DIVA caught up with the new star of the hit HBO show following its release
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY HBO
Clickers. Fungus-induced pandemics. The world is on the brink of destruction. Fans of HBO’s beloved show The Last Of Us can finally stop holding their breath. That’s right, season two is finally here. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey will be returning to our screens as the loveable duo Joel and Ellie, are still trying to escape their past while they put their roots down.
Joining this new season is Isabela Merced, who will be playing Dina in the new series. Following the canonically sapphic storyline in the video game the series is based on, it’s clear from my first few minutes talking to Isabela that queerness was at the forefront of her portrayal of Dina. We’re catching up just a few days before the first episode premieres, and Isabela’s warm demeanour is not too far off her character’s signature optimism.
It’s likely that you’ve already seen Isabela Merced on your screen before. Whether it be in blockbusters like Transformers: The Last Night, heartfelt stories like Instant Family or Turtles All The Way Down, or even the live-action Dora The Explorer film. DIVA sat down with the star to see how she handled the apocalypse, that kiss and navigating the infected.
Congratulations on such an incredible series. What was it like joining such a beloved show in the second series?
I truly felt welcomed with open arms. It was so comfortable and everyone was so kind. Craig [Mazin] really believed in me from the start. They asked me questions before like: are you queer? They made sure it was an authentic experience for me. Bella and I were very comfortable with each other from the start. The chemistry you see on screen, it’s real. It was really fascinating that we were getting to portray people who are just falling in love in a realistic way, in a cinematic way, as protagonists.
We have to talk about that kiss in episode one. What was that like?
I’ve never had a scene with a girl where we kiss and it felt like [the characters] were also gay. It was really, really nice to have that sort of authentic approach.
What I really loved about your character is that, despite the world ending around her, Dina is still quite optimistic. Do you feel like you are similar to her?
I think I would be similar in the sense that in an apocalypse, I don’t see why everything has to be brooding all the time. Humans’ greatest ability is to persevere against all odds, and we always do. I think Dina’s a great representation of that. Sure, the world is crushed and society is crushed but that doesn’t mean it has to crush your spirit as well.
What was it like to film with the infected zombies?
I love gore. I’m really fascinated by it. Even when I was a kid, I was fascinated by it. It’s not as scary in person because there are just really kind people under those masks, and they’re professionals. They’re always practising their Clicker movements outside. It’s funny.
Can you do a Clicker impression? Because I’ve heard Bella can do a good one.
I’ve had embarrassing moments where I’ve tried it by myself, and then I’ll just stop in the middle of it and be like: “What am I doing?” I’ll leave the clicking to Bella.
What’s so special about the relationship between Dina and Ellie is that it feels so authentic and real. Why do you think that representation is so important?
It’s authentic to the game. The game really felt like it cared about this relationship. I think the creators have to care about these people, and then if the creators care, the actors have to care, and then when the actors care, the audience cares. We have fallen in love with these people. We really got lost in it.
I’d describe their relationship as tender. I feel like with a lot of queer relationships in the media, the goal is a little bit objective in the sense that it’s sexuality-based, and I think there is just so much more to love than sexuality. There are just so many other layers and extensions of people.
What do you hope LGBTQIA fans take from this series?
For me, what I took from this series, as a queer audience member, was that devotion that they have for one another. It’s something that we all can learn from. I do see this as a successful sapphic story only because I just haven’t seen one that’s touched me so deeply in a way.
Out of all of the characters you’ve ever played, who do you think would survive the best in The Last Of Us world?
Dora, easily. She’s so well-equipped. Are you kidding me? With that backpack? She’d do anything.
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