The Last Of Us Movie: 10 Actresses Who Could Play Ellie

3. Hailee Steinfeld

As one of only two actresses on this list that've been nominated for an esteemed Academy Award, Hailee Steinfeld would lend The Last Of Us a certain air of acclaim and taste that no others could. Her grisly yet heartfelt performance in True Grit, proved an uncanny ability to portray a teenager, who acts as though she's already passed through the trials and tribulations of puberty. She was plausible as an independent force, taking care of her own problems and carefully seeking out her own allies. However - such is the nature of an Oscar nomination-worthy performance - there was more at play. She also proved her talents when fragile and vulnerable. It's this division between strength and weakness that would help her best be suited to the part. More than anyone else on this list, she could authentically convince the viewer that she €“ like Ellie €“ can't swim and needs Joel's help. But also counteractively, she would take just as strongly to moments when helping Joel out. It is this kind of acting style that would benefit the narrative's intricacies. She's the sort of actress you can imagine wandering across the landscape of The Last Of Us, giving light to all the mini-stories of the world long gone with complex, multi-faceted facial expressions. Hailee Steinfeld hasn't just experienced a non-sexualised lead female role such as Ellie, but she's succeeded at it. If the creators were casting with those criteria, she would undoubtedly be their best bet.