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Bella Ramsey, known for their portrayal of Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, took the proactive step of deactivating their social media accounts prior to the launch of Season 2. This decision was primarily made to preemptively shield themselves from anticipated backlash regarding their appearance.
The adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game series has garnered significant attention and success. With the onset of its second season, audiences are once again captivated, describing it as a poignant and intense narrative journey.
In Season 2, Ramsey reprises their role as Ellie, transitioning to a more mature version of the character. Although they received considerable acclaim for their performance in Season 1, this new iteration has sparked discussions on social media regarding Ramsey’s physical representation of the character.
The 21-year-old actor acknowledged their awareness of these discussions even before production commenced. Aware of the potential scrutiny, they dedicated themselves to extensive training, hoping to align more closely with the character’s evolving physique.
Bella Ramsey was “fixated” on Ellie’s appearance in The Last of Us Season 2
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ramsey described filming for the new season as an arduous experience. They revealed that the journey included rigorous physical training, which encompassed diverse elements such as combat sports and targeted weight training, contributing to their overall fitness and preparation.
Ramsey expressed a personal struggle with self-comparison, particularly in relation to Ellie’s appearance as seen in the video games. “I got quite fixated on the way that Ellie looks in the game and her physical stature,” they admitted, referencing their concern about not resembling the character closely enough.
Despite showrunner Craig Mazin not imposing these expectations, Ramsey recognized the mental challenges of comparing oneself to an animated figure. They conveyed the difficulty of overcoming such comparisons, noting a desire to build physique congruent with the character’s description.
In anticipation of Season 2’s premiere, Ramsey distanced themselves from social media platforms. Their aim was to avoid dialogues surrounding their portrayal and appearance within the latest episodes.
Although they had contemplated stepping away from social media for a while, Ramsey decided the timing was apt given the release. “If I just avoid platforms like Twitter and Reddit, then everything’s totally fine,” they explained.
The potential for online toxicity around The Last of Us is well-documented, particularly given the past experiences of cast members like Laura Bailey, who faced extreme harassment due to her role in the game. This context underscored Ramsey’s choice to prioritize their mental health by stepping back from the digital landscape.
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www.dexerto.com