HBO Max’s The Last of Us is a phenomenon that needs no introduction. A prestige drama that ponders upon the cause and effects of violence and dares to ask the question, who are the biggest monsters, an undead horde or starving men? On March 12, Sunday, season 1 of the show, wrapped its initial broadcast. 

After the airing of the last episode, all the fans are wondering about what is to come next. HBO had green-lit a second season for the show a long time back. But the community had concerns about the cast, as many believe if the cast from the first season doesn’t return for the second, the consequences could be severe. 

Neil Druckmann promises to make the original cast return for Last of Us season 2

One of the most vital reasons behind the success of the Last of Us was most definitely the phenomenal performance of the cast. The main leads, Pedro Pascal as Joel, and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, were, according to fans, absolutely ‘perfect’. Bella’s portrayal was especially appreciated by the community.  

The co-creator of the original Last of Us games and the co-producer of the Show, Neil Druckmann addressed the concerns regarding the upcoming season. He said, “We are extremely lucky to have Bella.” Neil added, “The only way we would ever, ever consider recasting Bella is if she said, ‘I don’t want to work with you guys anymore.’ Even then, I’m not sure we would grant her that. We might still force her to come back to Season 2.”

Read More: The Last of Us Season 2: Who Is Ellie’s Arch-Nemesis, Abby? Why She’s More Terrifying Than David?

Druckmann said how lucky he was while casting talents for his Last of Us projects. While making the original games, he had gotten Ashley Johnson, who was just like Bella, phenomenal for the role. “It was like lightning in the bottle that we found Ashley Johnson. I can’t imagine that version of Ellie being anybody else. And then somehow we got lightning in the bottle again with Bella.”

Ironically, before the broadcast, the veteran fans were highly critical of Bella’s casting as the beloved young rebel, Ellie. Bella had to witness such harsh comments on social media that she took a short break from social media. But as the show premiered, the beliefs changed, and the fans that once bashed her started worshiping her. 

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