Actress who plays Dina opens up about *that* scene in The Last of Us season two, episode four

The romance between Ellie and Dina is one of the most anticipated parts of The Last of Us season two, and in episode four, people are finally getting the moment they’ve been waiting for. Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, has shared some behind-the-scenes insight into what it was like filming that scene, the first kiss between Dina and Ellie, and how it all came together so naturally between her and Bella Ramsey.

‘We were just so comfortable with each other’

via HBO

Speaking to Variety, Isabela Merced said the scene came together with ease, largely because of the bond she and Ramsey had already formed. “Everything felt so tender that day, even when we were shooting it,” she said. “Bella and I were just so comfortable with each other.”

The natural chemistry even led them to improvise a bit. “We added some kisses that weren’t in the original script,” Isabela Merced revealed. “We felt comfortable enough to do that.”

The two stars also had a unique way of communicating that helped them stay grounded during the more intense moments of filming. “We created a secret sign language to just communicate with each other about what it is that we were comfortable with or uncomfortable with when it came to what they were asking of us,” Isabela revealed.

Real-life experience made it feel right

via HBO

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Isabela Merced also touched on how her real-life experiences helped ground the scene. “We both have experience in queer relationships, you can just tell when a girl hasn’t kissed a girl before. You can just feel it.”

Isabela also explained that she had a great working relationship on set, and the intimacy coordinator helped make sure everyone felt at ease.

It’s a small moment in the season, but one that carries emotional weight, made even more impactful by the authenticity and care brought to it by Isabela Merced and Bella Ramsey.

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Featured image via HBO