Bella Ramsey on The Last of Us Season 2, Autism, and Growing Up on Screen

Growing Up on Screen

• 🌟 Bella Ramsey reflects on the unique experience of having their growth and development immortalized on screen.
• 🎭 Stepping back into the role of Ellie for The Last of Us Season 2 is described as fun, with new revelations about the character and Ramsey's own life.
• 🤝 The relationship between Ellie and Joel as a father figure is highlighted as a relatable dynamic, particularly the tension between a teenager seeking independence and their guardian.

Publicly Discussing Autism

• 🗣️ Ramsey shares that opening up about their autism diagnosis has allowed them to feel more free and hopes to inspire others.
• 💡 They emphasize the importance of discussing autism to reduce stigma and fear, stating that autism exists in "all different shapes and sizes".
• 🧩 Ramsey notes that some people have doubted their diagnosis, underscoring the need to show that autistic individuals can be overtly open about their identity.

Acting Process and Perception

• 🧠 Ramsey's approach to acting is described as instinctive and observational, absorbing characters like Ellie.
• 🔍 This observational skill, linked to autistic traits of being highly perceptive, helps in picking up on subtle nuances in others' personalities.

Incorporating Music and Gaming

• 🎸 Ramsey confirms that their guitar playing will be featured in The Last of Us, a detail they were keen to include from the game's adaptation.
• 🎮 While not playing the games to prepare for the role, Ramsey expresses a desire to play games in the future, perhaps with an expert gamer.