The second season of HBO’s The Last of Us has left fans reeling with its gut-wrenching finale, sparking intense speculation about what lies ahead for season 3. At the heart of the conversation is Bella Ramsey, who plays the iconic Ellie, a character beloved by fans of both the hit TV series and the Naughty Dog video game. With season 2’s shocking cliffhanger and a narrative shift toward Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby, many have questioned whether Ramsey’s role will diminish in the upcoming season. Addressing these concerns, Ramsey has shared insights that reassure fans while keeping the mystery alive, perfectly setting the stage for what promises to be another emotional chapter in this post-apocalyptic saga.
The Last of Us season 2, which wrapped up on May 26, 2025, delivered a finale that was both heartbreaking and polarizing. Following the devastating death of Joel (Pedro Pascal) early in the season, Ellie’s journey took a darker turn as she pursued revenge against Abby and the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). The finale’s climactic confrontation between Ellie and Abby left viewers on edge, with a cut-to-black moment that mirrored the intensity of The Last of Us Part II video game. This pivotal scene, coupled with the show’s decision to shift perspectives to Abby in season 3, has fueled concerns that Ellie—and by extension, Bella Ramsey—might take a backseat.
According to showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, season 3 will dive into Abby’s perspective, exploring her motivations and backstory in a way that parallels the game’s narrative structure. This shift has led some fans to worry that Ramsey’s screen time could be significantly reduced. Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with posts reflecting this anxiety, with fans expressing their love for Ellie and their hope that Ramsey remains central to the story.
In a recent interview with Variety, Bella Ramsey addressed these concerns with their signature candor and charm. “I expect to have a smaller role in season 3, but I’m still very much a part of it,” Ramsey said, dispelling fears that Ellie would vanish entirely. They emphasized that the story’s focus on Abby doesn’t mean Ellie’s arc is over. “All I can say is we haven’t seen the last of Ellie,” Ramsey teased, echoing Mazin’s assurance that key characters, including Ramsey’s Ellie, Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby, and Isabela Merced’s Dina, will return.
Ramsey’s comments align with Mazin’s cryptic yet optimistic outlook at a May 23 press conference, where he noted, “We haven’t seen the last of a lot of people who are currently dead in the story.” This suggests that season 3 will continue to weave complex narratives, potentially revisiting characters and moments in unexpected ways. For fans worried about Ellie’s fate, Ramsey’s words offer a comforting promise: Ellie’s journey is far from over, even if it takes a different shape.
The decision to focus on Abby in season 3 is a bold move that mirrors the storytelling risks taken in The Last of Us Part II. In the game, players experience the story through both Ellie and Abby’s perspectives, a choice that initially divided fans but ultimately deepened the narrative’s emotional impact. By adopting this approach, the HBO series aims to explore themes of revenge, redemption, and moral ambiguity through Abby’s lens, while still keeping Ellie’s story alive.
Ramsey’s performance in season 2 has been widely praised, with critics noting their ability to capture Ellie’s emotional complexity—from grief and rage to fleeting moments of hope. Despite some criticism about the writing softening Ellie’s arc, Ramsey’s portrayal has been a standout, proving they can carry the weight of the character’s darker moments. As the show shifts to Abby’s perspective, Ramsey’s reduced role could allow for a fresh exploration of Ellie’s growth, potentially setting up a powerful reunion or confrontation in the season’s climax.
While HBO has yet to announce an official release date for season 3, the show’s renewal confirms that the story will continue to adapt The Last of Us Part II. Fans can anticipate a deeper dive into Abby’s world, with Kaitlyn Dever taking center stage. However, Ramsey’s comments suggest that Ellie will remain a vital part of the narrative, likely reappearing at key moments to drive the story forward.
The cliffhanger ending of season 2 has also sparked speculation about how Ellie’s actions—particularly her violent encounter with Owen and Mel—will shape her future. Ramsey hinted that Ellie’s quest for revenge has left her a “shell of a human,” setting the stage for a season 3 arc that could explore her struggle to reclaim her humanity. With Dina’s pregnancy and injury adding further stakes, Ellie’s story is poised to remain as compelling as ever.
The buzz around The Last of Us season 3 reflects the passionate community that has rallied around the show. Despite a reported 55% drop in viewership for the season 2 finale compared to season 1, the series has outperformed its predecessor overall, averaging 37 million viewers per episode. This enduring popularity underscores the show’s ability to captivate audiences, even as it navigates controversial plot points.
On social media, fans have expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about season 3. Posts on X highlight Ramsey’s stellar performance and the hope that Ellie remains a cornerstone of the series. By addressing concerns directly, Ramsey has strengthened their connection with fans, ensuring that anticipation for season 3 remains high.
As The Last of Us prepares to enter its next chapter, Bella Ramsey’s reassurance offers a beacon of hope for fans. While Ellie’s role may be smaller, her presence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. With a talented cast, visionary showrunners, and a story that continues to push boundaries, season 3 promises to deliver the emotional depth and intensity that have made the series a cultural phenomenon. For now, fans can rest easy knowing that Bella Ramsey’s Ellie is here to stay—just don’t expect her to take the spotlight alone.
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