'The Last of Us' star Bella Ramsey says viewers angry over LGBTQ+ characters are 'gonna have to get used to it'

Bella Ramsey as Ellie in "The Last of Us."HBO/Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

• "The Last of Us" star Bella Ramsey reacted to criticism over LGBTQ+ characters in the show.

• Episode three was review-bombed after it highlighted a gay relationship.

• Ramsey said those viewers are "missing out."

With each episode of "The Last of Us" comes more plaudits online as audiences go through the horror and heartbreak along with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey).

But after episode three, the show was hit with a number of negative reviews and reactions because it put the spotlight on the touching relationship between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). It's worth pointing out that their romantic connection was alluded to in the original PlayStation game, but was further expanded for the HBO series.

LGBTQ+ characters are a key part of the franchise, as those who've played "The Last of Us Part II" will already know. And leading star Bella Ramsey recently explained to GQ that viewers angry over LGBTQ+ representation will just "have to get used to it."

She said: "I know people will think what they want to think. But they're gonna have to get used to it. If you don't want to watch the show because it has gay storylines, because it has a trans character, that's on you, and you're missing out."

The "Game of Thrones" alum explained that the backlash doesn't worry her, as she added: "I'm not particularly anxious about it. It isn't gonna make me afraid. I think that comes from a place of defiance."

In the same interview, Ramsey clarified her own identity as nonbinary but also said she has no issue with using she/her pronouns. The actor talked about how she wore a chest binder for most of the show's production.

The British star also touched on what she's excited about for season two, noting Ellie's relationship with fellow survivor, Dina, in "Part II."

She said: "There are a few bits with Ellie on her own, probably, but I like the fact that she also has [Dina] now."

Ramsey went on to say that although she's nervous about returning for season two, she's also "so excited."

She said: "I mean, season one really was the best year of my life," she said. "As the episodes come out, [they] bring back such good memories. I am nervous, of course. [But] I'm so excited to get the chance to do that again."

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