Born in Ohio in 2001 to a Peruvian mother and American father, Isabela Merced began her acting career with roles in family-friendly projects, including Nickelodeon’s 100 Things to Do Before High School and the live-action Dora and the Lost City of Gold. However, her ambition extended beyond children’s entertainment. Merced’s performances in films like Sicario: Day of the Soldado and Instant Family showcased her versatility and hinted at her potential for more complex roles.
Her casting as Dina in The Last of Us was a pivotal moment. Without even auditioning, Merced impressed showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann during a meeting, leading to her immediate selection for the role .
Breathing New Life into Dina
In the original video game, Dina serves primarily as a companion to Ellie. The television adaptation, however, offers a more nuanced portrayal. Merced’s Dina is intelligent, resourceful, and emotionally complex. She brings a sense of agency to the character, making her more than just a supporting figure in Ellie’s journey.
Merced’s performance captures Dina’s multifaceted personality—her warmth, wit, and underlying trauma. She portrays Dina as both a grounding presence for Ellie and a character with her own motivations and struggles.
A Deeply Authentic Queer Romance
One of the most compelling aspects of Merced’s portrayal is the authentic depiction of Dina’s relationship with Ellie. Merced, who identifies as queer, brought personal insight to the role, enhancing the depth of their on-screen romance .
The chemistry between Merced and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) is palpable. Their collaboration extended beyond the script, with both actresses contributing to the development of their characters’ relationship. They worked closely with the intimacy coordinator to ensure that their scenes were both emotionally resonant and true to their characters.
Expanding Dina’s Backstory
The series delves deeper into Dina’s history, providing context that enriches her character. Viewers learn about her traumatic past, including the loss of her family and the challenges she faced growing up in a post-apocalyptic world. These revelations add layers to Dina’s personality, highlighting her resilience and the coping mechanisms she employs, such as humor and sarcasm .
Merced’s portrayal emphasizes Dina’s strength and vulnerability, making her a relatable and compelling character. Her ability to convey complex emotions has been praised by critics and fans alike .
A Collaborative Creative Process
Merced’s involvement in the series extended beyond acting. She actively participated in post-production processes, including visual effects meetings and editing sessions. This hands-on approach allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of filmmaking and contributed to the authenticity of her performance.
Her dedication to the role and the series as a whole demonstrates her commitment to her craft and her desire to contribute meaningfully to the storytelling process.
The Future Is Bright
Isabela Merced’s breakout performance in The Last of Us has opened doors to new opportunities. She is set to appear as Hawkgirl in the upcoming Superman film, further showcasing her versatility as an actress .Them+1EW.com+1
Her journey from child star to a leading actress in a critically acclaimed series is a testament to her talent, determination, and passion for storytelling. As she continues to take on diverse roles, Merced is poised to become one of the most influential actresses of her generation.
In The Last of Us, Isabela Merced has not only brought depth and authenticity to the character of Dina but has also redefined what it means to be a breakout star. Her performance resonates with audiences, offering a portrayal that is both powerful and profoundly human.
