Highlights
- Isabela Merced has been cast as Ellie’s love interest, Dina, in The Last of Us season 2, and fans can already see their onscreen chemistry through fan art.
- The casting of Merced as Dina has been praised by fans, with many believing she is a perfect match for Bella Ramsey’s Ellie.
- Merced’s talent and range as an actress, along with the success of The Last of Us season 1, suggest that Dina will be given more depth and become a character who can stand on her own in season 2.
The Last of Us season 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 Us season 2 is preparing to begin filming on February 12. Kaitlyn Dever’s casting announcement as The 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 in Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019), Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), and Instant Family (2018), remaining booked and busy with an upcoming slate of franchises — Hawkgirl in Superman: Legacy, Anya Corazon in Madame Web, and Alien: Romulus.
Artist Rafael Caban is just as busy, depicting concept art of fan-favorite characters, including Dever as Abby in The Last of Us season 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 and modeled 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. Considering The Last of Us season 1’s remarkable success and 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 and The Last of Us season 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 Us season 1 can be streamed on Max.
Source: justralphy/Instagram
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