In an official announcement, it has been confirmed that Isabela Merced will be joining the cast of HBO's The Last of Us for its second season. Merced will be playing the character of Dina, who is Ellie's supportive partner in the game.

The news comes after the recent announcement of Kaitlyn Dever joining the cast as Abby. Merced will join Dever, Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, and the rest of the talented cast for the highly anticipated second season of the series, which will continue the story told in The Last of Us: Part Two.

Describing the character of Dina, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann state that she is "warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous, and instantly lovable." They express their excitement in finding an actor who effortlessly embodies all these qualities in Isabela Merced, and proudly welcome her into the show's family.

Merced, known for her notable roles in films such as Transformers: The Last Knight, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Instant Family, and Sweet Girl on Netflix, brings a wealth of talent and versatility to her portrayal of Dina.

The first season of The Last of Us garnered significant acclaim, receiving multiple Emmy awards and earning a nomination for the best TV show of 2023. The second season is set to premiere in 2025, and while it will largely conclude the story from the game, there is potential for spin-offs, as mentioned by Mazin. Additionally, Neil Druckmann has hinted at a potential The Last of Us Part 3 game, which could serve as inspiration for future seasons.

As fans eagerly await the second season of The Last of Us, the addition of Isabela Merced as Dina promises to bring depth and emotion to the beloved character in this highly anticipated adaptation.