As we approach the start of filming for The Last of Us Season 2, one announcement follows another regarding the new faces joining the adaptation of the video game saga. After the character of Abby, who will be played by Kaitlyn Dever, two other protagonists from The Last of US Part II have found their interpreters.
It was announced that Jesse and Dina will be played by Young Mazino and Isabela Merced, respectively. Jesse is described as a pillar of his community, putting the needs of others before his own, sometimes at terrible cost. Dina, meanwhile, is Jesse’s ex and will be Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) new love interest in Season 2 of The Last of Us. Described as a free spirit, Dina’s loyalty to Ellie will be tested by the brutal world they live in.
Series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said they were thrilled to have them join the The Last of Us family. Of Isabela Merced, they added: “Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable. You can search forever for an actor who effortlessly embodies all of those things, or you can find Isabela Merced right away. We couldn’t be prouder to have her join our family”. About Young Mazino they say: “Young is one of those rare actors who is immediately undeniable the moment you see him. We’re so lucky to have him, and we can’t wait for the audience to see Young shine in our show”.
Isabela Merced, previously seen in Instant Family or Rosaline, will be in the spotlight in the coming months as she is also expected to be cast in Superman: Legacy, Alien: Romulus and Madame Web. Young Mazino, meanwhile, is best known for his role in the Golden Globe-winning series Beef.
Craig Mazin 
Isabela Moner 
The Last of Us (TV Show - 2022) 
