Kaitlyn Dever Needed 'Extra' Security onThe Last of UsSet Due to Fan Hate, Her Costar Isabela Merced Says

Mar. 15, 2025

Kaitlyn Dever (left); Isabela Merced.Photo:Gilbert Flores via Getty (2)

Gilbert Flores via Getty (2)

Isabela Mercedwants fans to remember thatThe Last of Usis fictional.

TheMadame Webstar andKaitlyn Deverare among the newcomers to the cast for season 2 of the hit HBO series,which is based on the video game of the same name. And while it’s been smooth sailing for Merced, Dever has faced some challenges during filming.

“It’s devastating to see,” Merced added. “But also – give her the damn Emmy, honestly. I’m so excited for people to see how incredibly well Bella and Kaitlyn did on this. I’m so excited.”

Dever announced that she had joined the series in aposton Instagram in January, as she wrote, “So excited to join the family ❤️.”

Kaitlyn Dever attends Vanity Fair And Lancome Celebrate The Future Of Hollywood at Mother Wolf on March 24, 2022.Steven Simione/WireImage

Merced also talked about how she got the part of Dina on theHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, as she revealed she didn’t screen-test with Ramsey and didn’t even formally audition.

Recalling a “generic meeting” with creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, Merced said, “I guess they decided there and then that they wanted me. So that’s wild. I don’t even think I believe in myself that much.”

As for what she’s most excited to see onscreen from her character, she teased “the romance” between her and Ramsey’s characters.

“I think it’s the romance between the two of us that really… Ugh, it brings a tear to my eye. I have a whole playlist for Dina and Ellie. It’s beautiful.”

Pedro Pascal in season 2 of ‘The Last of Us’.Courtesy of HBO

Courtesy of HBO

In February, aftersecuring a win for outstanding male actor in a drama seriesforThe Last Of Usat the2024 SAG Awards,Pascal told reporters including PEOPLE thatfilming on season 2 was “going amazing.”

“It’s sort of awe-inspiring, the kind of focus and dedication that everyone has going into season 2,” he said, adding that it felt “incredible” to be back with Ramsey and Mazin.

“Going back to season 2 and stepping back into those boots again, it feels strangely brand new. I’ve never done anything like this before that has original authorship and then to be given the space and author what I have to give,” he continued. “I’ll probably be thinking about it for the rest of my life.”

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The Last of Usseason 1 can be streamed on Max.

source: people.com