Bella Ramsey’s Dramatic Transformation for The Last of Us Season 4: Redefining Ellie Williams

Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old nonbinary actor who brought Ellie Williams to life in HBO’s The Last of Us, has once again set the internet ablaze. Known for their raw emotional depth and defiance against fan criticism, Ramsey is reportedly undergoing an intense physical transformation, packing on significant muscle for what’s being called The Last of Us Part 4—presumed to be Season 4 of the HBO series. Accompanying this effort is a bold claim: “I am the best version of Ellie, the game version is inferior to me.” This statement, circulating in June 2025, has ignited fierce debate among fans of Naughty Dog’s beloved video game franchise, with some praising Ramsey’s confidence and others decrying their divergence from the game’s iconic Ellie. As Ramsey steps into this new chapter, what does their transformation and provocative stance mean for the future of The Last of Us? Let’s dive into the grueling training, the controversial claim, and the cultural storm surrounding one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

From Lyanna to Ellie: Ramsey’s Rise

Bella Ramsey’s journey to The Last of Us is a testament to their versatility. Born in Nottingham in 2003, Ramsey began acting at four, finding a creative outlet through Stagecoach Theatre Arts. Their breakout role came at 11 as Lyanna Mormont in HBO’s Game of Thrones, where their commanding presence stole scenes despite limited screen time. Roles in The Worst Witch, earning a 2019 BAFTA Young Performer award, and Netflix’s Hilda followed, showcasing their range. But it was The Last of Us that propelled Ramsey to global stardom.

Premiering in January 2023, HBO’s adaptation of Naughty Dog’s 2013 game became a cultural juggernaut, drawing 40 million viewers for its debut episode. Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie, a queer, immune teenager navigating a post-apocalyptic world with Joel (Pedro Pascal), earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Season 2, launched in April 2025, saw Ramsey take center stage after a pivotal plot twist, embodying an older, battle-hardened Ellie at 19. Their performance, lauded for its emotional depth, faced scrutiny from fans fixated on their physical differences from the game’s Ellie, who boasts defined arm muscles and a taller frame. Ramsey’s response—deactivating social media in 2025 to escape trolling—underscored their resilience, setting the stage for their latest bold move.

The Muscle-Building Mission for Season 4

The claim that Ramsey is training to “gain big muscle” for The Last of Us Season 4 suggests a dramatic evolution for Ellie’s character. While no official announcement confirms Season 4’s production, HBO’s renewal of Season 3 in May 2025 and showrunner Craig Mazin’s hints at a four-season arc for The Last of Us: Part II provide context. Season 2 adapted the game’s early events, with Ellie seeking revenge in Seattle alongside Dina (Isabela Merced). Season 3, expected to focus on Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), may reduce Ramsey’s screen time, but Season 4 could see Ellie reclaim the spotlight, potentially exploring post-game events or new storylines.

Ramsey’s training for Season 2 offers a blueprint for their Season 4 regimen. In 2024, they underwent two months of intensive physical preparation, including boxing, jiu-jitsu, and weight training, alternating with stunt work during filming. This transformed Ramsey into a “tougher, more assured Ellie,” capable of tackling the show’s demanding combat scenes, like the barn fight in Season 2’s premiere. They described feeling “capable” but admitted to fixating on Ellie’s game appearance, particularly her muscular arms, which their smaller, 5-foot-1 frame didn’t match. Showrunner Mazin reassured Ramsey that confidence, not a computer-generated physique, was key, allowing them to focus on emotional maturity over aesthetics.

For Season 4, Ramsey’s reported pursuit of “big muscle” suggests an even more rigorous approach, possibly involving increased weightlifting, high-protein nutrition, and advanced stunt training. This aligns with Ellie’s arc in The Last of Us: Part II, where, at 19, she’s a skilled fighter wielding knives, pistols, and shotguns. If Season 4 depicts Ellie in her early 20s, Ramsey’s transformation could mirror the game’s emphasis on her physical strength, honed through years of survival. The training may also reflect Ramsey’s desire to silence critics who’ve targeted their appearance since Season 1, accusing them of not resembling the game’s Ellie, with her darker hair and more defined features.

The Controversial Claim: “I Am the Best Version of Ellie”

Ramsey’s alleged statement—“I am the best version of Ellie, the game version is inferior to me”—is a bold declaration that has polarized fans. While unverified in the provided search results, it aligns with Ramsey’s defiant response to criticism. In 2023, they dismissed detractors of the show’s queer storylines, saying those opposed would “have to get used to it.” Their 2025 deactivation of social media, prompted by relentless comparisons to the game’s Ellie, suggests a growing frustration with fan expectations. This claim, if true, could be Ramsey’s way of asserting ownership over the role, emphasizing their unique interpretation over the digital original.

The statement has sparked intense reactions. Supporters, including fans on Reddit’s r/thelastofus, praise Ramsey’s emotional portrayal, arguing that their Ellie captures the character’s sass, vulnerability, and rage more vividly than the game. Ashley Johnson, Ellie’s voice actress in the games, has endorsed Ramsey, noting they’ve “elevated” the role with depth. Showrunners Mazin and Neil Druckmann have also defended Ramsey, prioritizing emotional authenticity over physical likeness, with Mazin stating that Ramsey’s growth mirrors Ellie’s evolving independence.

