The Last Of Us Season 2: Isabela Merced Says She Had Chemistry With Bella Ramsey On Day One

After starring in the live-action Dora the Explorer movie and Madame Web, actress Isabela Merced is set to star as Dina in the upcoming second season of HBO’s The Last of Us. Speaking to Collider about the show, Merced said discussed her familiarity with the games, her chemistry with Ellie actress Bella Ramsey, and how she came to be attached to the show in the first place.

Merced said she hadn’t played The Last of Us: Part II, which is the basis for the sophomore season, until after she was cast. She said it was “such an experience.” She said the game is “so well made,” and even though the story is sad and violent, it’s an “amazing experience.”

“I consider anything that makes my heart rate go up to be a fun experience, so I enjoyed it. Great work from Neil Druckmann.”

Merced also discussed landing the role, saying she didn’t know what role she was up for until she met with Mazin and Druckmann. And when she got the part, it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, either, as the Hollywood strikes were taking place.

“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,” she said.

As for working with Ramsey, Merced said the two have “so much chemistry,” and they had it “from the first day.”

“There’s no work to be done. I really respect Bella. I’m learning so much. I’m very honored to be here,” she said.

Merced is not the only new cast member joining The Last of Us for Season 2. Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart) plays Abby and Young Mazino (Beef) has been cast as Jesse.

The Last of Us Season 2 is in production now and is slated to arrive in 2025. It’s not the only high-profile HBO series coming back, as the Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon returns this June for its second season.