Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old star of HBO’s The Last of Us, has once again found herself embroiled in controversy after reacting to a viral meme that dubbed her “Dadpool,” a satirical spin on the Deadpool character. The meme, which surfaced on X in early June 2025, mocked Ramsey’s emotional performance as Ellie in the recent The Last of Us Part II film adaptation, superimposing her face onto Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool with captions poking fun at her intense on-screen expressions. During a recent Instagram Live on June 1, 2025, Ramsey vented her frustration, exclaiming, “Agh, I can’t stand social media anymore,” reigniting debates about her relationship with fans and her ability to handle online criticism. The outburst has further strained her public image, already battered by earlier controversies, raising questions about her resilience in the face of internet culture.
The The Last of Us Part II film, released in April 2025, grossed $350 million worldwide against a $150 million budget, per Box Office Mojo, but its 62% Rotten Tomatoes score reflected mixed reviews. Critics lauded Ramsey’s raw portrayal of Ellie but criticized the film’s pacing and narrative deviations from the beloved video game. The online response was less kind, with X and TikTok flooded with memes targeting Ramsey’s tearful scenes. The “Dadpool” meme, in particular, gained traction after a user posted a photoshopped image of Ramsey in Deadpool’s costume, captioned, “When Ellie cries but also breaks the fourth wall.” The meme’s virality, with over 200,000 likes on X, prompted Ramsey’s exasperated reaction, which was clipped and shared widely, amplifying the backlash.
Ramsey’s frustration with social media is not new. In May 2025, she faced criticism after a Twitch stream where she lashed out at fans for similar memes, reportedly saying, “Fuck the community,” a statement that alienated even her supporters. The clip from that incident, which trended on X, led to accusations of ingratitude, with fans posting, “She’s turning on the people who made her famous.” Her latest outburst, though less inflammatory, has reignited the narrative that she struggles to cope with the internet’s playful yet often cruel humor. Some X users mocked her sensitivity, with one writing, “Bella needs to grow a thicker skin or get off the internet.” Others, however, defended her, arguing that the relentless memes constitute harassment. “She’s 21 and dealing with a toxic fanbase. Give her a break,” one supporter posted.
The Dadpool meme controversy highlights the broader challenges young celebrities face in navigating social media. Ramsey, who has been open about the emotional toll of playing Ellie, told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024 that the role required her to “dig deep into trauma.” The memes, while often intended as humor, may feel personal to an actress who has poured herself into such a demanding part. Dr. Emily Carter, a media studies professor quoted by Variety, noted that stars like Ramsey are caught in a double bind: expected to engage with fans online while enduring criticism that can border on bullying. “Social media amplifies both love and hate, and young actors often lack the tools to filter it,” Carter said.
The fallout from Ramsey’s reaction could impact her career. She’s slated to star in A Court of Thorns and Roses and a Netflix sci-fi series, but sources cited by Deadline suggest studios are wary of her recent PR missteps. The #CancelBella hashtag resurfaced briefly on X, though it was overshadowed by defenders arguing that the backlash is overblown. The The Last of Us fanbase remains divided, with some praising Ramsey’s authenticity and others vowing to boycott her future projects. The film’s mixed reception, rather than her performance, may be the real culprit behind the memes, as the game’s polarizing story also faced similar online ridicule.
Ramsey has since limited comments on her Instagram and avoided addressing the “Dadpool” meme directly. Her team issued a statement urging fans to “respect her space,” but the internet shows no signs of slowing down. As the The Last of Us franchise gears up for a potential third film, Ramsey’s ability to weather this storm will be critical. The controversy underscores a harsh reality of modern fame: social media can elevate a star but also tear them down in an instant. Whether Ramsey can reclaim her narrative or continues to clash with the online community remains to be seen, but for now, the “Dadpool” saga has cemented her as a lightning rod in the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture.
