The Last of Us series, currently in development at HBO, has taken another giant step forward. Actually, it has taken two giant steps forward by casting both of its leads. First broken by The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, Bella Ramsey will star as the show’s Ellie. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s because Ramsey has only been on the acting scene since 2016. That’s when she made her debut in Game of Thrones. HBO clearly took quick notice of Ramsey’s talent, casting her as the lead in one of its most anticipated upcoming shows. Additionally, she recently appeared in the latest season of another HBO show, His Dark Materials.
On Game of Thrones, Ramsey played the young but fierce Lyanna Mormont, Lady of the Mormont clan and their home of Bear Island. She didn’t show up until the show’s sixth season. But she was so good in the role that the creators scrapped their original plans for the character. Initially, she only appeared in one scene. She went on to appear in the show’s seventh and eighth seasons.
The Last of Us is Coming Together
Mere moments after Ramsey’s casting announcement, news broke about the show’s other lead. Pedro Pascal of The Mandalorian and Wonder Woman: 1984 will play Joel. Pascal is another Game of Thrones alum, although he only appeared in the show’s fourth season. He played Oberyn Martell, a Prince of Dorne who sought vengeance for his sister’s murder.
Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin is writing and executive producing the series. Joining him as co-writer and co-executive producer is Neil Druckmann, the writer and creative director of the game. The Last of Us has also found a director, at least for its pilot episode. Russian filmmaker Kantemir Balagov (Beanpole) is stepping into that role. Other executive producers include Game of Thrones’ Carolynn Strauss, Naughty Dog’s Evan Wells, and PlayStation Productions’ Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan.
Are you excited for Bella Ramsey as Ellie? What about Pedro Pascal as Joel? Be sure to let us know!
