Bella Ramsey and Maisy Stella: A Rumored Romance Steals the Spotlight on The Last of Us Season 2

“Such a strange feeling,” Bella Ramsey reportedly said, capturing the whirlwind of emotions that enveloped them and Maisy Stella while filming The Last of Us Season 2. Rumors of a budding romance between the two young stars have set the internet ablaze, with fans dissecting every glance, smile, and social media post. Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest the pair acted strangely during a scene, defying the director’s instructions in a way that hinted at their off-screen connection. As The Last of Us Season 2 prepares to premiere on April 13, 2025, this unexpected love story is captivating audiences and redefining what it means to blur the lines between art and life.

The Spark: Love on Set

Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old non-binary actor known for their role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, has long been a figure of fascination. Their raw, authentic performances have earned them critical acclaim, but it’s their personal life that’s now grabbing headlines. Maisy Stella, also 21, is a rising star who gained fame as Daphne in Nashville and recently shone in the coming-of-age film My Old Ass. The two reportedly met during the filming of The Last of Us Season 2, which wrapped in August 2024 after a grueling seven-month shoot in Alberta, Canada.

The set of The Last of Us is no stranger to intense emotions. The show, adapted from the acclaimed video game, follows Ellie, a teenage survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, as she navigates love, loss, and survival. Season 2 dives deeper into Ellie’s romantic arc, particularly her relationship with Dina, played by Isabela Merced. While Ramsey’s on-screen chemistry with Merced has been praised, it’s their off-screen bond with Stella that’s sparking intrigue. Sources suggest Ramsey and Stella grew close during filming, with their connection mirroring the emotional depth of the show’s narrative.

The rumor mill kicked into high gear when fans noticed the pair’s flirty interactions on Instagram. In January 2024, Ramsey left a playful comment on Stella’s post about My Old Ass’s Sundance premiere, marking the start of their public exchanges. By September 2024, Stella posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to Ramsey, sharing a photo of them hugging, with Ramsey kissing her cheek. “Beautiful beautiful beautiful happy birthday the coolest comfiest most wonderful human imaginable,” Stella wrote, sending fans into a frenzy. The post, coupled with reports of their “strange” behavior on set, has convinced many that their relationship is more than platonic.

The Scene: Acting Strangely

The most tantalizing detail comes from reports of a scene where Ramsey and Stella’s behavior caught the crew off guard. According to insiders, the pair acted in ways that deviated from the director’s instructions, infusing the moment with an unpredictable energy. While details of the scene remain under wraps to avoid spoilers, it’s said to have been a pivotal moment in the season, possibly tied to Ellie’s emotional journey. The director, reportedly either Craig Mazin or Neil Druckmann, didn’t request this unusual approach, yet the result was so compelling that it stayed in the final cut.

This “strange feeling” Ramsey described seems to have fueled their performance. As actors, both Ramsey and Stella are known for their immersive approaches. Ramsey, who has spoken about their autism diagnosis and heightened sensitivity, often draws on personal experiences to bring authenticity to their roles. Stella, meanwhile, has discussed how playing a queer teen in My Old Ass helped her embrace her pansexual identity. Their shared openness about identity and vulnerability likely deepened their connection, allowing them to tap into something raw and unscripted on set.

The decision to keep the scene speaks to the creative freedom on The Last of Us. Mazin and Druckmann, known for their collaborative approach, have praised Ramsey’s ability to embody Ellie’s complexity. Stella, though not a confirmed cast member, may have been involved in a guest role or behind-the-scenes capacity, given her presence during filming. Regardless, their chemistry left an indelible mark, with crew members noting the palpable intensity between them.

The Context: A New Era of Representation

The rumors surrounding Ramsey and Stella come at a time when queer representation in media is more vital than ever. The Last of Us has been lauded for its authentic portrayal of Ellie’s same-sex relationship, a cornerstone of the video game’s narrative. Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and has described their sexuality as “a little bit wavy,” has been a vocal advocate for inclusive storytelling. Stella, who came out as pansexual in 2024, has similarly championed queer visibility, noting that her role in My Old Ass was a turning point in her personal journey.

