As anticipation builds for the second season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The Last of Us,” new cast member Isabela Merced, who portrays Dina, is offering insights into the burgeoning relationship between her character and Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey. The series returns to HBO and streams on Max beginning April 13.
In a recent interview with IMDb, Merced spoke candidly about the connection she shares with Ramsey on screen, hinting at a storyline that will resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ viewers. Reflecting on what drew her to the show, Merced expressed admiration for Ellie’s past relationship with Riley, a character portrayed in the first season by Storm Reid.
Looking ahead to season two, Merced emphasized the commitment to authenticity in portraying the bond between Dina and Ellie. “Bella’s extremely charming. Our chemistry is sort of undeniable, and the gays are going to be fed,” Merced told IMDb. “Like, they’re going to be so happy. I love it.”
Merced also shared her enthusiasm after viewing early footage of her scenes with Ramsey. “I’ve been in the editing room when they’re like, ‘Oh, what scenes do you want to watch?’ I was like, ‘All Dina-Ellie scenes only, please. I want to see it all.’ And it was wonderfully edited, edited by a gay woman, Emily [Mendez]. Yeah, they’re just going as authentic as possible, and I really love that.”
The introduction of Dina as a significant character in Ellie’s life has been long-awaited by fans of “The Last of Us” video game franchise, upon which the series is based. In the games, Dina becomes Ellie’s romantic partner, a relationship that is expected to be a key focus of the upcoming season.
A lingering question among some viewers has been the identity of “the Staring Girl,” an unnamed character who briefly appeared in the sixth episode of the first season when Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie arrive in Jackson, Wyo. The character, played by Paolina Van Kleef, was seen intently observing Ellie, leading to fan theories that she might be a younger Dina.
Merced addressed this speculation in a separate interview with Entertainment Weekly. “I did see that,” Merced said, noting the similarity in the character’s outfit to Dina’s. However, she has not yet had the opportunity to confirm this with showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.
Based on her understanding of Dina’s personality, Merced expressed some doubt about the “Staring Girl” being her character. “In my opinion, and the Dina that I’ve witnessed and seen, Dina wouldn’t run away. Dina would be like, ‘Who are you?'” Merced explained. “I don’t think she would be scared of Ellie…. I don’t think Dina would run away, scared with her tail between her legs.”
Adding another layer to Ellie’s romantic life in Jackson, the season will also introduce Noah Lamanna as Kat, described as Ellie’s first girlfriend in the community. This suggests that the series may explore different facets of Ellie’s relationships before fully delving into her connection with Dina.
“The Last of Us” season 2 will pick up the narrative five years after the conclusion of the first season. Joel and Ellie are living in the Jackson community, navigating a strained relationship. Their relative peace is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious group led by a soldier named Abby (Kaitlyn Dever).
Merced emphasized that the new season will delve deeper into Dina’s backstory compared to her initial portrayal in “The Last of Us Part II” video game. She also praised Shannon Woodward, who originated the role of Dina in the game, for providing a strong foundation for her performance. “She also gave me a stamp of approval after the premiere, which is freaking awesome, because that’s all I needed to hear as a performer,” Merced said. “It’s amazing, and she didn’t have to do that.”
With Merced’s comments highlighting the “undeniable” chemistry between Dina and Ellie and the commitment to authentic LGBTQ+ representation, “The Last of Us” season 2 is poised to further explore complex character dynamics and resonate with a broad audience when it premieres next week.
