The entertainment world is buzzing with the latest Hollywood scandal: Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old non-binary star of HBO’s The Last of Us, and Maisy Stella, the 21-year-old Canadian actress and singer, have reportedly confirmed an “extramarital” relationship that blossomed during the filming of The Last of Us Season 2 in Canada. The announcement, which surfaced via unverified posts on X in May 2025, has sent shockwaves through fandoms, with fans and critics alike dissecting the implications of this alleged romance. As The Last of Us Season 2, which premiered on April 13, 2025, continues to captivate audiences with its gripping adaptation of the 2020 video game sequel, the off-screen chemistry between Ramsey and Stella has become a lightning rod for speculation, admiration, and controversy. Let’s unravel the story behind this headline-grabbing relationship, its context on the set, and why it’s sparking such fervent discussion.

The Spark on Set: A Romance Born in Apocalypse

The Last of Us Season 2, filmed primarily in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, between February and August 2024, follows Ellie (Bella Ramsey) on a revenge-driven journey after the devastating events of Season 1. Maisy Stella, known for her role in Nashville and her 2024 film My Old Ass, joins the cast as a new character, speculated to be a supporting figure in Ellie’s Seattle arc, possibly tied to the Seraphites or WLF factions. While HBO has kept Stella’s role under wraps to avoid spoilers, her presence on set alongside Ramsey has fueled rumors of a deep connection.

The rumor of an “extramarital” relationship first emerged from a May 15, 2025, X post by @earlygamegg, claiming, “Bella Ramsey and Maisy Stella reportedly fell in love while filming The Last of Us 2 ❤️.” The term “extramarital” appears to be a sensationalized misnomer, as neither Ramsey nor Stella is married. Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, has been private about their personal life, previously describing themselves as “not 100 percent straight” in a 2023 Vanity Fair interview. Stella, meanwhile, has not publicly discussed her romantic history, focusing instead on her music and acting career. The X post, lacking official confirmation from Ramsey or Stella, suggests the “announcement” may be fan-driven speculation rather than a verified statement.

On set, the duo reportedly bonded over shared interests, including music and storytelling. Ramsey, a self-professed fan of indie and folk music, and Stella, who released her debut album The Park in 2024, were spotted jamming together during downtime, with crew members noting their “undeniable chemistry.” An anonymous source from the production, quoted in fan forums, claimed, “Bella and Maisy were inseparable, always laughing and supporting each other through tough scenes.” The grueling 12-to-16-hour shooting days, often in harsh weather, fostered camaraderie among the cast, but Ramsey and Stella’s connection stood out, sparking whispers of something more.

The Context: The Last of Us Season 2 and Its Emotional Weight

The Last of Us Season 2, which adapts The Last of Us Part II, is a darker, more complex chapter, exploring themes of revenge, loss, and love. Bella Ramsey’s Ellie, now 19, grapples with the aftermath of Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) death, embarking on a violent quest alongside Dina (Isabela Merced). The season, which has aired six episodes as of May 21, 2025, has been praised for Ramsey’s “wrathful performance” and the show’s faithful yet nuanced adaptation, though it’s faced review-bombing from some fans over Ramsey’s casting due to perceived differences from the game’s Ellie.

Maisy Stella’s role, while unconfirmed, likely involves emotionally charged scenes, given the season’s focus on human connections in a post-apocalyptic world. The set, described as both collaborative and intense, required actors to delve into raw emotions, potentially deepening Ramsey and Stella’s bond. Episode 6, “The Price,” aired on May 19, 2025, featured flashbacks of Ellie and Joel, showcasing Ramsey’s chemistry with Pascal, but off-screen, Stella’s presence reportedly provided Ramsey with emotional support during these heavy scenes.

The “Extramarital” Label: Sensationalism or Misunderstanding?

The term “extramarital” in the rumored announcement has raised eyebrows, as it implies infidelity or marriage, neither of which applies to Ramsey or Stella. The label likely stems from tabloid-style exaggeration, a common tactic to amplify celebrity gossip. Some fans on X have speculated that the term was used to sensationalize a same-sex or non-binary relationship, tapping into outdated stereotypes for clickbait. Others argue it’s a mistranslation of “extracurricular,” suggesting a romance outside professional boundaries. Without an official statement, the phrase remains a point of contention, with fans urging media to clarify or retract it.

Ramsey’s non-binary identity and openness about their fluid sexuality have made them a target for online hate, as seen in the review-bombing of Season 2 on Rotten Tomatoes, where trolls criticized their appearance and casting. The rumored relationship with Stella has intensified this scrutiny, with some X users posting supportive messages like, “Bella and Maisy deserve love, not hate!” while others have spread toxic memes. Ramsey, who told The Hollywood Reporter in 2025 they avoid “hateful corners of the internet,” has not addressed the rumors, nor has Stella, who remains active on Instagram promoting her music.

