Isabela Merced, the newest addition to the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us, just dropped some major reveals about her character in the show’s eagerly anticipated return. Based on the hit video game franchise of the same name, The Last of Us is set in a world where fungal zombies have decimated the population. Twenty years later, humans reside in makeshift settlements and shelters as various governments, gangs, and groups attempt to survive and restore humanity. Season 1 was one of the highest rated video game adaptations of all-time, and fans cannot wait for Season 2.

Merced recently spoke with Total Film about her starring role in the upcoming movie, Alien: Romulus. During the chat, the actress took some time to discuss her new role in The Last of Us Season 2, and she didn’t hold back. Merced plays Dina, a long-time friend of Ellie (Bella Ramsay), who accompanies her on the long journey to Seattle in search of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). The actress said she feels very connected to Dina as a character, and believes she is the guiding light on Ellie’s long and dangerous quest. Merced said:

” [Dina is] sort of a light in Ellie’s life, in Ellie’s world. I think that’s the general consensus, because you look at the video game, too, and she is really the only one who gets sort of a decent ending. Everyone else gets kind of screwed or dies! I love, more than anything, to be that light for the people in my life. And I like to make them laugh, and I like to make them understand themselves more. I just like to help in general. I think Dina’s very close to my own personality. I think we’re both very silly, and I think I would maybe handle the apocalypse in a similar way if I were in it.”

Isabela Merced Praises The Last of Us’ Showrunners & Writers

A movie, series, video game, or any form of storytelling would be nothing without a good writer, and Isabela Merced made sure to mention that during her interview. As well as having one of the most lauded video games of the 21st century to pull from, HBO’s The Last of Us also has the creative talent of Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and the game’s creator, Neil Druckmann, at its back. Merced had nothing but praise for the creative duo, commending their ability to craft three-dimensional, realistic characters. Merced continued:

“Craig and his writing team and Neil – they’re all extremely good at writing characters and people that are well-rounded and troubled and multidimensional. It’s a beautiful balance that they bring to entertainment but also character studies. It’s very interesting”

One of the things that set The Last of Us games apart was their cinematic approach to video games. The story arcs, cutscenes, and actions, felt tailor-made for a TV adaptation. However, Season 1 of HBO’s hit-show went a step further. Not only did the series (mostly) faithfully adapt the video game’s memorable narrative, it even expanded upon some of the game’s under-developed moments. Season 2, according to Craig Mazin, will expand upon “unseen stories” from the hit sequel, whilst also adapting that game’s devastatingly memorable narrative across two seasons.