Isabela Merced, who portrays Dina in HBO's hit series 'The Last of Us,' recently sat down with Entertainment Weekly to discuss her role and the significant deviations from the source material in the show's second season. The interview delves into the complexities of Dina's character, her relationship with Ellie, and the challenges of bringing a nuanced sapphic love story to the screen. Merced reveals that she initially had no idea the scale of Dina's role, receiving scripts one episode at a time. She praises the show's writers for using Dina to bridge the gap between the game and the show, highlighting the differences in Ellie's portrayal. In the show, Dina acts as a grounding force, helping Ellie access the joy she's lost while simultaneously helping Dina confront her own grief. Merced emphasizes the show's deliberate pacing of the Ellie-Dina romance, contrasting it with the more immediate relationship in the game. The interview explores several pivotal scenes, including Dina's revelation of her bisexuality and her feeling of being 'stuck' before coming out. Merced discusses the subtle nod to the LGBTQ+ community through Dina's jacket, adding a layer of depth to her character. The interview also covers the intense scene where Ellie saves Dina's life in the subway, showcasing the emotional intensity and the calculated choreography involved. Merced shares her experience filming the emotional scene where Dina holds Ellie at gunpoint, highlighting the actress's commitment to portraying the conflict and uncertainty Dina experiences. The article also touches on the iconic scene in the record store where Ellie serenades Dina, highlighting the show's inclusion of moments of 'queer joy' in contrast to the often brutal and violent world of 'The Last of Us.' Merced credits the show's intimacy coordinator for creating a safe and comfortable environment during the filming of the intimate scenes, emphasizing the importance of consent and agency in the portrayal of the relationship. The interview also discusses the filming of the sex scene between Ellie and Dina, discussing the director's vision, Merced's own contributions, and the importance of portraying a realistic and emotionally charged encounter. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the show's significance in terms of queer representation and Merced's own personal connection to the role. She speaks of the importance of such a representation reaching audiences from all walks of life, particularly those in less-represented communities.