Summary
The Last of Usseason 2 cast added Isabela Merced as Ellie’s love interest Dina, and viewers can already get a glimpse at the onscreen pair through a fan’s artistic vision.
The Last of Usseason 2 is preparing to begin filming on February 12.Kaitlyn Dever’s casting announcementasThe Last of Us Part II’s controversial second protagonist, Abby, arrived earlier this week, and more recently,Beef’s Young Mazino was added as the live-action Jesse. The 22-year-old Merced has previously been seen inDora and the Lost City of Gold(2019),Transformers: The Last Knight(2017), andInstant Family(2018), remaining booked and busy with an upcoming slate of franchises — Hawkgirl inSuperman: Legacy, Anya Corazon inMadame Web, andAlien: Romulus.
ArtistRafael Cabanis just as busy, depicting concept art of fan-favorite characters, includingDever as Abby inThe Last of Usseason 2. A recreation of the second game’s memorable dance scene between Dina and Ellie, where the former kisses the latter, shows their TV show versions with Merced and Bella Ramsey, claiming the actors as “Our Ellie and Dina.” The accuracy of the intimate shot got fans in the comments emotional, amazed at how quick and beautiful Caban’s work is, hammering in how real the casting of the characters feels now. The craft blends fiction with the soon-to-be reality of Ellie and Dina’s love story being acted out for the small screen by already-proven32 incredible talent.
Merced took to Instagram stories to share the news herself, proving season two’s story will stay on track with the characters with the caption, “Let the love story begin.” In the game, Dina helps Ellie in a quest for revenge, tagging along through main missions as they travel through Seattle. The character is voiced by Shannon Woodward andmodeled after Cascina Caradonna. Some fans wonder if either will make a special cameo in the show, just like Joel and Ellie’s voice actors, Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, respectively. Many fans are pleased with the casting, some calling it an unexpected choice, but others believe Ramsey and Merced pair perfectly together, particularly with their matching heights. While their chemistry is unknown, the show’s creators undoubtedly saw the spark in the pair’s reading.
Game fans have mixed opinions on the character, with some feeling she lacks the right amount of interesting depth and others appreciating her for making beloved Ellie happy. However, a majority of people feel largely indifferent towards her. At least the show won’t have to worry about Dina’s annoying AI making her inconveniently get in the way of the player, so that’s a start. ConsideringThe Last of Usseason 1’s remarkable successand ability to make expansions on characters fans thought they already knew enough about, there’s no doubt the second season will be able to give a new breath to Dina, making her a character who can stand on her own and not just serve as a plot device in Ellie’s story.
Merced is not lacking in talent, showing her range for comedy and drama in past roles. Between her upcoming year of films andThe Last of Usseason 2, it’s expected she’ll hit a big break soon. Until then, fans have Caban’s art to help visualize the dynamic of Merced and Ramsey and the emotional endeavors they’re about to endure.
The Last of Usseason 1 can be streamed on Max.
The Last Of Us
Based on Naughty Dog’s popular PlayStation game, HBO’s The Last of Us takes place decades after a fungal infection eradicated most of humanity. When a teenage girl named Ellie is found to be immune to the disease, Joel agrees to smuggle her across the United States.