Their rumored romance resonates with fans because it reflects the show’s themes of love and connection in a fractured world. Social media platforms like X and Reddit are abuzz with discussions, with fans celebrating the possibility of a real-life love story mirroring Ellie’s arc. Hashtags like #BellaMaisy have trended, and fan art depicting the pair has flooded Instagram. Yet, the public nature of their bond has also sparked debate about privacy, with Ramsey noting in interviews that exploring identity in the spotlight can feel like a “privilege I don’t really get anymore.”

Ramsey’s Journey: From Ellie to Icon

Bella Ramsey’s rise to stardom has been meteoric. Born in Nottingham, England, they began acting at age 11, landing the role of Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones. Their fierce performance made them a fan favorite, but it was The Last of Us that solidified their status as a leading actor. Playing Ellie, a character beloved by gamers for her wit and resilience, came with immense pressure. Ramsey faced backlash from some fans who felt they didn’t match Ellie’s game appearance, yet their performance silenced doubters, earning nominations and praise.

Filming Season 2 was a physical and emotional marathon. Ramsey underwent intensive training, including boxing and jiujitsu, to portray an older, hardened Ellie. The Alberta shoot, with its freezing temperatures and rugged landscapes, tested the cast’s endurance. Ramsey’s commitment to the role was unwavering, but they’ve admitted to struggling with the darkness of Ellie’s story. To cope, they relied on feel-good music like Dan Reeder’s “Fuzzyfalafelosophy,” a stark contrast to the show’s post-apocalyptic tone.

Stella’s Comeback: A Star Reborn

Maisy Stella, meanwhile, is making a triumphant return to acting. After starring in Nashville as a child, she took a break before diving back into My Old Ass, a queer coming-of-age film that premiered at Sundance in 2024. Her performance earned rave reviews, and she’s described the experience as “thrilling and nerve-racking.” Stella’s warmth and authenticity shine through in her public persona, making her a natural counterpart to Ramsey’s introspective intensity.

Her presence on the The Last of Us set, whether as an actor or visitor, remains a mystery. Fans speculate she could have a cameo, given her connection to Ramsey and the show’s expansive cast, which includes Isabela Merced, Kaitlyn Dever, and Young Mazino. Regardless, her influence on Ramsey’s performance is undeniable, with their “strange” scene becoming a talking point among insiders.

The Impact: A Love Story for the Ages

The rumored romance between Ramsey and Stella is more than gossip—it’s a testament to the power of connection in an industry often marked by pressure and scrutiny. Their ability to channel personal feelings into their work speaks to their talent and authenticity. For fans, it’s a reminder that the lines between fiction and reality can blur in beautiful ways, creating moments that resonate on and off the screen.

The public’s fascination with their story reflects a broader cultural shift toward celebrating diverse identities and relationships. As The Last of Us Season 2 approaches, anticipation is high not just for Ellie’s journey but for the real-life narrative unfolding alongside it. Ramsey and Stella’s bond, whether romantic or platonic, has inspired countless fans to embrace their own “strange feelings” and find courage in vulnerability.

Why It Matters

This story isn’t just about two actors falling in love—it’s about the courage to live authentically in a world that’s watching. Ramsey and Stella’s rumored romance challenges stereotypes and sparks conversations about love, identity, and representation. Whether they’re defying a director’s notes or sharing heartfelt posts, they’re proving that true connection can transcend the chaos of fame.

As The Last of Us Season 2 premieres, all eyes will be on Ramsey and Stella, both for their performances and their personal journey. Their “strange feeling” has become a universal one, reminding us that love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating. So, dive into the buzz and see why this story is capturing hearts worldwide.