Isabela Merced Cast in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 as Dina

Another day, another major casting announcement for season 2. This time, Isabela Merced has joined the acclaimed drama’s cast as Dina, a character known to fans from game. “Dina is warm, brilliant, wild, funny, moral, dangerous and instantly lovable,” showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.

“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.” Merced is known for her roles in and . She joins two other major cast additions that were announced by the production this week: Young Mazino ( ) as Jesse, and Kaitlyn Dever ( ) as Abby.

is based on the critically acclaimed PlayStation video game and takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a 14 year old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse the U.S.

and depend on each other for survival. is expected to start production in the spring and return to HBO in 2025. The show was nominated for 24 Emmys and has already won eight in the Creative Arts categories, including Nick Offerman for his guest actor role in the show’s acclaimed third episode and Storm Reid as guest actress.

The show also picked up Emmys for picture editing, sound editing, sound mixing, main title design, visual effects and prosthetic makeup. Stars Ramsey and Pascal are among the nominees in categories whose winners will be announced during the Jan. 15 primetime ceremony on Fox. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter.