Bella Ramsey, star of The Last of Us, is set to take on a significant role in an upcoming dramedy that promises to tug at the heartstrings.
Best recognised for their role as Ellie in the popular HBO drama based on the video game series, Ramsey is currently gracing screens in the second season of the gripping post-apocalyptic drama.
Confirmed to return for a third season, Ramsey will also be seen on the big screen next year in the forthcoming “emotional” film, Sunny Dancer.
They will portray Ivy, a teenager in remission from cancer who is compelled to attend a summer camp for young people also battling the disease.
Directed by rising actor-director George Jaques, Ramsey will be joined by a stellar cast of exceptional British talent, including recent BAFTA-winning star of Baby Reindeer, Jessica Gunning.
Also joining the cast are Happy Valley’s James Norton, Hollywood star Neil Patrick Harris and former Bridgerton actress Ruby Stokes.
The first image from the film has been unveiled, showing Ramsey’s character cathartically screaming alongside a group of other campers.
Executive producer Herbert L Kloiber stated: “We have been captivated by George’s emotional, whip-smart, and fundamentally feel-good storytelling.
“The cast has assembled for a celebration of joyous optimism, and George is acutely assured as a director.”
Producer Ken Petrie chimed in: “The chemistry among our brilliant young cast is remarkable – their on-screen connection continues seamlessly throughout early morning cast calls, lunch breaks and long after we wrap for the evening.
“What you’ll see in-camera is a reflection of authentic friendship.”
Director Jaques expressed: “I’m beyond excited to have such insanely talented people on board – absolute masters of their craft – coming together to create a movie that’s equal parts hilarious and gut-punching.
“I want the audience to laugh till they cry, then actually cry, and walk away with a fresh perspective on how the young, in fighting for life, are seen – not as victims, but as bold, complex, and full of life.”
The star-studded cast also includes Daniel Quinn Toye, Earl Cave, Jasmine Elcock, Conrad Khan, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Josie Walker and Louis Gaunt.
An official synopsis for Sunny Dancer reveals: “Ivy, a teenager in remission from cancer, whose gloriously outspoken mum and well-intentioned dad insist she attend Children Run Free Camp, a summer retreat for young adults affected by cancer.
“The camp’s slogan, ‘Where kids come to kid,’ does little to alleviate Ivy’s apprehension, and a quick Google search confirms her fears when she stumbles upon a cringeworthy promotional video filled with tacky messages and clichéd sunsets.
“As if conquering cancer wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy now faces the prospect of spending her summer at what she calls ‘chemo camp.’ However, as Ivy is reluctantly dragged through camp experience, she discovers new feelings with new friends.”
Sunny Dancer will be released in 2026. The Last of Us season 2 continues Sundays on HBO in the US and Sky Go and NOW the following Monday in the UK.