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The Last of Us Season 2: Who is Dina, Ellie’s love Interest and key Character from the game?
Season two of The Last of Us finally brings to the screen one of the most important characters from The Last of Us Part II—Dina, Ellie’s new love interest. While Joel and Ellie remain the emotional core of the story, Dina’s arrival marks a major turning point in Ellie’s journey, setting the stage for deeper emotional stakes and character development in the episodes to come.
Played by Isabela Merced, Dina is introduced in the season premiere, and her presence is immediately felt. Ellie and Dina share multiple scenes throughout the first episode, culminating in a powerful kiss at a town celebration, echoing one of the most memorable moments from the game.
Their dynamic is poised to become a central part of the season—and possibly beyond if the show continues to follow the game’s narrative arc. In this article, we will discuss the character in-depth.
Who is Dina in The Last of Us?
Dina is a resident of Jackson and a former partner of Jesse, who’s played by Young Mazino in season two. She begins the season already close to Ellie, and their connection quickly evolves into a budding romance. In the game, Dina plays a major role in Ellie’s life and becomes her partner both emotionally and physically, joining her on a dangerous journey of vengeance after Joel’s death.
Though not much of her backstory has been revealed in the show yet, fans of the game will recognize her history: Dina lost both her parents at a young age and was raised by her older sister, Talia, who was also tragically killed. She arrived in Jackson sometime before Joel and Ellie and became a patrol officer in the community.
What Happens Between Ellie and Dina?
In the season two premiere, Ellie and Dina attend a New Year’s celebration in Jackson, where Dina encourages Ellie to loosen up and dance. As tensions in the room rise, Dina gets her to relax, saying that she has a better chance with her than any of the guys there do before kissing her—a bold moment that confirms their growing affection and sets the stage for a romantic relationship.
This moment directly mirrors a similar sequence from the game, reinforcing just how closely the show is sticking to The Last of Us Part II’s storyline. According to the game, their relationship only grows stronger as the story progresses, with Ellie and Dina spending much of the narrative together as they traverse the post-apocalyptic world in search of justice.
Who Plays Dina in The Last of Us Season 2?
Dina is portrayed by Isabela Merced, a rising star known for her roles in Transformers: The Last Knight, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Madame Web, and the upcoming Alien: Romulus and Superman movie. Merced, born in Cleveland, Ohio, gained early fame on Nickelodeon but has since transitioned to big-screen blockbusters.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Merced expressed excitement about joining the series, especially after completing her first day of filming. “I’m beyond, I already did one day of shooting, it was technically day 0, but the chemistry that Bella [Ramsey] and I have is so so palpable and it’s really nice to be able to work with someone like that,” she shared.
She also revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that she prepared for the role by playing The Last of Us Part II in one weekend. “So I have a very unhealthy obsession with video games, and I told myself I wouldn’t get a PS5. But when I heard this ominous call about how the [Last of Us] creators wanted to meet with me, I was like, ‘Okay, I have to play the game first,’” she said.
“I had already watched the show, and so I went to my friend’s house and I played it all in one weekend on the PS5. It was amazing. I did 25 hours of gameplay. It was wild, but so much fun,” she added.
How Accurate is Dina’s Character to the game?
So far, Dina’s portrayal in season two has remained remarkably true to her game counterpart. Her flirtation with Ellie, her past with Jesse, and her role in Jackson have all been preserved. The supermarket patrol scene and the dance—two iconic game moments—have been adapted with fidelity and care, with only a few minor adjustments for television.
Fans may also remember that a mysterious girl who resembled Dina appeared briefly in season one, watching Ellie from across the settlement. While she was played by a different actress—Paolina van Kleef—the showrunners hinted it was an early nod to Dina, though never officially confirmed (via Screen Rant). With Merced now taking over the role, that earlier scene is likely just a fun Easter egg rather than canon.
What Happens to Dina in the Game—and what Could Happen next?
In The Last of Us Part II, Dina accompanies Ellie on her dangerous mission to Seattle after Joel’s murder. During their journey, Dina reveals she’s pregnant with Jesse’s child. As the group is attacked by Abby and her faction, Dina is nearly killed—but ultimately spared. She later lives with Ellie on a peaceful farm where they raise the child together, but their happiness is short-lived.
Ellie eventually leaves to pursue revenge, and when she returns, Dina and the baby are gone. The show is expected to follow much of this storyline, but how closely it sticks to the game remains to be seen. With The Last of Us known for its bold storytelling choices, it’s possible the series could offer slight variations—or major surprises.
For now, fans can only watch and wait as Dina and Ellie’s story unfolds onscreen. If the show stays true to its roots, the emotional highs—and devastating lows—are just beginning.
Where can you Stream The Last of Us Season 2?
The Last of Us season two is now streaming on HBO and Max, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays. The second episode will premiere on April 20, 2025.
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