Just Revealed: Isabela Merced on Expanding Dina’s Story in ‘The Last of Us

The Romance Between Dina and Ellie: Merced’s Excitement

Isabela Merced, who plays Dina in The Last of Us season two, expressed a profound excitement about the romantic storyline between her character and Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey. Speaking to Unionjournalism during a recent interview, Merced shared her anticipation for the audience to witness this developing relationship. “It brings a tear to my eye,” she said, emphasizing her emotional connection to the narrative. Merced’s excitement extends beyond her personal feelings; she believes the romance between Dina and Ellie will deeply resonate with the audience. She noted, “I have a whole playlist for Dina and Ellie, and there’s this one song by Adrian Linker that I would play on set to set the tone for the two of them.”

Building the Relationship

Making this relationship authentic and compelling for viewers requires a deep understanding of both characters and their interactions. Merced spoke about the importance of creating a believable bond, stating, “I try to immerse myself fully into what Dina and Ellie could be feeling in each moment.” She emphasized the emotional journey that the characters will embark upon, which she believes will be both impactful and memorable for the audience. “The depth of their relationship is something that fans will really connect with,” she added, indicating her commitment to bringing this storyline to life.

Creating Chemistry: Merced’s Approach to Portraying Dina

When addressing the creative process behind bringing Dina to life, Isabela Merced emphasized the importance of chemistry with co-star Bella Ramsey. Despite not having a screen test with Ramsey for the role, Merced felt a natural connection with her character. “I guess they decided there and then that they wanted me. So that’s wild. I don’t even think I believe in myself that much,” she remarked, highlighting the confidence of the show’s creators in her ability to embody Dina. This trust from the creators has been a driving force for Merced to fully commit to the character.

The Process of Bringing Dina to Life

Merced’s approach to portraying Dina involves extensive preparation and deep reflection on the character’s background and development. “I spend a lot of time with the script, understanding the nuances, and figuring out how to bring out Dina’s personality and emotions,” she explained. This method ensures that Merced’s portrayal of Dina feels organic and true to the lore of The Last of Us. She also credits the support and guidance from the show’s writers and her fellow cast members in helping her to create a character that fans will connect with on a deeper level.

Superman: Legacy and the DCU Reboot

Isabela Merced is set to portray Hawkgirl in Superman: Legacy, the upcoming film that is part of James Gunn’s ambitious DCU reboot. This casting comes with considerable anticipation, as Hawkgirl is a significant figure in the DC universe, and Merced’s portrayal will influence how the character is perceived in the new reboot. Merced’s involvement in this project highlights a major step in her acting career, showcasing her versatility and her ability to take on complex roles.

Playing Hawkgirl: Merced’s Experience and Expectations

Merced expressed her enthusiasm about taking on the role of Hawkgirl, stating, “It’s an honor to be a part of the DC universe. The opportunity to bring Hawkgirl to life is something I’m incredibly excited about.” The character of Hawkgirl, known for her bravery and combat skills, requires a balance of strength and vulnerability. Merced shared, “I’m looking forward to exploring her complexity, her history, and the strength she embodies.” She is committed to portraying a version of Hawkgirl that resonates with fans while also offering a fresh perspective on the character.

The Pressure of Playing an Iconic Character: Merced’s Thoughts

Playing an iconic character such as Hawkgirl comes with its own set of pressures. Merced acknowledged these pressures but expressed confidence in her ability to handle them. She stated, “There’s always a level of pressure when you’re stepping into a role that already has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. But, I’m approaching it with a positive mindset. I’m focused on delivering a performance that respects the character while bringing something unique to the role.” Merced’s approach is to immerse herself deeply into the character, researching extensively, and collaborating closely with the film’s creative team to ensure her portrayal aligns with the expectations of the DCU reboot.

The DCU Reboot: Merced’s Thoughts on the Future of the Character

Merced is optimistic about the future of the DCU reboot and the potential it holds for characters like Hawkgirl. She believes that the reboot offers an opportunity to refresh and reimagine classic characters for a new generation of fans. “The reboot is a chance to tell new stories and expand the universe in exciting ways,” she explained. Merced sees her role in this reboot as a way to contribute to the evolving narrative of the DC universe, hoping that her performance as Hawkgirl will be well-received and lay a strong foundation for future installments. Her vision for the character is to make it relatable and dynamic, ensuring that Hawkgirl stands out as a contemporary hero within the rebooted universe.

Merced’s Approach to Fandom and Criticism

Throughout her career, Isabela Merced has had to navigate the expectations and critiques that come with playing characters in major franchises. In an interview with Unionjournalism, Merced discussed how she handles the pressures and criticisms that come with being in the spotlight. She expressed, “Not everyone is going to be happy with everything you do. It’s a fact of life that comes with the territory of being in the entertainment industry.” Merced emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and the role she is playing, regardless of external opinions.

Not Being Phased by Criticism: Merced’s Perspective

Making her point clear, Merced highlighted her approach to handling criticism: “You’re not going to make everyone happy, and that’s okay. My job is to just be prepared and know things and more than anything know about my own character.” This philosophy allows Merced to focus on the craft of acting without being distracted by external views. She believes that her role is to bring integrity to the characters she portrays, and she believes that her performance will stand on its own merit.

Getting Obsessed with the Project: Merced’s Approach to Immersing Herself in the Character

Merced’s dedication to her roles is evident in her approach to immersing herself in the characters she plays. For The Last of Us, she described herself as “getting as obsessed with the project as the nerds do. I become one of them in the sense that I want to know everything.” This level of commitment helps Merced to understand the nuances of her character and the world they inhabit, leading to a more authentic and compelling portrayal. “I try to absorb as much as I can about the character, the story, and the world around us,” she said, highlighting her enthusiasm for the project and her characters.

Knowing Her Character Inside and Out: Merced’s Commitment to Her Craft

Merced’s approach to her craft is characterized by a deep commitment to her characters. She believes that knowing her character inside and out is essential for delivering a compelling performance. “I spend a lot of time understanding my character’s backstory, motivations, and how they interact with the world around them,” she explained. This detailed understanding helps Merced to bring a depth of realism to her roles, making them resonate with audiences on a deeper level. By dedicating herself to this process, Merced ensures that her portrayals are nuanced and rich, reflecting a comprehensive appreciation of her characters’ complexities and their place within their respective universes.