Isabela Merced, the star of The Last of Us, is sharing her feelings about playing Dina in season two. She points out the key moments in the fourth episode, “Day One.” This chapter is a turning point. Dina’s hope meets tough realities. She reveals her pregnancy and grows closer to Ellie. Merced shares her insights on the intense moments behind the scenes. She also discusses the choices that shape her character’s journey.
Series co-creator Craig Mazin recalls instantly knowing Merced was right for the role: “Ellie opens the door and Izzy turns and goes, ‘Hiiiii,’ which is just awesome,” he says. “She just radiates.” That radiance translates to Dina’s unique mix of sunshine and strength — a survivor with heart, humor, and an unflinching resolve.
In “Day One,” Dina discovers Ellie’s immunity to the Cordyceps infection, reveals her own pregnancy by Jesse (Young Mazino), and deepens her connection with Ellie in a much-anticipated intimate scene. Merced emphasizes how carefully the moment was crafted: “It may seem passionate and in-the-moment, but it was really calculated… We were intentional about every single thing.” 
Fans online debated Dina’s early comments about her sexuality, with some feeling her ambiguity undercut her bisexual identity. Merced says, “Every baby gay should be allowed to feel confused.” Dina is not manipulative. She’s figuring it out — like I did, like so many do.
The episode ends with Dina choosing to stay on the dangerous revenge path — despite being pregnant. Merced understands the controversy, but hints more context is coming: “In the next episode, you’ll see Dina has her own reasons. This isn’t just about Ellie or Joel.”
She credits her own mother as inspiration for Dina’s strength and decision-making: “If she could secure safety for others and her baby, she wouldn’t stop — no matter what.”
With compelling nuance and raw emotion, Isabela Merced’s Dina is shaping up to be one of The Last of Us’ most complex and captivating characters yet.
