Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2 and The Last of Us Part II game!
The emotional weight of The Last of Us Season 2 was always going to be immense. With the shocking death of Pedro Pascal’s beloved Joel early in the season, fans were left reeling — and the show was left without its anchor. But where one door closed, another opened. Enter Isabela Merced, whose standout performance as Dina quickly became the heartbeat of the series’ second chapter.
A Risk That Paid Off: Merced’s “Make-Or-Break” Role
Casting Dina wasn’t just a formality — it was a risk. With Joel gone and Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby set to dominate headlines for her role in his death, HBO needed someone who could do more than just support Ellie’s journey. They needed someone who could carry emotional depth, inject chemistry, and earn audience investment. Merced delivered all that — and more.
From her first appearance, Merced brought an unexpected charm and warmth to Dina, a difficult feat in the show’s grim, post-apocalyptic landscape. Her dynamic with Bella Ramsey’s Ellie was instantly compelling, laying the foundation for a relationship that would become central to the season. Fans not only accepted Dina’s presence — they embraced it.
A Love Story Born from Tragedy
Following Joel’s brutal murder, Ellie embarks on a revenge-fueled journey. But it’s Dina’s presence that keeps Ellie tethered to her humanity. Their evolving romance wasn’t just a footnote — it became a necessary emotional throughline, filling the void left by Joel.
Merced’s Dina added levity and laughter, sharing moments of humor with Ellie that softened the season’s darker moments. But it wasn’t all sunshine. Dina’s personal reaction to Joel’s death — especially given her unique bond with him, which the show expanded upon — added even more complexity to her character.
Improving the Game Character: More Layers, More Power
Fans of The Last of Us Part II already knew Dina was essential, but the HBO series gave her even more depth. Merced’s portrayal introduced new backstory elements, including her struggle with bisexuality and her mother’s disapproval — moments that weren’t fully explored in the game. These additions helped make Dina feel like her own person, not just a satellite in Ellie’s orbit.
Her eventual pregnancy, another major plot point adapted from the game, further layered the character. But even as she became a potential mother, the series never stripped her of her independence or strength. In fact, Merced’s Dina often outshone Ellie when it came to strategic thinking and survival instincts — without the benefit of immunity.
Season 3: A Smaller Role, But Not the End
With Season 3 expected to shift focus to Abby’s perspective — following the narrative of the game — Ellie and Dina will likely take a backseat. However, both Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced are confirmed to return, with Merced revealing in a Variety interview that filming is scheduled for next year.
Although Dina’s screen time may decrease, her presence remains vital. After all, the unresolved fates of Ellie, Dina, and Tommy — following Jesse’s death — will demand emotional resolution in the theater confrontation that awaits. And given Merced’s breakout performance, it’s hard to imagine The Last of Us continuing without her.
Conclusion: A New Face of the Franchise
Pedro Pascal’s Joel may be gone, but Isabela Merced’s Dina has proven that The Last of Us still has heart. In a season that could have faltered without its original lead, Merced emerged as a new emotional anchor — and possibly, the franchise’s future. Her performance wasn’t just impressive; it was essential.
With Season 3 on the horizon, all eyes are now on what comes next — and how Dina’s story will evolve in a world that’s as brutal as it is beautiful.
