The electrifying chemistry between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in HBO’s The Last of Us might soon leap from post-apocalyptic drama to superhero spectacle. Following Pascal’s casting as Reed Richards in Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Ramsey playfully teased their own MCU aspirations in a recent Variety interview, joking, “I could be Spider-Man.” But industry whispers and fan campaigns suggest a different, unconventional hero aligns perfectly with Ramsey’s talents: the squirrel-commanding powerhouse Squirrel Girl.

Could Bella Ramsey Revolutionize Marvel’s Unlikely Heroes?

Ramsey’s Spider-Man quip was lighthearted—”Tom Holland did a great job though,” they acknowledged—but it ignited speculation about their potential MCU future. Sources close to Marvel Studios, including a July 2025 Deadline report, confirm Ramsey is being “actively eyed” for an undisclosed role. While fan theories initially leaned toward Kitty Pryde (a role long rumored for the MCU), Squirrel Girl has surged as the frontrunner.

Introduced in Marvel Super-Heroes #8 (1992), Doreen Green (Squirrel Girl) boasts deceptively formidable abilities:

Squirrel Communication: She commands legions of squirrels for reconnaissance and tactical support.
Enhanced Agility & Strength: Her physical prowess rivals top-tier heroes.
Unbeaten Record: She’s canonically defeated Thanos, Doctor Doom, and Galactus through wit and teamwork.

Ramsey’s Emmy-nominated performance as Ellie in The Last of Us demonstrated a unique blend of resilience, humor, and emotional depth—precisely the traits that define Squirrel Girl. Like James Gunn’s Rocket Raccoon, Squirrel Girl could transform from a “joke” character into a franchise anchor. Marvel excels at reimagining quirky comics properties, and Ramsey’s authenticity would ground the hero’s absurdity in heart.

Why Fans Are Rallying Behind Ramsey’s Casting

Online communities have erupted with support. Reddit threads like “Who should Bella Ramsey play in the MCU?” overwhelmingly nominate Squirrel Girl, with one user declaring, “Ramsey’s wit and physicality are perfect—they’d make Doreen iconic.” On X/Twitter, fan art of Ramsey as the superhero has gone viral, accompanied by hashtags like #SquirrelGirlCasting.

Critics note Ramsey’s ability to balance levity and gravity mirrors Squirrel Girl’s tonal versatility. As The Hollywood Reporter noted in 2024, “Ramsey possesses a rare generational talent for conveying vulnerability within action-driven roles.” This aligns with Squirrel Girl’s comic persona: a lighthearted hero who outsmarts cosmic threats through empathy and strategy rather than brute force.

The Road to Marvel’s New Era

While Marvel Studios hasn’t commented, Ramsey’s involvement would signal a fresh direction for Phase 6. Squirrel Girl has ties to the New Avengers, Young Avengers, and even partnered with Spider-Man—fitting seamlessly into the multiverse saga climaxing in Avengers: Secret Wars.

“The MCU thrives when actors embody characters against type. Ramsey’s grounded intensity would make Squirrel Girl a surprise powerhouse.”
— Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios (Variety, 2024)

As the MCU diversifies its roster, Ramsey’s casting would continue Marvel’s legacy of elevating unconventional heroes into global phenomena.

Must Know

Q: Who is Squirrel Girl in Marvel Comics?
A: Doreen Green, aka Squirrel Girl, is a superhero known for her ability to communicate with squirrels, enhanced agility, and unbeaten record against villains like Thanos. First appearing in 1992, she represents Marvel’s balance of humor and heroism.

Q: Has Bella Ramsey confirmed MCU talks?
A: No. Ramsey humorously suggested playing Spider-Man in a Variety interview but didn’t confirm negotiations. Industry reports (Deadline, July 2025) indicate Marvel’s interest in Ramsey for an undisclosed project.

Q: Why is Squirrel Girl considered a good fit for Ramsey?
A: Ramsey’s work in The Last of Us showcases the emotional range, wit, and physicality essential to Squirrel Girl—a character who blends comedy with unexpected depth.

Q: When could Ramsey’s MCU debut happen?
A: If cast, Ramsey could appear in Avengers: Doomsday (2027) or a Disney+ series. Marvel’s Fantastic Four (2025) will establish new team dynamics, potentially opening doors.

Q: Are other actors linked to Squirrel Girl?
A: Milana Vayntrub voiced her in Marvel Rising (2018), but live-action casting remains open. Fan campaigns strongly favor Ramsey.

Bella Ramsey’s potential MCU leap as Squirrel Girl isn’t just fancasting—it’s a masterstroke waiting to happen. With Marvel actively seeking fresh faces and Ramsey’s proven ability to humanize extraordinary roles, this pairing could redefine superhero storytelling. Stay tuned for updates as Phase 6 unfolds.