Warning: Spoilers ahead for last season 2, episode 4!
The Last of Us: Isabela Merced, who stars as Dina, has revealed the character’s motivations following a shocking revelation in season 2, episode 4. In this episode, Dina (played by Merced) discloses to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) that she is pregnant with Jesse’s child. Despite this news, Dina remains committed to helping Ellie seek revenge, even in the face of danger.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Merced hinted that Dina’s motivations extend beyond just assisting Ellie. These reasons will be further explored in season 2, episode 5 of The Last of Us. Merced also drew inspiration from her own mother for portraying the resilient character of Dina, emphasizing the importance of her character’s depth and development.
«Up to this point, everyone had the impression that Dina was doing this for Ellie and Joel. But in the next episode, you will learn that Dina also has her own personal reasons. Once that reason is revealed, her decisions become clearer to me. I often looked to my mother for guidance in this role. Knowing her, if she could ensure the safety of others, including herself and her baby, nothing would stand in her way. Even if she couldn’t guarantee survival. Whenever I questioned a character’s actions or decisions, I would think, ‘How would my mom handle this?’ Because she is a very level-headed individual, while I am more impulsive.»
Merced’s Statement Regarding Dina in The Last of Us Season 2
Her Motivations Go Beyond Joel’s Death
In The Last of Us Season 2, it is evident that Dina’s quest for revenge is driven by more than just Joel’s death. She recognizes the WLF patch in episode 2, indicating she knows who they are. Despite this brief mention of her past connection with the group, other characters take the spotlight for the remainder of the season.
