The Last of Us Part 3 Faces Delays as Bella Ramsey Memes Fuel Online Backlash

The highly anticipated The Last of Us Part III has hit a roadblock, with director Neil Druckmann revealing that the writing process for the third installment hasn’t even begun. The reason? A wave of social media memes targeting actress Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie in HBO’s acclaimed adaptation, has stirred significant public criticism, impacting the franchise’s momentum. This unexpected controversy has sparked heated discussions among fans and creators alike, raising questions about the toxic side of fandom culture.

Since The Last of Us premiered on HBO in 2023, Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie has been both celebrated and scrutinized. While critics have praised their emotional depth and ability to capture Ellie’s resilience, some fans of the Naughty Dog video game series have been less forgiving. Social media platforms like X, Reddit, and Instagram have been flooded with memes comparing Ramsey’s appearance to the computer-generated Ellie, often criticizing their physique for not matching the game’s aesthetic. These memes, though sometimes framed as humor, have fueled a toxic narrative, with some labeling Ramsey as “Hollywood’s most hated actress.”

Druckmann, co-creator of the game and series, has publicly defended Ramsey, emphasizing that their casting was based on talent, not a need to replicate a digital model. “Bella brings Ellie to life with unmatched authenticity,” Druckmann stated in a recent interview. “Their emotional depth is what matters, not superficial comparisons.” He also highlighted the double standards in fan expectations, noting that male actors like Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, face far less scrutiny for diverging from their game counterparts. This backlash isn’t new—similar criticism targeted characters in Horizon Forbidden West and Hades II for not meeting idealized beauty standards.

The ongoing meme-driven criticism has taken a toll. Ramsey, now 21, admitted to stepping away from social media to escape the negativity, a move they described as necessary for their mental health. “I never really wanted to be on social media in the first place,” they told The Hollywood Reporter. “Avoiding X and Reddit has made everything feel fine.” This decision has only amplified discussions about the pressures young actors face in the age of online scrutiny.

For The Last of Us Part III, the fallout is tangible. Druckmann revealed that the creative team is hesitant to move forward while the franchise is under such intense public criticism. The memes and backlash have created a challenging environment for the writers, who are wary of further fueling the controversy. Fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter may need to wait longer as Naughty Dog navigates this storm.

This situation underscores a broader issue in entertainment: the toxic expectations placed on actors, particularly women, to match idealized versions of characters. As The Last of Us continues to captivate audiences, the hope is that fans will shift focus to the storytelling and performances that have made the series a cultural phenomenon. For now, Ramsey’s resilience and Druckmann’s support remind us that talent should always outweigh toxicity.