Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey wowed audiences as Joel and Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us. As they prepare for Season 2, however, the pair still feel the pressure.
Speaking to Deadline in a profile on the pair, both Ramsey and Pascal spoke about the upcoming second season of the show. When asked if they still feel the pressure to perform well, Ramsey said it’s still there, but has “diminished” a bit.
“I think, in a way, it’s diminished,” said Ramsey. “But also, it’s there even more so than before because it’s been so successful. So, there’s the pressure of doing it again, but better. But I think if we think about that too much, there’s nothing you can do. You just have to do it, right? There’s no way of sitting down and like, “Right, how do I make this better?” You just go and do it. But because I don’t have to write or produce it, I can just turn up on the day and hope for the best.”
Pascal said the anxiety is a “challenge.” The actor noted that HBO and those behind the scenes — including Criag Mazin and Neil Druckmann — are huge helps. He also mentioned his experience on past hit shows like Game of Thrones, Narcos, and The Mandalorian as good experience to have.
“I know it’s a challenge, but one that we’ll be able to beat,” Pascal said. “It’s a little scary. Because we are going into Season 2 with the way that it’s already been received, so it has already started with a certain amount of pressure. It would actually be weird if we didn’t feel it. But, in terms of how beloved the game is, we’re in good hands.”
What is The Last of Us about?
The Last of Us starred Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller, and Rutina Wesley as Maria. Season 1 also featured Nico Parker, Anna Torv, Melanie Lynskey, Murray Bartlett, Nick Offerman, and Storm Reid.
“The live-action series takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed,” reads the synopsis. “Joel and Ellie, a pair connected through the harshness of the world they live in, are forced to endure brutal circumstances and ruthless killers on a trek across a post-pandemic America.”
Season 1 is now available for streaming on HBO Max.