“We Didn’t Really get a Chance to Build it”: Isabela Merced Reveals that Filming Superman Affected Dina and Ellie’s Relationship

The Last of Us season 2 has divided fans into two camps- The ones who love the game and are frustrated with the changes being made in the adaptation, and the others, who are just watching the show without any prior knowledge of the games and judging it based on its own merit. However, both camps are united in one thing- Loving Dina (Isabela Merced) and Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) relationship. 

Till now, both have confessed their love for each other and consummated their relationship. In the game, they live on a ranch with Dina’s son, JJ, before hell breaks loose and Ellie decides to leave the life she has built to avenge her father figure, Joel’s murder. But that will probably happen in season 3. 

Till now, the relationship is a fan favorite in the show. However, the duo didn’t get to prep much to build their chemistry with each other because Isabela Merced was busy filming Superman. So, how did they manage to do it?

Isabela Merced and Bella Ramsey Didn’t Get to Build Their Chemistry

In an interview with Variety, Isabela Merced revealed that she and Bella Ramsey didn’t have time to build their on-screen chemistry. She said:

“We didn’t really get a chance to build it. We were doing a lot of prep prior to the season and shooting it, and I was also filming “Superman” at the same time as the show. I was doing mostly physical training. Bella was doing physical training, stunts training, because Bella has that sequence with the Stalker in the first episode. So we really didn’t get much time to get there. I was just like, “OK, well, it is what it is.””

However, Merced said that her anxiety about her character as well as the relationship with Ramsey’s Ellie was laid to rest when the camera test happened. The Peacemaker season 2 actress said:

“Day zero we went in, we shot that first scene where Dina comes to get Ellie for patrol and makes fun of her Converse. And Craig was super excited from that moment on. But I don’t think that was the day my anxiety was relieved. I think the day that my anxiety was relieved was during the camera test, and it just felt really right.”

Isabela Merced Wanted to show that Dina was Scared 

Dina in season 2 has teased Ellie regarding her feelings for her as well as flirted with her on their way to Seattle. But Isabela Merced revealed that her character isn’t as sure of her feelings for Ellie as she comes across. The actress talked about what she was feeling during the scene where Bella Ramsey’s Ellie sings Take On Me and said:

“She may seem like she can handle a lot, and throughout the episode you learn that she can’t. But I wanted to give people a glimpse into that, because love is scary. So for her to feel these emotions, and then in real time be scared of them, was really important to me. Because I think that’s realistic.”

What will Happen to Dina and Ellie in The Last of Us Season 3?

In the interview with Variety, Isabela Merced dropped some tantalizing hints about what's coming next season. She said, "It’s going to be weird acting like I don’t like Bella. It’s going to be hard, because I have such a sweet spot for them now. But I don’t know. I’ve tried to ask Craig, but I don’t think he even really knows yet fully how things are going to be."

But season 3 is still far off. So, Isabela Merced revealed that she is excited to see fan reactions when episode 7 airs, as "that... is a huge shift for their relationship, and what happens when the truth is revealed." It will be interesting to see what secrets come to light when season 2 ends.

Where can you Stream The Last of Us Season 2?

The Last of Us season 2 is now streaming on HBO and Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays. The sixth episode will premiere on May 18, 2025. If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, and Episode 5.

Also Read: The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5: Who is Nora’s Actress and is she also in the Upcoming Naughty Dog game?