One of The Last of Us' newest stars teases the on-screen chemistry she and lead actor Bella Ramsey have in Season 2 of the hit post-apocalyptic series. Isabela Merced reveals how she landed her role on the show and what to expect in the anticipated season.
Speaking with Collider, Merced elaborated on her role as Dina, the girlfriend of Bella's character, Ellie. According to the Madame Web and Superman star, she and Ramsey clicked during Season 2 filming and that chemistry will reflect in their performances on The Last of Us. Merced said, "I’m so excited for people to see my chemistry with Bella. Bella and I have so much chemistry. From the first day, it was there. There’s no work to be done. I really respect Bella. I just saw Catherine Called Birdy and Bella has such range and just an honesty about their work. I’m learning so much. I’m very honored to be here."
Merced also admitted getting her The Last of Us role, confirmed in January, was unexpectedly straightforward after connecting with co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. Merced said it was "crazy" that she landed the role and hailed Mazin, suggesting they had one trait in common
"Neil and Craig [Mazin] had reached out to my team and they said, 'We wanna meet with her for The Last of Us ?' And my team was like, 'Hey, for what role?' And they didn’t specify," she said. "They just said, 'Have her watch the game on YouTube.' And I was like, 'I wanna play the game.' And then, we had a meeting and they proposed it at the meeting. Usually, you don’t ever say anything because it could always change. You never know what’s gonna happen. And then, the strike happened. But it was just a mind-blowing instant connection with Craig and Neil. By the way, Craig and I have a lot of issues in common. Our brains work faster than our mouths, and I just love that about him. He’s definitely one of my go-tos for a life guru, in general, now."
According to the official character description, Merced's character is "a free-wheeling spirit whose devotion to Ellie will be tested by the brutality of the world they inhabit." Dina was introduced in The Last of Us Part II, becoming Ellie's close friend-turned-girlfriend. She is also the ex-girlfriend of Jesse and the mother of their son, JJ.
Several New Names Join the Cast in Season 2
Merced is one of multiple fresh faces who joined The Last of Us Season 2's cast. Kaitlyn Dever will portray the titular game franchise's most controversial character, Abby Anderson. Season 2 will also feature Beef's Young Mazino, Schitt's Creek star Catherine O'Hara and Captain America: Brave New World actor Danny Ramirez. Principal photography for Season 2 began in British Columbia this past February and is expected to continue until August.
Merced has kept busy in 2024, recently starring in the ill-fated Sony Spider-Man Universe film, Madame Web. She has also been filming the upcoming DC Universe blockbuster, Superman, which sees her portray Hawkgirl.
