In a fiery controversy that has ignited social media and polarized fans, Joe Rogan, the outspoken host of The Joe Rogan Experience, has publicly criticized Bella Ramsey, the non-binary star of HBO’s The Last of Us, over reports that Ramsey demanded the use of they/them pronouns on the set of the show’s third season. The dispute, which erupted following Rogan’s September 5, 2025, podcast episode with guest Tim Dillon, has thrust The Last of Us Season 3—set to premiere in April 2026—into the center of a cultural firestorm. With the series already navigating backlash over its bold narrative choices in Season 2, this clash between Rogan and Ramsey raises questions about the intersection of personal identity, artistic freedom, and Hollywood’s evolving landscape. As X explodes with reactions, from support for Ramsey’s stance to accusations of “woke overreach,” the controversy threatens to overshadow the show’s highly anticipated return.

The Last of Us: A Cultural Juggernaut Facing New Challenges

Since its debut in January 2023, HBO’s The Last of Us has been a critical and commercial triumph, adapting Naughty Dog’s acclaimed video game into a post-apocalyptic epic. Starring Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, the series follows a hardened smuggler and a teenage girl immune to a fungal plague that has ravaged humanity. Season 1, with its 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, drew over 32 million viewers per episode, making it HBO’s biggest debut since Game of Thrones. Season 2, which aired from April to June 2025, maintained strong ratings but sparked division among fans for its deviations from The Last of Us Part II game, particularly the handling of Joel’s brutal death and Ellie’s same-sex relationship with Dina (Isabela Merced). Despite 16 Emmy nominations, including for Ramsey’s lead performance, the season faced vocal criticism from gamers and conservative audiences over its narrative shifts and inclusive themes.

Season 3, currently filming in Vancouver, promises to continue Ellie’s journey, focusing on her quest for redemption after the events of Season 2. New cast members, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, join returning stars like Merced and Pascal in flashbacks. The season is expected to delve deeper into Ellie’s emotional turmoil and introduce new factions in a ravaged Seattle, building toward a climactic showdown. However, the production has now been eclipsed by off-screen drama, with Ramsey’s reported pronoun demands becoming a lightning rod for debate.

The Controversy: Ramsey’s Pronoun Stance Sparks Tensions

Bella Ramsey, who publicly came out as non-binary in January 2023 at age 19, has been open about their preference for they/them pronouns, though they’ve previously expressed flexibility, stating in a 2023 Wired interview, “Whatever you fancy, really! I’m pretty chill about it all.” However, reports surfaced in late August 2025 that Ramsey, now 21, issued a directive to the The Last of Us Season 3 cast and crew, insisting that they/them pronouns be used consistently on set to reflect their gender identity. Sources close to the production claim the request was framed as a matter of respect, with Ramsey emphasizing that it aligns with their authentic self as they portray Ellie, a queer character whose arc resonates with the LGBTQ+ community.

The directive reportedly caused friction among some crew members, who felt it disrupted the collaborative environment. While HBO issued a statement supporting Ramsey’s request and affirming their commitment to inclusivity, the news leaked to social media, where it was amplified by conservative commentators. On September 5, Joe Rogan seized on the story during his podcast, lambasting what he called Ramsey’s “pronoun obsession” and accusing them of imposing personal beliefs on a creative project. “This is a show about zombies and survival, not a gender studies seminar,” Rogan said, arguing that such demands distract from the storytelling and alienate fans. He further criticized Hollywood’s “woke culture,” claiming it risks turning The Last of Us into a “preachy soapbox” rather than the gritty drama that won over audiences.

Rogan’s comments, which garnered over 2 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, painted Ramsey as out of touch, suggesting their focus on pronouns reflects a broader trend of actors prioritizing identity over craft. He pointed to the backlash against Season 2’s queer storylines, including Ellie and Dina’s romance, as evidence that fans want escapism, not social agendas. Dillon, his guest, doubled down, joking that Ramsey’s demand “sounds like Ellie’s fighting pronouns instead of infected now.”

