Bella Ramsey, the star of HBO's "The Last of Us," has recently shared insights into the emotional challenges of filming a particularly poignant scene in the show's second season. The scene, featured in the third episode titled "The Path" which aired on April 27, 2025, depicts Ellie grappling with the death of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. Ramsey revealed that the scene where Ellie breaks down in tears while clutching Joel's jacket in a closet was the most difficult for them to film.
Ramsey has been candid about their struggles with crying on cue, admitting that it doesn't come naturally to them, and they rarely cry in front of others in their personal life. Having to portray such raw emotion in front of a film set filled with crew members and monitors felt "virtually impossible." To overcome this hurdle, Ramsey employed a unique method, choosing to focus on their happiest memories with Pedro Pascal rather than drawing from sad personal experiences.
"The thing that is always the saddest for me is remembering the happy things," Ramsey explained. They reflected on their early days working with Pascal during the filming of the first season, recalling the laughter and camaraderie they shared. By blending these joyful memories with the grief Ellie felt over losing Joel, Ramsey was able to tap into the necessary emotional depth for the scene.
The close bond between Ramsey and Pascal extends beyond their on-screen characters. Ramsey has consistently praised their friendship, assuring fans that they remain "best buds" despite the strained relationship between Ellie and Joel in the series. This real-life connection proved invaluable when filming the emotional closet scene. Ramsey acknowledged the bittersweet emotions surrounding their evolving relationship with Pascal, explaining how knowing their time working together was limited only deepened their bond. "We'll be in each other's lives forever, and we'll be in each other's hearts forever," they said.
The second season of "The Last of Us" picks up five years after the events of the first season, adapting the storyline from the video game "The Last of Us Part II." The narrative explores the complex themes of revenge, loss, and the cyclical nature of violence. Joel's actions at the end of the first season have far-reaching consequences, setting in motion a chain of events that dramatically alter the lives of Ellie and those around her.
Following Joel's death, Ellie embarks on a journey of vengeance, leading her to Seattle, where she becomes entangled in a conflict between the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites, two warring factions vying for control of the city. The season delves into the moral ambiguities of war and the devastating impact of violence on individuals and communities.
Filming for the second season took place primarily in British Columbia, Canada, with Vancouver standing in for Seattle. Alberta, Canada, was also utilized, reprising its role as Jackson, Wyoming from the first season. Production began in February 2024 and concluded in August 2024.
As "The Last of Us" continues to explore themes of loss and resilience, Bella Ramsey's honest reflections offer a moving glimpse into the real-life bonds that fuel the show's emotional depth. Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie promises to keep audiences captivated as she faces new challenges and responsibilities in the aftermath of Joel's death. Despite never viewing themself as a natural leader, Ramsey embraced the role, determined to set a positive, inclusive tone on set. "Everybody should know they're valued as a crewmember, as a castmember, and that we're all equals," they emphasized. The second season premiered on April 13, 2025, and consists of seven episodes.