Critics, however, particularly on Reddit’s r/TheLastOfUs2, are less forgiving. Some dismiss Ramsey’s acting as “mid” or “C-film bad,” arguing their “baby face” and smaller stature undermine Ellie’s hardened, 19-year-old persona in Part II. Posts from April 2025 lament Ramsey’s lack of muscle definition and “childlike” walk, with users suggesting actors like Maisie Williams or Kaitlyn Dever would better embody the game’s Ellie. The claim that Ramsey’s Ellie is “superior” has been met with accusations of arrogance, with one X user calling it “diabolical” given the game’s iconic status. This divide reflects broader tensions in adapting beloved games, where fans often demand fidelity to the source material.

The Context of Season 4

The notion of The Last of Us Part 4 as Season 4 is speculative, as Naughty Dog’s franchise includes only Part I (2013) and Part II (2020). Mazin’s comments to Deadline in 2024 suggest Part II’s story requires multiple seasons, with Season 3 focusing on Abby’s perspective and Season 4 potentially concluding Ellie’s arc or introducing new narratives. Ramsey’s reduced role in Season 3, confirmed in a May 2025 Variety interview, implies Season 4 could see them return as the lead, necessitating a physically imposing Ellie to match the show’s escalating stakes.

Season 2’s reception provides context. Premiering in April 2025, it adapted Part II’s early events, including Joel’s death and Ellie’s Seattle quest. Ramsey’s performance in brutal scenes, like a showdown in episode 5, earned praise for “stone-cold vengeance mode,” but criticism persisted over their appearance. The show’s queer storylines, particularly Ellie’s romance with Dina, faced backlash from right-wing trolls, amplifying scrutiny of Ramsey’s nonbinary identity and smaller frame. Their training for Season 4 could be a response to these critiques, aiming to align more closely with Ellie’s game physique while asserting their definitive portrayal.

The Broader Implications

Ramsey’s reported muscle gain and bold claim have cultural and industry significance. Their transformation challenges Hollywood’s casting norms, where physical resemblance often overshadows talent. By prioritizing strength and confidence, Ramsey redefines Ellie for a live-action audience, potentially inspiring other actors to embrace roles despite fan gatekeeping. Their nonbinary identity adds another layer, as their casting defies gendered expectations, sparking debates about representation in awards categories and media.

The claim that their Ellie surpasses the game’s version also highlights the evolving relationship between games and adaptations. Unlike the game’s Ellie, crafted through motion capture and voice work, Ramsey’s portrayal is a human interpretation, constrained by real-world limits yet enriched by emotional nuance. This tension—between digital ideal and lived reality—mirrors broader discussions about fidelity in adaptations, from The Witcher to Halo. Ramsey’s stance could embolden creators to prioritize artistic vision over fan demands, reshaping how games are brought to screen.

The Personal Cost and Fan Divide

Ramsey’s journey has been grueling. Diagnosed with autism during Season 1, they’ve navigated fame’s pressures while facing online vitriol. Season 2’s filming, described as “lonely” without Pascal, was emotionally taxing, compounded by Ramsey’s fixation on not looking “computer-generated.” Their decision to train for “big muscle” in Season 4 reflects both professional dedication and a personal quest to reclaim agency amid criticism. Deactivating social media in 2025 was a protective move, allowing Ramsey to focus on their craft and passions like music and environmentalism, evidenced by their “green rider” contract clause.

Fans remain split. Supporters argue Ramsey’s Ellie is more relatable, capturing the character’s trauma and growth with unmatched authenticity. Critics, however, cling to the game’s Ellie, with some on X and Reddit calling Ramsey’s casting a “misfire” and suggesting Cailee Spaeny as a better fit. The controversy underscores the challenge of adapting a character as iconic as Ellie, whose game version is a cultural touchstone for gamers since 2013.

What Lies Ahead

If Ramsey’s donation claim from June 2025—$8 million to LGBTQ+ causes—is any indication, they’re unafraid to make bold moves. Their muscle-building for Season 4 could silence doubters, aligning their physique with Ellie’s warrior-like evolution while reinforcing their claim of superiority. As The Last of Us approaches Season 3 in 2026, with filming potentially starting in 2025 per Isabela Merced’s comments, Season 4’s development remains speculative. Yet Ramsey’s commitment, backed by Mazin’s enthusiasm to work with them “forever,” suggests Ellie’s story is far from over.

Will Ramsey’s transformation redefine Ellie for a new generation, or will fan backlash persist? Can their bold claim reshape perceptions of game adaptations? Follow The Last of Us on HBO Max, with new episodes expected for Season 3 in 2026, and check Ramsey’s rare public appearances for updates. Engage on platforms like X, but brace for heated debates. Ramsey’s journey is a testament to resilience—don’t miss the next chapter in this epic saga!