Discover Bella Ramsey's journey from Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones to Ellie in The Last of Us, and her impact on HBO's iconic series.
- January 29, 2026
AceShowbiz - Before taking on the role of Ellie in The Last of Us, Bella Ramsey showcased her talent in one of HBO's premier fantasy series, which surprisingly isn't Game of Thrones. The first season of The Last of Us premiered in 2023, earning widespread acclaim as an adaptation of the beloved video game. Ramsey returned to the role for season 2 and is set to reprise it again in the upcoming season 3. However, this wasn’t the first time the actress graced HBO screens, as she also appeared in Game of Thrones.
In Game of Thrones, Bella Ramsey portrayed Lyanna Mormont, a fierce and young leader of House Mormont who was introduced in season 6. Originally intended to appear in just one episode, Ramsey's compelling performance captivated both the audience and the creative team, leading to her becoming a recurring fan-favorite character throughout seasons 6, 7, and 8. Following her time in Game of Thrones, she transitioned to another prominent HBO fantasy series.
Bella Ramsey took on the role of Angelica in season 2 of His Dark Materials, an adaptation of Philip Pullman's acclaimed book trilogy. All episodes of the second season were released in 2020, just a year after the conclusion of Game of Thrones and three years before the debut of The Last of Us. Angelica resides in the city of Cittàgazze, a location where the main characters, Lyra Belacqua (played by Dafne Keen) and Will Parry (played by Amir Wilson), find themselves at the season's outset. With adults' souls stolen by creatures known as Spectres, Angelica and other children navigate the city without oversight. She provides Lyra and Will with insights about Cittàgazze's dire situation, though she omits crucial details, later placing blame on them for a traumatic event.
When evaluating the endings of these fantasy series, His Dark Materials stands out for its compelling conclusion, a stark contrast to the disappointing finale of Game of Thrones. The latter's last season faced criticism for its uneven pacing and failure to satisfy the arcs of various characters. In comparison, His Dark Materials is celebrated for delivering one of the best conclusions in fantasy television history, maintaining the high standards set by its prior seasons.