Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old star of HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Last of Us, has opened up about their decision to deactivate their social media accounts following intense online scrutiny and harsh comparisons to the video game character Ellie. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ramsey shared the emotional toll of fan expectations and the pressure to match the physical appearance of Ellie from Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II, shedding light on the challenges of navigating fame in the digital age.

The Last of Us, adapted from the beloved 2013 video game, follows the journey of Ellie, a tough and resilient teenager, and Joel, her surrogate father figure, in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie in the show’s first season, which aired in 2023, earned widespread praise for capturing the character’s vulnerability, wit, and strength. However, as the second season premiered in early 2025, some fans fixated on Ramsey’s appearance, criticizing them for not resembling the computer-generated Ellie, particularly her muscular build and defined arms in the game’s sequel.

Ramsey revealed that they became “fixated” on these differences themselves, undergoing rigorous physical training, including boxing, jiu-jitsu, and weightlifting, to prepare for the physically demanding role in season two. “It was cool to feel really capable,” Ramsey told The Hollywood Reporter, “but I got quite fixated on the way that Ellie looks in the game and her physical stature, and, to be specific, the muscle definition in her arms. And I didn’t look like that. My body type isn’t that.” This self-imposed pressure, compounded by relentless online trolling, took a significant toll on Ramsey’s mental well-being.

The criticism wasn’t new. Since their casting was announced, Ramsey faced backlash from a vocal minority of fans who argued they didn’t match Ellie’s game appearance or suggested other actors, like Cailee Spaeny, would have been a better fit. Some even created cruel memes mocking Ramsey’s looks, ignoring the fact that the show’s creators, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, prioritized emotional authenticity over a carbon-copy resemblance. “They were looking for someone who could capture Ellie’s soul—her rage, her vulnerability, her survival instincts,” one fan wrote on X, defending Ramsey’s performance.

The toxicity eventually led Ramsey to step away from platforms like Twitter and Reddit. “I always knew that I’d deactivate it one day and never even really wanted to have social media in the first place,” Ramsey said. “It wasn’t like this big dramatic thing, but there was an element of it that was thinking about the show coming out for season two. If I just avoid Twitter and Reddit, which now I’m doing, then everything’s totally fine.” Their decision, made months before the season two premiere, was partly inspired by two admired actors who also shun social media, reinforcing Ramsey’s resolve to disconnect.

Ramsey’s experience highlights a broader issue within gaming and entertainment communities: the unrealistic expectations placed on actors to mirror their digital counterparts. Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby in season two, faced similar criticism for not matching the character’s muscular physique from the game. Druckmann defended the casting choices, emphasizing the importance of performance over appearance. “We would’ve struggled to find someone as good as Kaitlyn to play this role,” he told Entertainment Weekly, a sentiment echoed for Ramsey’s casting.

Despite the challenges, Ramsey’s performance in season two has been lauded, particularly in emotionally charged scenes like Joel’s death, which left audiences reeling. The actor’s ability to convey Ellie’s grief and rage has solidified their place as the heart of the series. Ramsey also spoke about the personal impact of working with co-star Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, noting the bittersweet nature of their time together. “Understanding the limited time me and Pedro have together has made us really cherish each other more,” they shared.

Ramsey’s departure from social media has allowed them to focus on their craft and mental health, a choice that resonates with many young actors facing similar pressures. As The Last of Us continues to stream on Max, with new episodes dropping every Sunday, Ramsey’s story serves as a reminder of the human cost of online vitriol and the strength it takes to rise above it. Their portrayal of Ellie remains a testament to their talent, proving that capturing a character’s essence goes far beyond physical likeness.