commented:

“Every single person who doubted Bella Ramsey owes them an apology. That’s Ellie through and through.”

Additionally, showrunner Craig Mazin and The Last of Us creator Neil Druckmann have repeatedly defended their choice, emphasizing that Ramsey’s audition left them with no doubt. Mazin stated in an interview:

“Bella is Ellie. The moment she read for the role, we knew. Her talent is unmatched.”

The Impact of Social Media on Casting Decisions

The ongoing discourse highlights the growing influence of social media on public perceptions of casting decisions. While platforms like X provide fans with a space to voice opinions, they can also amplify toxic behavior, as noted by some users in the discussion.

One tweet summed up the issue:

“The comments are full of people insulting the actress for their appearance. Not a single comment about what they did wrong playing the character. This isn’t constructive criticism—it’s just hate.”

The Legacy of The Last of Us

HBO’s The Last of Us has been a resounding success, with the series receiving critical acclaim and becoming one of the network’s most-watched shows. Much of its success has been attributed to the chemistry between Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel.

As the show gears up for its second season, which will tackle the events of The Last of Us Part II, the conversation around Ramsey’s portrayal will likely continue. However, with the series’ impressive track record and Ramsey’s growing confidence in the role, many believe the best is yet to come.

Final Thoughts

The debate over Bella Ramsey’s casting as Ellie reflects the challenges of adapting beloved stories for the screen. While some fans may never be satisfied, Ramsey’s performance has undoubtedly left a significant impact.

As discussions continue, it’s clear that Ramsey’s Ellie has sparked an important conversation about the expectations placed on actors in adaptations and the broader issue of online criticism. Whether you loved or loathed her portrayal, there’s no denying that Bella Ramsey has become an integral part of The Last of Us legacy.