Ramsey’s Response: Defending Identity and Art

Ramsey responded on September 6 via an Instagram Live session, addressing the controversy with characteristic candor. “I’m not forcing anyone to do anything,” they said. “I asked for respect on set, just like I respect everyone else’s right to their views. Ellie’s story is about love, loss, and survival—it’s not diminished by who I am.” Ramsey emphasized that their pronoun request was a personal choice, not a mandate, and was intended to create a comfortable working environment as they tackle Ellie’s emotionally taxing arc in Season 3. They also expressed disappointment in Rogan’s remarks, noting, “It’s sad to see someone with such a big platform reduce my identity to a punchline.”

Ramsey’s supporters rallied on X, with fans praising their courage and authenticity. Posts like “Bella’s just being true to themselves—Rogan’s the one making it a circus” gained traction, while others highlighted Ramsey’s acclaimed performance, which earned them Emmy nominations in 2023 and 2025. The LGBTQ+ community, in particular, lauded Ramsey as a role model, with organizations like GLAAD issuing statements commending their advocacy for non-binary representation in Hollywood.

However, the backlash was equally fierce. On X, critics accused Ramsey of “virtue signaling” and argued that their focus on pronouns undermines the show’s gritty realism. Some fans, still upset over Season 2’s changes, echoed Rogan’s sentiment, posting, “TLOU is about the apocalypse, not pronouns. Stick to the story.” Others questioned whether Ramsey’s stance could alienate viewers, pointing to declining viewership for shows perceived as overly political. The controversy has also reignited debates about Season 2’s reception, with some users on Reddit’s r/TheLastOfUs2 subreddit speculating that Ramsey’s activism reflects a broader shift in the show’s tone.

The Bigger Picture: Hollywood, Identity, and Fan Expectations

The Rogan-Ramsey feud underscores a broader tension in Hollywood: balancing artistic authenticity with audience expectations in a polarized cultural climate. The Last of Us has long courted controversy for its progressive elements, from Ellie’s queer identity to the inclusion of a transgender character, Lev, in Season 2. While these choices earned praise for representation, they also drew ire from a vocal minority who felt the show strayed from the game’s focus on survival and revenge. Ramsey’s pronoun request has amplified these divides, with Rogan’s platform—reaching millions weekly—fanning the flames.

For HBO, the controversy poses a challenge. The Last of Us Season 3 is a high-stakes project, with a reported $200 million budget and expectations to rebound from Season 2’s mixed reception. The network has stood by Ramsey, with showrunner Craig Mazin issuing a statement on September 7 affirming that “Bella’s contribution to the show is invaluable, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive set.” Mazin, who navigated similar backlash over Season 2’s queer storylines, emphasized that the show’s core remains its emotional depth and character-driven narrative.

Yet, Rogan’s critique resonates with a segment of the fanbase wary of Hollywood’s push for inclusivity. His podcast, which frequently tackles cultural issues, has amplified voices skeptical of “woke” trends, from gender-neutral awards to diverse casting. Rogan’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some fans that The Last of Us risks losing its universal appeal by leaning into social issues—a sentiment echoed in online forums where users lament the show’s evolution from a survival tale to a platform for identity politics.

What’s Next for The Last of Us Season 3?

As filming continues, The Last of Us Season 3 remains one of 2026’s most anticipated releases. The season is expected to adapt elements of a hypothetical The Last of Us Part III, with Ellie grappling with the consequences of her revenge-driven journey in Seattle. New plot details suggest a focus on a mysterious cult, hinted at in Season 2, and a deeper exploration of Ellie’s immunity, with Ramsey delivering what early reports call a “career-defining” performance. The controversy, while divisive, has only heightened buzz, with HBO banking on the show’s loyal fanbase to tune in.

For Ramsey, the clash with Rogan is a test of resilience. They’ve faced scrutiny before—over their casting in Season 1 and Season 2’s narrative shifts—but their talent and authenticity have won over critics and fans alike. Whether the pronoun debate will impact viewership remains to be seen, but Ramsey’s commitment to their identity and craft suggests they won’t back down.

A Polarized Fandom and an Uncertain Future

The Rogan-Ramsey controversy encapsulates the challenges facing modern entertainment: how to honor individual identities while appealing to a broad audience. The Last of Us Season 3 will likely weather the storm, given its critical acclaim and dedicated following, but the debate highlights the growing pains of a franchise navigating a fractured cultural landscape. As Ellie fights for survival in a post-apocalyptic world, Ramsey fights for respect in the real one—a battle that, for now, has no clear winner.