Summary
The Last of Usseason 2 premiere was just as exciting as fans hoped, andBella Ramsey is sharing what it was like preparing to play Ellie againin the new episodes of the hit HBO series.
After being recognized forplaying Lady Lyanna Mormont onGame of Thronesseason 6, Ramsey was cast as Ellie inThe Last of Us, the HBO adaptation of the popular video game.Season 1 premiered on January 15th, 2023,and it was immediately clear that it would be overwhelmingly popular. As Joel (Pedro Pascal) tries to protect Ellie in the first season, Ellie is smart and stands on their own two feet. Ramsey has given several fascinating interviews aboutThe Last of Usseason 2 lately, includingtalking about filming a terrifying scene. They also talked about getting in shape for some of the more action-heavy scenes.
Bella Ramsey’s The Last Of Us Season 2 Training Involved Brazilian jiu-jitsu
In an interview withUSA Today, Ramsey talked aboutspending two months learning Brazilian jiu-jitsuso they would be ready for Ellie’s action-packedThe Last of Usseason 2 scenes.
Ramsey said:
“You don’t have to be big or tall for jiu-jitsu. So there’s fighting, falling through a floor. I got to that in the first episode, my favorite things this season.”
Ramsey also appeared onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonin April 2025 and shared more about their training. The star said:
“I trained for, like, two months for [season two]. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, combat, boxing … I could take you down?”
Previously, Ramsey shared that they werenervous about how fans would respond toThe Last of Usseason 2, and it’s easy to understand being under so much pressure. However, Ramsey has been positive about the overall experience of starring in the hit adaptation, and it sounds like they enjoyed the action scenes in the new episodes.
According toAbsolute MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has many positive aspects includinghelping people become more flexible, get a cardio workout in, and become stronger. Ramsey’s hard work definitely paid off as, inThe Last of Usseason 2, episode 1, “Future Days,“Ellie shows off her impressive strength in several scenes. Fans have been curious to seeKaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of new character Abbyand they’ve also looked forward to watchingthe talented Catherine O’Hara join the show. They’re alsowondering how season 2 will use the timeline from the game. But fans are also excited about watching the next part of Ellie’s journey. While only one episode has aired so far, it didn’t disappoint, and fans are clearly in for a fascinating season.
Pascal also trains hard to play Joel on the post-apocalyptic series about the Cordyceps brain infection. According toBritish GQ, Pascal’s workout routine included challenging and effective moves such planks, push-ups, swimmers, single split squats, and mountain climbers.
The Last of Usseason 2, episode 1 sees Ellie and Joel living in Jackson, Wyoming, although their relationship has changed a lot since fans last saw them. Althoughthe show has made some changes from the game, there is an Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced) scene that those who played the game will remember. 19-year-oldEllie has fallen for her new love interest, Dina,and the two kiss for the first time and dance at a gathering at a church to celebrate the New Year.
The Last of Usseason 2 airs Sunday evenings at 9 p.m. E.T. on HBO and Max.