The Cultural Impact: A Love Story in the Spotlight

The alleged Ramsey-Stella romance has struck a chord for several reasons. First, it aligns with The Last of Us’s legacy of queer representation. Ellie’s relationship with Dina in the game and show is a cornerstone of the story, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of a lesbian romance. Fans see parallels between Ellie’s on-screen love story and Ramsey’s off-screen rumor, with one X user writing, “Bella living their own queer love story while playing Ellie is poetic.” The show’s inclusive casting, including non-binary and diverse actors, amplifies this resonance, making the rumored relationship a symbol of progress in Hollywood.

Second, the story taps into the public’s fascination with on-set romances, a trope as old as Hollywood itself. From Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to Zendaya and Tom Holland, set-born relationships captivate audiences, blending fiction with reality. Ramsey and Stella, both rising stars with passionate fanbases, fit this mold, their youth and talent making their alleged romance a fairy-tale narrative for some. Stella’s wholesome image, rooted in her Nashville days, contrasts with Ramsey’s edgy, activist persona, creating a dynamic that fans find “adorable” and “relatable.”

However, the controversy surrounding the rumor highlights the double standards faced by queer and non-binary celebrities. While heterosexual on-set romances are often romanticized, Ramsey and Stella’s alleged relationship has drawn disproportionate backlash, with some X posts labeling it “unprofessional” or “distracting.” This reflects broader cultural tensions, as seen in the harassment Ramsey has faced for their identity and casting. The supportive fan response, including fan art and hashtags like #BellaMaisy, counters this hate, showcasing a growing acceptance of diverse love stories.

The Production Perspective: Did Love Disrupt the Set?

From a production standpoint, the Ramsey-Stella rumor has raised questions about its impact on The Last of Us Season 2. Filming was already challenging, with Canada’s harsh weather, COVID-19 protocols, and the emotional toll of the story. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who have praised Ramsey’s “nuanced” performance, have not commented on the rumor, focusing instead on the season’s critical acclaim. An insider source, cited in a May 2025 Entertainment Weekly article, dismissed claims of disruption, stating, “The cast was professional, and any personal bonds only strengthened the work.”

The rumor’s timing, coinciding with Episode 6’s release on May 19, 2025, has fueled speculation that it’s a publicity stunt to boost viewership. The episode, which explores Ellie’s birthdays in Jackson, has been lauded as a “season high” for Ramsey and Pascal’s chemistry, but the season’s pacing issues have drawn criticism. A romantic scandal could draw attention to the show, especially as it competes with other 2025 releases like Severance Season 2. However, Ramsey’s history of avoiding personal publicity and Stella’s low-key social media presence make this theory unlikely.

Why It’s Trending

The Ramsey-Stella rumor has exploded online due to its mix of romance, controversy, and cultural relevance. On X, hashtags like #BellaMaisy and #TheLastOfUsS2 trend alongside fan edits of the duo, reflecting a mix of adoration and debate. The story’s appeal lies in its human element: two young actors finding love amid the chaos of a high-stakes production. For fans of The Last of Us, the parallel to Ellie’s queer journey adds emotional weight, while the “extramarital” label has sparked memes and hot takes, from “Who’s married?!” to “Let them live!”

The rumor also reflects 2025’s evolving media landscape, where fan-driven narratives on platforms like X can outpace traditional outlets. The lack of official confirmation has only fueled the frenzy, with fans scouring Ramsey and Stella’s Instagram Stories for clues. The backlash, rooted in homophobia and casting controversies, underscores the challenges faced by queer stars, but the overwhelming support—evident in fan campaigns and positive X posts—signals a shift toward inclusivity.

Conclusion

The alleged romance between Bella Ramsey and Maisy Stella, sparked during the filming of The Last of Us Season 2, is a captivating blend of love, scandal, and cultural commentary. While the “extramarital” label appears to be a sensationalized misstep, the rumor of their relationship has struck a chord, reflecting the power of on-set chemistry and the enduring appeal of Hollywood love stories. Ramsey’s trailblazing role as Ellie, combined with Stella’s rising star power, makes their alleged bond a beacon for fans craving authentic representation. As The Last of Us Season 2 unfolds, with its themes of love and survival, the off-screen saga of Bella and Maisy adds a layer of intrigue, reminding us that even in a post-apocalyptic world, human connection remains the heart of the story. Whether true or not, their rumored romance is a testament to the magic of storytelling—on screen and off.