The Last of Us concluded its second season on HBO several weeks ago, and the finale featured a major development that will affect the story’s direction. Future seasons of the show won’t be focused on Bella Ramsey‘s Elle, but fans of the prolific actor can rest easy knowing they will be back on the small screen in a lead role. Deadline reveals that Ramsey has been cast in the thriller series Maya for Channel 4. They play the titular character, Maya, in the six-part series, which also stars Daisy Haggard, who writes, directs, and serves as the show’s creator. Filming is expected to take place in Scotland later this year as more roles get cast.
Maya is described as an “atmospheric, darkly comic” work with similar beats to Haggard’s previous projects. She is known for her warmly humorous shows, such as Back to Life and Breeders. The show explores important themes, including predatory male behavior, family dynamics, and mother-daughter relationships. Maya is Anna’s daughter. “The pair leaves their lives in London and are forced into a witness protection program with new identities in a small rural Scottish town. The trauma of their past continues to haunt them as they attempt to settle into a new life, with two hitmen intent on tracking them down,” reveals the show’s general premise. “This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny, and scarily dark. Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty and I’m so excited to get to play Maya opposite Daisy’s Anna,” Ramsey said in a statement. Haggard praised the Game of Thrones alum, saying:
“Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya. I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”
‘The Last of Us’ Season 3 Shifts to Another Protagonist
Ramsey had been a significant figure in The Last of Us since its 2023 debut. The show focused on their character, Elle, especially in Season 2, but going into Season 3, the show will focus on Kaitlyn Dever‘s Abby. “I was sure that they [HBO] wouldn’t let us do this when we started adapting this,” co-creator Neil Druckman said, discussing the shift. “But they’ve leaned into what makes, I believe, the story special. And allowed us not only the time but the creative freedom to be able to take these swings,” he added.
Maya does not have a premiere date yet, but stay tuned to Collider for more updates. Watch The Last of Us on Max in the US.
Source: Deadline