Ageism in Hollywood has long cast a shadow over female stars, with public scrutiny often zeroing in on their appearance rather than their craft. From critiques about looking “too young
” to unsolicited comments on aging, women face disproportionate pressure to conform to unrealistic standards. Enter The Last of Us
showrunner Craig Mazin, who recently confronted a wave of fan criticism targeting Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie in the upcoming Season – a controversy echoing the unwarranted scrutiny faced by Stranger Things
star Millie Bobby Brown
.
Mazin’s sharp rebuttal to fans criticizing Bella Ramsey’s appearance in The Last of Us
Season 2 reignites debates about ageism in Hollywood.
Craig Mazin defends Bella Ramsey’s evolution beyond appearance
Craig Mazin addressed concerns that Bella Ramsey, now 21, did not visually age enough between seasons to match Ellie’s older video game counterpart. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter
, acknowledging fans’ observations, he emphasized that physical changes were secondary to “emotional maturity
“. Having worked closely with Ramsey, Mazin noted her transition into independence mirrored Ellie’s own journey, arguing that maturity, not aesthetics, defined the character’s arc.
‘THE LAST OF US’ showrunner Craig Mazin addresses criticisms about Bella Ramsey’s Ellie not looking older in Season 2:
“I’m not interested in the physical aspect… I understand where people are coming from, but when they watch this year, I think they’re going to see the… pic.twitter.com/gQw3yngrz8
— ScreenTime (@screentime) April 2, 2025
The discourse parallels Millie Bobby Brown’s experience as Eleven in Stranger Things
. Now 21, Brown has repeatedly countered media fixation on her “older
” appearance, stressing that natural aging and makeup should not overshadow her talent. Like Mazin, she urged critics to shift focus from superficial traits to artistic merit
, a stance resonating across an industry grappling with ingrained discrimination.
As debates rage, The Last of Us
Season 2 promises a visceral dive into vengeance and vulnerability – and fans are not ready.
The Last of Us season 2: New faces, darker horizons
Premiering April 13, on HBO and Max, Season 2 adapts The Last of Us
Part II, set five years after Joel Miller’s lie about the Fireflies’ cure. The story fractures Miller’s (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie’s bond, culminating in his death at the hands of Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever), a vengeful ex-Firefly. Expanded factions like the WLF and Seraphites heighten tensions, while fungal spores and deadlier infected amplify horror elements. Spanning seven episodes, the season delves into tribalism and grief, balancing action with intimate character studies.
From video game to live-action, Ellie and Dina in ‘THE LAST OF US’ Season 2.
Releasing in April on HBO. pic.twitter.com/WUpduTkgjm
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 7, 2025
Newcomers like Joe Pantoliano’s Eugene enrich backstories, while directors Neil Druckmann and Kate Herron ensure fidelity to the game’s dual-perspective narrative. Though physical transformations sparked debate, Bella Ramsey’s performance and Dever’s morally complex Abby – anchor a tale where emotional stakes eclipse mere aesthetics. As the conversation around ageism in Hollywood continues, both Craig Mazin and Bella Ramsey challenge the industry to prioritize emotional depth over superficial judgments.
Read More: Pedro Pascal Reveals ‘The Last of Us’ Details That Changed His Life Forever
What are your thoughts on Craig Mazin’s defense of Bella Ramsey? Share your opinions in the comments below!
