Dora the Explorer Reimagined in The Last of Us Style

Isabella Merced has joined the cast of the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us in the role of Dina. The actress, who was announced for the role in January 2024, has drawn attention for a specific connection between her current character and a prominent role from her earlier career.

In the episode titled The Path, viewers identified a subtle reference to Merced’s performance as the title character in the 2019 film Dora and the Lost City of Gold. According to reporting from ComicBook.com, this easter egg serves as a nod to the actress’s history playing the famous explorer.

Narrative Context in Season 2

The reference appears during a pivotal moment in the series. In The Path, the narrative focuses on Ellie’s preparations to leave the Jackson settlement. Her objective is to travel to Seattle to seek revenge against Abby following the death of Joel.

Dina is portrayed as a supportive partner who recognizes Ellie’s determination to leave. To ensure their survival during the journey northwest, Dina takes a lead role in planning the trek and organizing the necessary supplies for the trip.

Merced’s portrayal of Dina has been noted for balancing strength and compassion, mirroring the character’s development in The Last of Us Part II.

Isabella Merced’s Career Trajectory

The contrast between the role of Dora the Explorer and the gritty world of The Last of Us highlights Merced’s range as a performer. Since her role in the 2019 Dora film, she has appeared in several high-profile productions across different genres.

Her filmography includes roles in Transformers: The Last Knight, Madame Web, and Alien: Romulus. She is scheduled to appear as Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s Superman, which is slated for release in the summer of 2026.

Digital Crossover Trends

Beyond the official narrative of the HBO series, the concept of Dora the Explorer existing within the universe of The Last of Us has become a point of interest in digital creator spaces. This has manifested primarily through AI-generated content and short-form videos.

On TikTok, accounts such as @7bravoau and @clips.lita9 have shared content exploring how Dora’s specific skill set—focused on navigation, map reading, and exploration—would translate to a post-apocalyptic environment. These videos imagine a scenario where the character’s childhood adventure skills are applied to surviving the threats found in the game and show’s universe.

Similar trends have appeared on YouTube, where AI is used to reimagine cartoon characters, including those from Dora the Explorer, as realistic figures inhabiting a real-world setting.

While these digital crossovers remain fan-driven and unofficial, they parallel the official show’s decision to include a nod to Merced’s past work, bridging the gap between a children’s adventure property and a mature survival drama.