Los Angeles, CA – Isabela Merced has been announced as the latest addition to the cast of HBO’s “The Last of Us” for its second season. Merced will be joining the post-apocalyptic drama based on the popular video game developed by Naughty Dog for PlayStation. The talented actress is just one of three major new cast members, alongside Kaitlyn Dever and Young Mazino.
Merced will be playing the character of Dina, who becomes Ellie’s new love interest and is the ex-girlfriend of Jesse. Dina is described as a warm, brilliant, and free-wheeling spirit whose loyalty to Ellie is tested within the brutal world they exist in. The creators and executive producers of “The Last of Us,” Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, expressed their excitement at having Merced join the show, stating that she effortlessly embodies the qualities of the character.
Fans of the game may recognize the character of Dina from “The Last of Us Part II,” where she was portrayed by Shannon Woodward. Interestingly, Merced and Dever have previously worked together on the movie “Rosaline,” creating a reunion for the two actresses.
“The Last of Us” story is set 20 years after the collapse of civilization, where Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, out of a restrictive quarantine zone. Their journey becomes a harrowing and emotionally challenging experience as they rely on each other for survival while traversing the United States.
Season 1 of “The Last of Us” was filmed in Calgary, Alberta, and featured a talented ensemble cast. The production of Season 2 will be moving to Vancouver as the story takes place in the Pacific Northwest in the game. The series, a co-production between HBO and Sony Pictures Television, is scheduled to begin filming in February.
“The Last of Us” is written and executive produced by Mazin and Druckmann, and also features executive producers Carolyn Strauss, Evan Wells, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Rose Lam. Merced, known for her roles in “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” and “Sweet Girl,” has a promising future with upcoming projects such as “Madame Web” and “Alien: Romulus.”
In conclusion, Isabela Merced joins the cast of HBO’s “The Last of Us” for its second season, portraying the character of Dina. The series, based on the popular video game, follows the journey of Ellie and Joel in a post-apocalyptic world. With an impressive ensemble cast, the production is set to begin filming in Vancouver in February.