The *Last of Us* season two finale left fans on the edge of their seats, with Ellie’s fate hanging in the balance as the narrative shifted to Abby. But will we see Bella Ramsey return as Ellie in season three? The answer, thankfully, is yes.
Ramsey herself confirmed her return to *Variety*, stating that while she hasn’t seen any scripts, she expects to be involved. However, she hinted that Ellie’s screen time might be reduced to allow the story to focus on Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby. This aligns with comments from series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who both confirmed Ramsey’s, and other characters’, return, albeit without specifying the extent of their appearances. Mazin intriguingly teased that fans haven’t seen the last of several characters, even those currently considered deceased in the story.
The ambiguity surrounding Ellie’s role in season three adds to the anticipation. While her presence is confirmed, the exact nature of her involvement remains a mystery, leaving fans to speculate on how her story will intersect with Abby’s. The show has consistently proven its ability to deviate from the source material while still staying true to the emotional core of the story, so we can expect surprises.
Beyond Ellie’s future, the article also delves into the incredible production design of the series. Production designer John Paino shared insights into the meticulous work that went into creating the realistic and haunting world of *The Last of Us*. From painstakingly detailed models to the repurposing of real-world locations, the level of detail is astonishing. The team went to great lengths to accurately portray the post-apocalyptic world, capturing the blend of desolation and the resilience of nature reclaiming its territory. Even seemingly small details, like the brand names on abandoned storefronts, were carefully chosen to enhance the authenticity of the setting.
Paino highlighted the challenges of balancing the period setting of 2003 with the apocalyptic elements and the emotional core of the characters’ stories. The production design team used a variety of techniques, including practical sets, CGI, and a careful selection of locations, to achieve a seamless blend of reality and fantasy. The creators’ dedication to accuracy and detail is evident in every frame, making the world of *The Last of Us* both believable and visually stunning. The discussion also touches on the use of real animals on set, the recreation of iconic locations such as the mall in episode seven, and the overall artistry involved in bringing this post-apocalyptic world to life. The level of detail and commitment to authenticity is truly remarkable.
