As preparations for “The Last of Us” Season 2 ramp up ahead of its April 13th premiere on HBO, the anticipation among fans of the critically acclaimed series is palpable. Among new cast additions is Isabela Merced, who takes on the role of Dina. Despite her roles in media hits such as “Madame Web,” “Alien: Romulus,” and her superhero debut as Hawkgirl, Merced’s most intense fan base doesn’t originate from PlayStation enthusiasts or sci-fi fans. Instead, as revealed in a recent interview, it was her portrayal in “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” that invoked the strongest interactions with fans.
Though Merced had notable supporting roles in “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” and “Transformers: The Last Knight,” her first leading role came with the live-action adaptation of “Dora the Explorer.” The film marked a significant cultural milestone, transitioning the beloved character from animation to live-action. While it didn’t break box office records, Merced’s performance as Dora was widely praised for successfully capturing the essence of the adventurous, multilingual explorer.
During an interview conducted with Jesse actor Young Mazino, Isabela Merced was asked which fan base she found most fervent. Without hesitation, she responded, “Dora. Dora had me in a chokehold. I was so scared. Maybe it’s because of my personal connection to her, but yeah, that one for sure.” This statement highlighted the personal connection Merced felt with the character, as “Dora” was a nickname her friends frequently used for her, drawing parallels between her persona and the character’s adventurous spirit.
HOLA magazine reported that to honor her role as Dora, Merced went above and beyond by learning Quechua, an indigenous language of Peru. This effort emphasized her dedication to accurately representing the Latina community, a connection she cherishes given her personal background and the show’s significant cultural impact. The film primarily targeted children and teens, a critical audience demographic that continues to follow “Dora the Explorer” both in reruns and current television formats.
Navigating the demands of a passionate fan base is no small feat for an actor, yet Isabela Merced has managed to do so with poise and commitment. Her upcoming portrayal of Dina in “The Last of Us” Season 2 will further showcase her versatility as she shares the screen with Bella Ramsey, stirring excitement as fans anticipate their onscreen chemistry. With “The Last of Us” debuting soon, expectations remain high as audiences wait to witness the next chapter in this beloved series.
