At the young age of 20, Bella Ramsey, famed for their role in The Last of Us and their breakthrough performance in Game of Thrones, is already eyeing a complex and intricate villainous role for their next endeavour.

Speaking at a question and answer session following a screening in Liverpool, the BAFTA-winning actor spoke candidly about their experiences, acknowledging the challenges of their latest role in the BBC series Time, where they portrayed Kelsey Morgan, an addicted inmate. Ramsey described it as their “toughest role yet,” not just due to the demanding subject matter but also the intense filming schedule. “By far the hardest in terms of like, the subject matter. And also, there were just big days on set, big, fast, long days,” Ramsey told the audience.

Reflecting on their trajectory in the industry, Ramsey expressed pride in the choices made during their rise to fame, particularly during the actor’s Game of Thrones era. Opting for minimal interviews and keeping personal details private, they carefully considered the daunting prospect of sudden stardom. Ramsey acknowledged that maintaining a level of anonymity until The Last of Us had been a positive aspect of their journey.

Looking ahead to their future roles, Ramsey expressed a desire to step into the shoes of an intricate and complex villain. When asked about the iconic role of the Joker, they responded with enthusiasm, stating: “Yeah. I was actually thinking that as well. The Joker, someone really interesting like that.” Undeterred by the high standards set by Joaquin Phoenix and Heath Ledger, Ramsey told their readiness to take on the challenge.

Beyond the Joker, Ramsey also expressed interest in portraying a character akin to Hannibal Lecter. The young actor, known for seamlessly adapting to diverse roles, emphasised their eagerness to tackle new and challenging characters.

As one of the 42 individuals selected for this year’s BAFTA Breakthrough list, Ramsey joins a cohort of promising talents in the film, games, and television industry. Reflecting on the recognition, they called it a “big honour” and expressed excitement about the opportunities it brings.

Anticipating the upcoming season of The Last of Us, Ramsey is brimming with confidence that it will surpass the success of the first season. Despite the prevalent fear that the sequel might not live up to its predecessor, Ramsey dismisses such concerns, expressing unwavering faith in the creators and describing them as “spectacular.” Their optimistic outlook extends to the belief that the second season will not only meet expectations but will indeed surpass them.

Reflecting on their camaraderie with co-star Pedro Pascal, Ramsey revealed initial apprehensions about whether they would click. The prospect of spending an entire year together on set, coupled with the subsequent press commitments, fueled their concerns. Ramsey candidly admitted to being “really worried” about the potential lack of compatibility. However, the fears were allayed as the two actors not only got along but also formed a genuine connection. The initial shyness between them gave way to a bond that strengthened during extended periods spent together, particularly in the close quarters of a car on set.

Ramsey’s journey in the entertainment industry, marked by a thoughtful approach to fame and a commitment to diverse and challenging roles, positions them as a rising star to watch. Their openness to embracing complex characters, coupled with a dedication to privacy, sets them apart as a talent with both depth and resilience.