7 Shocking New Details About Ellie The Last Of Us Actress Bella Ramsey: 2025 Awards & Season 2 Fate

The conversation surrounding Ellie Williams, the fiercely resilient protagonist of The Last of Us, has never been more intense than it is right now, in December 2025. The role, made iconic by two distinct actresses across the video game and the HBO television series, is currently dominating headlines due to major developments in the show's narrative and recent award season buzz. As the world anticipates the next chapter of the post-apocalyptic saga, the performance of the current star continues to be a central topic of discussion, particularly as the story moves into the darker, more complex territory of The Last of Us Part II.

This deep dive provides the most current, up-to-date information on the actress who brings Ellie to life on screen, detailing her recent achievements, the challenging road ahead in Season 2, and the essential legacy of the original performer. From multiple 2025 award nominations to key casting changes and production updates, here is everything you need to know about the talent behind the immune survivor.

Bella Ramsey: The Current Face of Ellie Williams (HBO)

Bella Ramsey has successfully transitioned from a breakout star to a powerhouse leading actress, cementing her status as the definitive live-action Ellie Williams. Her portrayal has been praised for capturing Ellie’s blend of vulnerability, rage, and dark humor, earning her critical acclaim and major awards recognition in 2025.

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Bella Ramsey: Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Bella Ramsey
• Date of Birth: September 25, 2003
• Place of Birth: Nottingham, England
• Nationality: British
• Pronouns: They/Them (Non-binary)
• Breakthrough Role: Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones (2016–2019)
• Notable Roles: Ellie Williams in The Last of Us (HBO), Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch, Jane Grey in Becoming Elizabeth
• Current Status: Two-time Emmy-nominated actress for The Last of Us (2024 & 2025)
• Recent Projects (Outside TLOU): Voice work in animated features and independent film roles.

The 2025 Awards Season Buzz: A Force of Nature

Ramsey’s performance in the inaugural season of The Last of Us has continued to resonate, leading to significant nominations in the 2025 awards cycle. The actress was once again nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 2025 Emmys for their work as Ellie Williams, marking their second consecutive nomination for the role. This recognition solidifies their position as one of the most compelling dramatic actors working today. Furthermore, they were also recognized in the 2025 Screen Awards for Best Lead Actress in TV, highlighting the global impact of the HBO series and their nuanced portrayal of the character.

Despite the massive success, Ramsey has maintained a low profile regarding awards events, notably skipping the 2025 Emmys. This focus on their craft and the ongoing production of Season 2 has only intensified fan anticipation for their next on-screen appearance.

The Road Ahead: Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2

The second season of the HBO series is one of the most highly anticipated television events. It is confirmed to be based on the critically acclaimed and controversial video game sequel, The Last of Us Part II. This narrative shift means Ellie’s character arc will become significantly darker, more violent, and emotionally taxing.

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Adapting The Last of Us Part II: A New Ellie

Season 2 picks up five years after the events of the first season, meaning Ellie Williams is now 19 years old. This time jump introduces a more mature, yet deeply traumatized, Ellie, who is driven by a consuming need for revenge following a devastating event. The narrative is heavily focused on the fallout of Joel's decision and the psychological toll of living in a post-Cordyceps world where moral lines are constantly blurred.

Showrunners have indicated that the second game’s story will be split across multiple seasons, ensuring a thorough and respectful adaptation of the complex source material. Bella Ramsey has expressed excitement about tackling the intense physical and emotional stunts required for the new season, which features some of the most brutal and memorable sequences in the entire franchise.

Key New Cast Members and Character Dynamics

The transition to Part II necessitates the introduction of several critical figures who will shape Ellie’s journey and her relationship with Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal). The casting for these roles has been a major source of recent news and fan discussion:

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• Abby: The pivotal, controversial figure of Abby will be played by Kaitlyn Dever. Abby’s narrative runs parallel to Ellie's, exploring themes of cycles of violence and trauma.
• Dina: Ellie’s love interest, Dina, will be played by Isabela Merced. Dina becomes a central figure in Ellie's life in Jackson and is crucial to her emotional stability.
• Jesse: Young Mazino has been cast as Jesse, Dina’s former partner and a loyal friend to Ellie.

These new entities will fundamentally change the dynamic around Bella Ramsey’s character, pushing her into new emotional and physical extremes. The series will explore Ellie's relationships with Dina and Joel as she grapples with the truth about her immunity and the cost of survival.

The Original Ellie: Ashley Johnson’s Enduring Legacy

No discussion of the Ellie Williams character is complete without acknowledging the foundational work of Ashley Johnson. Johnson is the actress who originated the role, providing both the voice and motion capture for Ellie in the Naughty Dog video games: The Last of Us (2013), the DLC Left Behind (2014), and The Last of Us Part II (2020).

A Perfect Cameo in the HBO Series

Ashley Johnson’s connection to the HBO series was a highlight of the first season’s finale. In a powerful and emotional cameo, Johnson played Anna, Ellie’s mother. This casting choice was celebrated by fans as a perfect tribute, depicting the character’s final moments and the heartbreaking origin of Ellie’s immunity. The scene provided a beautiful, full-circle moment, with the original actress passing the torch to the new generation while simultaneously grounding the narrative in its emotional core.

The Video Game Performance and Influence

Ashley Johnson’s performance in the games is widely regarded as one of the best in video game history. She brought an unparalleled level of depth to the character, capturing the transition from a cynical, wisecracking teenager to a hardened, vengeful survivor. Her chemistry with Troy Baker (who plays Joel in the games) defined the relationship that the HBO series sought to replicate. Her voice work and motion capture set the template for the character’s mannerisms, expressions, and emotional range, influencing Bella Ramsey’s approach to the role and ensuring a continuity of spirit for the character of Ellie Williams.

As the HBO series delves into the intense material of The Last of Us Part II, both Bella Ramsey and the legacy of Ashley Johnson will remain central to the franchise's success. Ramsey's multiple 2025 award nominations confirm that their powerful portrayal has resonated with both critics and a global audience, proving that the spirit of Ellie Williams—a complex, flawed, and ultimately human survivor—is in capable hands.