The Last Of Us Season 2 Star Explains Why Dina & Joel’s Bond Is Deeper Than in the Game

Isabela Merced, who plays Dina in The Last of Us, reflects on her character's relationship with Joel and explains how it differs from the video game. The story of The Last of Us takes place years after the Cordyceps virus turned much of humanity into zombie-like creatures. Season 1 of the critically acclaimed show was based on the 2013 video game of the same name, whereas the upcoming The Last of Us season 2 will adapt events from the controversial second game.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Merced discusses how more of the relationship between Dina and Joel is shown in The Last of Us season 2 than in the 2020 video game. She points out that their relationship is hardly explored in the game, but claims they would know each other quite well since Dina is Ellie's best friend. She even describes Joel as a "fun uncle." Read Merced's full comments below:

There's a lot of creative liberties they took with, obviously, Neil's consent, because I think they wanted everything to just be more well rounded. If she's Ellie's best friend, they would have interacted. And so this is an opportunity to see how and I think they have a very light, warm relationship, where he's like the fun uncle, and she can confide in him, and he can confide in her. But mostly, you know their point where they really connect is their love for Ellie that they both have and share. And I think Dina, when we see her, she's sort of noticing this rift between them and trying to mend that.

What Merced's Comments About Dina & Joel Mean For The Last Of Us Season 2

Dina Will Be An Important Character

After the dramatic season 1 ending of the hit HBO show, Merced is a very important addition to the cast of The Last of Us season 2. As Merced points out in her comments, there will be a noticeable rift between Joel and Ellie at the beginning of season 2. Because of this, Ellie will likely spend more time with Dina, who is not only her best friend, but also becomes her primary love interest. If the upcoming season faithfully adapts The Last of Us Part II game, then Dina will undeniably be one of the most important characters.

The beginning of The Last of Us season 2 will see the characters safe in the town of Jackson. However, as teased in the trailers, it won't take long for things to turn bad. Ellie's darker side was already teased in season 1, and she will be looking for revenge. Since her relationship with Joel is complicated, Dina will be the one who can comfort her. Therefore, it's good that Dina will not only have a special relationship with Ellie, but also with Joel.

Our Take On Merced's Comments About Dina & Joel's Relationship

It Will Expand The Source Material

I'm so interested in season 2 as it's adapting The Last of Us Part II, which is controversial but also critically acclaimed. While some despise the sequel game, others love it. It will be interesting to see how the HBO series approaches the source material. Dina is one of the most important parts of the game, so it will be great to see her have an even bigger role in the show and have scenes with more characters in The Last of Us season 2.