Isabela Merced faces a pivotal task as she steps into the much-anticipated The Last of Us season two, portraying Dina, the girlfriend of Bella Ramsey’s character, Ellie. This role holds particular significance given the history of backlash around LGBTQ+ relationships depicted in the series. Notably, a previous episode featuring a heartfelt story of a gay couple sparked controversy despite its poignant narrative. However, Merced remains unfazed by potential criticisms as she dives into this LGBTQ+ representation within the series.
Merced recently expressed her views to Entertainment Weekly, offering a thoughtful perspective on the importance of embracing diverse stories. She stated, “The game was made so long ago. Gays have existed since the beginning of time, they were always there. I don’t really see what the problem is.” Her comments underscore the timelessness and necessity of representation in media, suggesting an optimistic outlook on how Ellie and Dina’s story will unfold. “In my opinion, this [Ellie and Dina] is a successful sapphic story. It’s beautiful and we win in the end,” she shared, emphasizing the positive outcomes and victories within their journey.
Merced further expressed an intriguing readiness for any potential backlash, asserting, “I’m kind of looking forward to the backlash. I don’t know how to describe it. I’m not scared because the gays have existed since the beginning of time. The thing is, if you have the gays, you have the world as well. If you have their support, you are fine.” Her confidence suggests a broader acceptance and celebration of diverse narratives, challenging those resistant to change.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Nick Offerman, who responded to criticism with characteristic resilience. During the Independent Spirit Awards, he remarked, “When homophobic hate comes my way and says, ‘Why did you have to make it a gay story?’, we say, ‘Because you ask questions like that. It’s not a gay story, it’s a love story, you a**hole!’” His words highlight the universal themes of love and connection, transcending narrow definitions.
The Last of Us, known for its fidelity to the original game events with meaningful adaptations, promises an intriguing narrative in the upcoming season by possibly expanding the storytelling canvas further. Merced spoke about her excitement for developing Dina’s backstory, touching on the nuances that add to Dina’s character depth. A particular scene she cherished involves Dina sharing her Jewish heritage while exploring a synagogue with Ellie, offering layers to her character and anchoring the series in rich storytelling traditions.
Despite being tight-lipped about specific plot developments to avoid spoilers, Merced’s insights suggest a thoughtfully crafted arc for Dina’s character in the upcoming episodes. “I really appreciated that sequence in the game because it revealed so much and it made her multi-dimensional and layered and vulnerable. I think the creators, Neil and Craig, will be giving us more of that,” she shared, sparking anticipation for how Dina’s journey will be portrayed on screen.
The Last of Us Season 2 is set to stream on Max starting April 13, inviting viewers to engage with its promising narrative evolution. As the new season unfolds, its approach to nuanced LGBTQ+ narratives and complex character developments promises to captivate both returning fans and new audiences alike. Isabela Merced’s embrace of her role marks a significant chapter in the series, one that holds the potential to challenge perceptions and celebrate diversity in storytelling.
