How Old Was Bella While Filming The Last of Us?
In the HBO series "The Last of Us", Bella Ramsey perfectly portrayed the character of Ellie, a strong and fierce young girl on a journey to find a cure for the deadly Cordyceps virus. For those interested in knowing how old Bella was while filming the show, we’ll dive into the details. Note: All article content has been taken directly from reputable sources and summarized for the reader’s benefit.
Direct Answer to the Question
According to various sources, Bella Ramsey was 17 years old when she joined the production of the show in 2021. By the time of the series’ release, she had turned 18.
Age Gap
The production team of The Last of Us took pains to explain the age discrepancy between Bella and the character she portrays, Ellie. Note: Ellie‘s character is 14 years old in the beginning of the show, yet Bella started filming the show at age 17. The series’ director, Craig Mazin, mentioned that with a 5-year age gap, Bella was too young for the part, citing a need for an actor in their early 20s to accurately portray the transformation Ellie undergoes.
Comparison to the Other Protagonist Pedro Pascal
Interestingly, Pedro Pascal, playing the character of Joel, received a notable pay disparity compared to Bella. As per Variety reports, Pedro received $600,000 per episode, while Bella garnered $70,000. This stark disparity has been a topic of discussion in the entertainment community.
Table: A Comparison of Bella and Pedro’s Earnings
| Character | Salary per Episode |
|---|---|
| Pedro Pascal | $600,000 |
| Bella Ramsey | $70,000 |
**Why the Age Gap?
The team behind The Last of Us rationalized the significant age difference between the performers and the characters by describing the age gap as the result of the show taking place across several years. Explaining that the series bridges a gap of approximately 5 years, they reasoned that an actor of Bell’s age would not suit the show’s demands given the graphic violence and grueling content.
What Next for Bella?
Since the conclusion of The Last of Us Season 1, Bella Ramsey has denied the possibility of recasting Ellie for Season 2, indicating that the story will shift focus to exploring the backstories of both Joel and Ellie. How this affects Bella’s on-screen future remains to be seen, but it highlights the series’ intent to dive deeper into the characters.