Who Plays Dina in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2? Everything We Know About Ellie’s Love Interest So Far

Ellie Williams’ (Bella Ramsey) strong bond with Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) has helped keep them both alive throughout The Last of Us, but as their relationship becomes strained, she’s turned to a new friend to lean on.

In Touch rounded up what fans need to know so far about Dina (Isabela Merced) and the actress who brings her to life.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

Who Is Dina in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?

Dina is a sweet yet capable member of the Jackson, Wyoming, group of survivors who serves on the patrol to look for the Infected and other dangers to the community. She is a friend to both Joel and Ellie, as well as the ex-girlfriend of Jesse (Young Mazino), who also lives in Jackson.

Her confidence, energy and playful personality not only charmed fans, but expertly mirrored her in-game counterpart.

Although little has been revealed about her life before joining the Jackson community in the show, in The Last of Us Part II video game, it’s confirmed that both of her parents died when she was a kid and she was later raised by her sister, Talia, who has also since passed away.

Who Plays Dina in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?

Isabela Merced joined the cast for The Last of Us as Dina in season 2.

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 10, 2001, according to Famous Birthdays, and she started acting in community theater when she was only 6. Four years later, she made her debut on Broadway in Evita in 2012. As her career continued, she broke into television and film, earning a part in The House That Jack Built when she was 12 years old.

Some of her notable roles include CJ Martin in Nickelodeon’s 100 Things to Do Before High School, Kay in Alien: Romulus, Anya Corazon in Madame Web and Dora in Dora and the Lost City of Gold.

What Is Dina’s Relationship With Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2?

The premiere of The Last of Us season 2 reveals Dina and Ellie as close and trusted friends, but as it progresses, their romantic feelings for each other becomes clear. Near the end of the episode, Ellie reluctantly joins Dina at a New Year’s celebration and the pair flirt and tease each other as they dance together.

When a visibly uncomfortable Ellie tells Dina that every guy in the room is staring at them, Dina swiftly teases back that every man may be looking at Ellie because they are jealous of her.

“No reason to be, I’m not a threat,” Ellie replies, implying that she doesn’t think she is a romantic threat to the other men in the group, despite her crush on Dina.

“Oh, Ellie, I think they should be terrified of you,” Dina says and then kisses her.

Ellie and Dina’s budding romantic relationship is explored throughout a majority of The Last of Us Part II and the show seems to be following their game plot closely so far. Dina is likely to remain an integral character throughout season 2 and potentially season 3.