Summary:
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Dina, played by Isabela Merced, becomes Ellie’s romantic partner and emotional anchor in The Last of Us Season 2.
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She joins Ellie’s journey to Seattle following a traumatic event and plays a major role in the story’s development.
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If the HBO show follows the game closely, Dina’s fate may be explored further in Season 3.
The Last of Us Season 2 introduces a fan-favorite from the games, Dina, played by Isabela Merced. As Ellie’s partner and a central figure in the emotional heart of the story, her role will expand dramatically in the episodes ahead. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Dina in The Last of Us Season 2 if it follows the Part II video game storyline.
Who Is Dina in The Last of Us Season 2?
Dina makes her The Last of Us debut in Season 2, introduced as a sharp, capable survivor living in Jackson, Wyoming. She quickly forms a close bond with Ellie, and by the end of the premiere episode, the pair share a kiss, solidifying the beginning of their romantic relationship.
Portrayed by Isabela Merced, who is also set to appear as Hawkgirl in Superman (2025), Dina brings charisma, toughness, and emotional depth to the screen. Though she is new to HBO audiences, game fans will recognize her as a major supporting character from The Last of Us Part II. In both versions of the story, Dina is more than a love interest—she’s a key emotional pillar for Ellie.
READ MORE: How old are Ellie, Dina, Abby, and others in The Last of Us season 2
What Role Does Dina Play in Ellie’s Journey in Season 2?
In The Last of Us Part II, Dina joins Ellie on a dangerous journey from Jackson to Seattle after a traumatic incident changes their lives forever. While the show has not yet revealed the specific event that pushes Ellie into a revenge-driven mission, the game provides a clear path: Joel’s death at the hands of Abby and her group is the catalyst.
Once in Seattle, Dina and Ellie operate from an abandoned movie theater, which becomes their base during their pursuit of Joel’s killers. Dina proves herself as both a fighter and emotional support, participating in the search for the group responsible while also helping Ellie navigate the psychological toll of their violent mission.
During this time, viewers will also learn more about Dina’s past, including her relationship with Jesse, who is the father of the child she later reveals she is pregnant with. Dina’s pregnancy becomes a crucial development, altering the dynamic between her and Ellie and raising the emotional stakes as the journey intensifies.
Does Dina Die in The Last of Us?
Despite fans’ fears, Dina does not die in The Last of Us Part II. While the game (and likely the show) puts her through several life-threatening moments, she survives the story’s major conflicts. However, the emotional cost of their mission weighs heavily on her and Ellie’s relationship.
At one point, Abby confronts Ellie and takes Dina hostage, nearly killing her before being stopped. This event forces Ellie to step back from her vendetta, at least temporarily.
After the chaos in Seattle, Dina and Ellie live peacefully on a remote farmhouse with Dina’s child, JJ. But peace is short-lived. When Tommy resurfaces with new information about Abby, Ellie decides to go after her again. Dina begs her not to leave, warning her that choosing revenge again means choosing it over their family. Ellie goes anyway.
When Ellie returns home at the end of the game, she finds the farmhouse empty—Dina and JJ are gone. It’s implied she has returned to Jackson, leaving Ellie alone with the consequences of her choices.
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Will HBO’s The Last of Us Change Dina’s Storyline?
While The Last of Us series has remained largely faithful to the source material, it has made a few narrative shifts—such as expanding the backstory of Bill and Frank in Season 1. Similar changes could be made to further explore Dina’s Jewish heritage, her life before Jackson, or give more screen time to her and Ellie’s life on the farm.
Season 2 is expected to cover only part of The Last of Us Part II across seven episodes, according to HBO. This means that major parts of Dina’s journey—especially the events involving her pregnancy, Seattle, and life on the farm—may be explored further in Season 3.
Regardless of pacing adjustments, Dina’s emotional impact on Ellie is central to the story, and her arc will likely remain one of the show’s most powerful narrative elements.
READ MORE: What Happens in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1
Where and When Will The Last of Us Season 2 Be Released?
The Last of Us Season 2 is currently in production and is expected to premiere in early 2025 on HBO and Max. The season will consist of seven episodes, with Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann returning as showrunners. Isabela Merced, Bella Ramsey, and Kaitlyn Dever (as Abby) lead the main cast.
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