Isabela Merced is one of several new cast members leading thesecond season ofThe Last of Us.
Shes like a light in darkness, she has this balance that I also have in my personal life.
When something bad happens, Im the first to make a joke, Merced tellsVogue.
Photo: HBO
Isabela Merced in The Last of Us.
The Last of Uswas already a universe Merced knows well.
Even the dance scene is almost the same as in the video game, shot-for-shot.
Isabela Merced in The Last of Us.
Dina starts out as Ellies best friend, but eventually, things get more intimate.
With their first kiss, theyre already resisting tropes and cliches about LGBTQ+ relationships.
The apocalypse started in 2003, when queer culture wasnt as accepted, she explains.
Photo: HBO
Its great to see how their natural relationship builds.
Isabela Merced and Bella Ramseys chemistry is unmatched.
I cant imagine being in that position, I feel lucky to be the [second season].
I dont make a big deal out of it [laughs].
I hope Bella knows I have their back.
But Merced has also had a stratospheric trajectory to get here.
Women are resourceful and theyre also very soft at the same time, says Merced.
I saw my mom and how she struggled in life and overcame all the obstacles.
I love talking about my two cultures, I want to represent my country.
To see Latino talent in a series with such a large scope is to be celebrated.
For Merced,The Last of Usgoes far beyond being a story about an apocalypse.
Each chapter feels like a therapy session, she says.
it gives you the opportunity to see your problems in a mirror.
