The Last of Us creators shut down season two rumour: 'Radically different'

Following the season finale of The Last of Us on Monday, the show’s creators have shut down a major rumour about season two as they head into the writing process.

Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have denied that British actor Bella Ramsey, who plays 14-year-old protagonist Ellie in the HBO adaptation of the popular video game series, will be replaced in the next season.

Season two will likely be based on the game’s sequel, The Last of Us Part II, which sees a 5-year time jump and follows 19-year-old Ellie through more violent situations.

Although Bella (who identifies as non-binary) is currently 19 years old, their youthful appearance has left fans questioning whether or not they will continue playing the role.

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However, Craig and Neil assert to news.com.au that the Game of Thrones actor will definitely be returning.

“Yeah, we’re exposing [Bella] to radiation,” Craig joked. “She’s in a very experimental process to accelerate her ageing. She’s smoking six packs of cigarettes a day. She’s on a pure whiskey and tainted beef diet.”

“Let’s put this thing to rest, please,” Neil added.

Season two 'won't be exactly like the game'

Craig went on to say that they already have an idea of what they’re going to do with Bella’s costume, hair and make-up to age up the character of Ellie.

“People were (initially) like, ‘She doesn’t look like the character,’ and I’m like, it doesn’t matter,” he shared. “Watch. Just watch what happens. And now they know.

“And I think there’s still this anxiety, this constant drumbeat of anxiety, and all I can say to people is I have so much anxiety myself about doing a good job on this. If you are anxious about something, then I’m probably anxious about it, which means we are talking about it and thinking about it.”

He also said there are parts of season two that will be “radically different” from the video game and other parts that will be “barely different at all”.

“It will be its own thing, it won’t be exactly like the game,” he detailed. “It will be the show Neil and I want to make. We are making it with Bella.”

The Last of Us, which has been labelled one of the best video game adaptations of all time, was renewed for a second season back in January after only a few episodes had aired.

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