Dina and Joel’s Bond in The Last of Us Season 2 Deepens Ahead of Game’s Narrative Shift

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Summary

  • Season 2 of The Last of Us introduces new characters Abby, Dina, and Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara.
  • Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, further immersed herself in the role by playing The Last of Us Part 2.
  • Dina’s bond with Joel in Season 2 is deeper, warmer, and more nuanced, emphasizing their connection to Ellie.

In the upcoming month, HBO’s hit series The Last of Us is set to resume with its eagerly awaited Season 2 debut. This time around, viewers will be introduced to a host of fresh and thrilling characters. Among these newcomers are Abby Anderson, Dina, and Gail, portrayed by the talented Catherine O’Hara from Schitt’s Creek. In this season, O’Hara plays a therapist residing in Jackson, and it has been confirmed that her character is married to Eugene. Another fresh face to the show is yet to be revealed.

While the storyline of Naughty Dog’s video game sequel will continue to greatly influence the show, there are some alterations planned for this season, with Joel and Dina’s relationship taking center stage in Season 2.

In the upcoming second season of “The Last of Us,” actress and singer Isabela Merced will take on the role of Dina. Known for her work in movies such as “Alien: Romulus” and “Dora and the Lost City of Gold,” Merced wanted a deeper understanding of her character before diving into Season 2, so she chose to play the game instead of just watching it online. She completed the entire game within a weekend before receiving the script. With the show’s premiere only weeks away, Merced shares that Dina also forms another significant relationship in the series, adding intrigue to fans eagerly awaiting its release.

Isabela Merced Talks About How Dina’s Bond With Joel Is Different From The Last of Us Part 2

According to Isabela Merced’s chat with ScreenRant, she mentioned that the bond between her character, Dina, and Joel in Season 2 of The Last of Us is deeper and more significant compared to their portrayal in The Last of Us Part 2 video game. In the game, interactions between Joel and Dina are limited, even though they are often seen together, such as during the barn dance scene at Jackson where Ellie and Dina share a romantic moment. However, Merced also emphasized that, based on their closeness, Dina and Joel would have had more interactions than what was depicted in the game.

Merced pointed out that in Season 2, the writers took significant creative freedom when depicting the bond between Dina and Joel, aiming to make them more multidimensional characters as showrunner Neil Druckmann desired. Merced described their relationship as warm and lighthearted, with Joel being affectionately referred to as “the fun uncle.” They both share a strong connection, which is evident in how much they care for Ellie. Dina is Ellie’s closest friend initially, but later their bond deepens into a romantic one, making Dina Ellie’s primary love interest.

They significantly altered the narrative, seemingly disregarding Neil’s consent, in order to create a more balanced storyline. Since Ellie has a close friend, it was an ideal chance to depict their interaction. I believe they aimed for a casual yet affectionate bond between them, where he functions as a jovial uncle and she confides in him. However, their strongest connection lies in their mutual love for Ellie. It seems that Dina, upon her appearance, is aware of the tension between them and tries to heal it.

In the new HBO trailer for The Last of Us Season 2, Ellie has undergone a profound transformation from her lighter, carefree persona in Season 1. Her thirst for revenge now drives her actions, raising questions about whether her bond with Dina will deteriorate as it did near the end of the game and if Dina might seek comfort in Joel because of Ellie’s significant change.

The Last of Us Season 2 makes its premiere on HBO on April 13, 2025.

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2025-03-28 19:17