Recent buzz surrounding the filming of HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 has taken an unexpected turn, with reports on X claiming that stars Bella Ramsey and Maisy Stella developed a romantic connection while working together. The speculation, which emerged on May 15, 2025, centers on their time filming a pivotal love scene, where the two allegedly exhibited unusual behavior not directed by Mark Mylod. According to posts on X, Ramsey, who plays Ellie, was seen placing their hand near Stella’s midsection in an unscripted moment, sparking rumors of an off-screen romance. While these claims remain unverified, they’ve ignited fervent discussion among fans of the post-apocalyptic drama.
The Last of Us Season 2, adapting the acclaimed video game The Last of Us Part II, delves deeper into Ellie’s emotional journey, including her romantic relationship with Dina, played by Stella. The second season, which premiered on April 13, 2025, has been praised for its intense storytelling and the chemistry between Ramsey and Stella. Their love scene in episode 4, directed by Mylod, has been a focal point, with critics noting its tenderness and authenticity. Isabela Merced, who also stars as Dina in other episodes, told Variety that she and Ramsey aimed for the scene to feel “sexy, emotional, and charged,” drawing on their own experiences in queer relationships to enhance its realism. However, the reported unscripted moment has raised eyebrows, with some fans on X interpreting it as evidence of a personal connection.
Best gifts for your loved ones
The alleged incident occurred during a scene where Ellie and Dina share a quiet, intimate moment in Jackson, Wyoming. Sources on X claim Ramsey’s hand movement near Stella’s midsection was not in Mylod’s direction, describing it as a spontaneous act that caught the crew’s attention. Mylod, known for his work on Succession, has not commented publicly, and neither Ramsey nor Stella have addressed the rumors directly. HBO has also remained silent, leaving fans to speculate based on social media posts. Some X users celebrated the idea of a real-life romance, with one writing, “Bella and Maisy falling in love on set is the plot twist we didn’t expect!” Others cautioned against jumping to conclusions, noting the lack of concrete evidence.
Ramsey, 21, has been a standout as Ellie, earning Emmy buzz despite initial backlash from some fans of the game who questioned their casting. Their performance in episode 5’s brutal torture scene, directed by Mylod, was lauded by ScreenRant for capturing Ellie’s descent into vengeance. Stella, 21, known for her role in My Old Ass, brings a fresh energy to Dina, complementing Ramsey’s intensity. Off-screen, the two have been spotted together at promotional events, fueling speculation. A photo from a Vancouver wrap party in March 2025, shared on X, showed them laughing closely, though it’s unclear if this reflects anything beyond friendship.
Best gifts for your loved ones
The rumors come amid heightened scrutiny of The Last of Us Season 2, which has faced review-bombing for its focus on Ellie and Dina’s queer relationship, as reported by Out. Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and uses they enrichment is used they/them pronouns, has been open about navigating fame and identity, telling Interview Magazine they feared the spotlight but have since embraced it. Stella, less public about her personal life, has spoken warmly of her experience on set, praising Ramsey’s professionalism in a GQ interview. Their shared commitment to authenticity may have deepened their bond, but whether this translates to romance remains speculative.
Filming for Season 2, which wrapped in April 2025, was an intense process, with Ramsey and Stella spending long hours in challenging conditions. Young Mazino, who plays Jesse, described to the Los Angeles Times how the cast bonded over music to cope with the show’s bleak tone. This camaraderie could explain their closeness, though the specific claim about Ramsey’s unscripted gesture adds intrigue. Fans on X have debated whether it was a playful improvisation or something more, with some citing Ramsey’s comfort with Stella as evidence of trust.
As The Last of Us continues to captivate audiences, the Ramsey-Stella rumors highlight the blurred lines between on-screen chemistry and off-screen dynamics. Without confirmation from the actors or HBO, the story remains a fan-driven narrative, amplified by social media. For now, Ramsey and Stella’s performances as Ellie and Dina stand as a testament to their talent, leaving viewers eager for the next episode while speculating about what happened behind the scenes.
