Isabela Merced rising Hollywood star has been making waves with her diverse talents and impactful presence in the entertainment industry. At just 23 years old, she continues to captivate audiences through remarkable acting roles, musical pursuits, and a bold personal identity, establishing herself as one of the most promising young talents today.
Currently recognized for her role as Dina in the popular series The Last of Us on HBO, Merced’s journey from local theater in Cleveland, Ohio, to leading roles alongside major Hollywood productions reflects both passion and relentless dedication. Her upcoming portrayal of Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman film set to hit theaters on July 11 further highlights her rapidly rising profile.
From a Childhood Role to a Lifelong Passion for Acting
Merced’s introduction to acting began during childhood in Cleveland, where her parents, Katerine and Patrick Moner—a nurse and firefighter—supported her artistic interests. After a family fire displaced their home, her parents encouraged her to channel her energy into acting. She auditioned for a local production of The Wizard of Oz, hoping to land the role of Dorothy but was cast as a Munchkin instead.
Reflecting on this moment, she shared,
I got to audition for Dorothy but ended up playing a munchkin. I remember the moment where I first walked on that stage, it was so perfect I fell in love.
—Isabela Merced
This early experience ignited Merced’s devotion to performing, setting the foundation for a career that spans television, film, and music.
Balancing Music and Acting as Dual Creative Outlets
Beyond acting, Isabela Merced nurtures a strong passion for music that goes back to her early teens. She released her debut studio album, Stopping Time, in 2015 and has since collaborated with various artists, performing in both English and Spanish. Music remains an ongoing pursuit, one that complements but does not overshadow her acting career.
She emphasized this in an interview, saying,
I am always making music. If I am not making a movie, I am usually working on music. That has not stopped happening.
—Isabela Merced
However, she clarified her approach to music professionally:
The thought of taking music, which to me is a hobby and a passion, and making it into yet another job, and yet another thing to schedule into my life, doesn’t really sound that appealing right now.
—Isabela Merced
Her latest single, “Cuffing Season,” released in 2024, showcased a vintage, elegant side of Merced, demonstrating her versatility beyond acting roles.
Openly Embracing Her Queer Identity Throughout Her Life
Merced’s portrayal of Dina, an openly queer character in The Last of Us, carries personal significance as she has identified as queer her entire life. Her lifelong connection to the LGBTQ community informs her approach to the role and strengthens representation on screen.
She expressed this pride in an interview with The New York Times, stating,
I’ve been queer my whole life…I remember playing the game and seeing the scene in the dance and thinking, ‘That’s so cool.’
—Isabela Merced
Despite her openness, Merced acknowledges that many people don’t necessarily perceive her as queer, a fact she accepts with ease, as mentioned in an interview with Variety.
The Story Behind the Name Isabela Merced
Born as Isabela Yolanda Moner, she adopted the surname Merced as a tribute to her late grandmother, with whom she felt a deep spiritual connection despite never having met her. This change was symbolic, representing a new chapter in her life and career.
Speaking to Refinery29 about this decision, she explained,
This is when I begin writing my own story as Isabela Merced. This is how I say goodbye to that and welcome a new chapter with those who are close to me. Isabela Merced represents everything that has and will continue to define me. It represents the values that were passed on from my grandmother.
—Isabela Merced
Through this change, Merced aims to honor her grandmother’s legacy and embody the values she inherited.
Combining Acting With Athleticism: Isabela Merced’s Boxing Training
To prepare for physically demanding roles, Merced developed her boxing skills starting at age 14, initially training extensively for her part in Transformers: The Last Knight, where she portrayed Izabella. Her commitment to boxing has continued over the years, proving vital for the action-packed roles she embraces.
Discussing her training regime, Merced said,
I’ve been boxing since I was 14, when I started training for ‘Transformers.’ During the strike, I did it four or five times a week. I’m trying to get big for ‘Superman,’ and I’ve kept up with it now two or three times per week.
—Isabela Merced
This dedication highlights not only her physical discipline but also her determination to fully embody her characters in Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
Why Isabela Merced Represents Hollywood’s Upcoming Powerhouse
Isabela Merced’s progression in the entertainment world underscores her multidimensional talents and deep personal commitment. Whether channeling her creativity into acting, music, or athletics, she stands out as a uniquely strong and hopeful figure in Hollywood’s next generation. Her presence as a queer icon and her linkage to family heritage add profound dimensions to her public identity.
With the July 11 release of Superman on the horizon and the continuing success of The Last of Us on Max, Merced’s career momentum is undeniable. She represents a new wave of artists reshaping Hollywood with passion, diversity, and unwavering resolve.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Isabela Merced LGBT?
A. Merced says she has always identified as queer and has had relationships with people of the same community. She wants to contribute to the queer community within American pop culture.
