**Bella Ramsey Delves Into Season 2 of The Last of Us, Autism, and Personal Growth**

**In a recent chat, Bella Ramsey discusses her character Ellie, her experiences with autism, and the evolution of her role in HBO's The Last of Us, as the series prepares for its second season.**

Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old actor renowned for her portrayal of Ellie in HBO's The Last of Us, recently shared insights into the show's second season, alongside her personal journey growing up in the limelight. "I made a real decision when I was, like, 11 that I wasn't gonna be like a typical teenager," she asserts, reflecting on a career that catapulted her to fame with her role in Game of Thrones at just 13 years old.

At the London premiere of The Last of Us season two, Bella, who identifies using gender-neutral pronouns, discussed the unique experience of returning to the character within the context of her own life developments. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where Ellie is humanity's last hope against a zombie-like infection, viewers can expect significant emotional strain with returning co-star Pedro Pascal as Joel.

As the narrative unfolds five years after the intense conclusion of season one, Bella admits that the tension in Ellie's relationship with Joel was “quite horrible” to portray, revealing her deep empathy for the character. Despite her relatively tranquil family life growing up, she conveys that the emotional weight of playing Ellie’s tumultuous journey remains profound for her.

The delay of season two due to the recent Hollywood strikes has allowed Bella to experience substantial personal growth, making her connection to Ellie even stronger. Her recent candidness about being diagnosed with autism has also paved the way for greater visibility in the industry. "There shouldn't be such a stigma," she remarks, adding her hope to inspire others by speaking openly about her neurodiversity.

In the sequel, viewers can anticipate a deeper exploration of Ellie’s same-sex relationship with Dina, portrayed by Isabella Merced. Bella emphasizes the importance of authenticity in representing queer storylines, noting how The Last of Us effectively integrates such narratives within its plot.

With a third season already in the works, Bella is conscious of the fluctuations that come with growing up on screen. She appreciates the unique opportunity to share her growth with the audience while understanding the realizations that accompany maturity.

"The Last of Us Season two is set to premiere on April 14 on Sky and NOW," mentions Bella as she gears up to invite fans back into the gripping world of her character. The merging of her experiences with those of Ellie presents a compelling juxtaposition of talent, story, and identity that resonates deeply.