In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Bella Ramsey, the non-binary star of The Last of Us, voiced her concerns about the “daddy” discourse surrounding co-star Pedro Pascal. Initially joining in with the playful conversation, Ramsey now questions whether Pascal is still enjoying his “daddy” reputation to the same extent. She acknowledged her participation in the beginning but expressed worry that the obsession has gone over the top. Ramsey mentioned her intent to ask Pascal directly about his feelings regarding the matter, recognizing his global popularity and remarkable talent.
Pedro Pascal himself appears unsure about the ongoing debate. During The Hollywood Reporter’s Drama Actor’s Roundtable, when asked by Jeff Bridges if he was indeed a daddy, Pascal responded emphatically, denying the label. He further explained his theory, attributing the term to his characters rather than its internet connotation of being sexy and dominant. Pascal believes it is related to the roles he has portrayed, such as the Mandalorian’s caretaker of baby Grogu and Joel’s paternal figure to Ellie in The Last of Us.
While Pascal’s “daddy” status may remain uncertain, fans will be delighted to learn that he and Bella Ramsey will reunite for The Last of Us season two, which is scheduled to begin filming later this year. Ramsey, reprising her role as lesbian character Ellie, briefly discussed the upcoming season, describing it as darker and centered around revenge, exploring the perils of unconditional love as a continuation from the first season.
In addition to her work on The Last of Us, Ramsey will also star in the BBC series Time. When discussing future roles, she expressed a desire for complex and authentic characters without specific expectations in mind. Ramsey revealed that when a script resonates with her on an instinctual and visceral level, she realizes it is the role she was meant to play, emphasizing the transformative power of acting.
The first season of The Last of Us is currently streaming on Max in the US and available on demand on Sky Atlantic.