The second season of HBO’s The Last of Us has already captured audiences with its gripping narrative and heartfelt moments, none more poignant than the evolving romance between Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, and Dina, portrayed by Isabela Merced. In a recent interview with ELLE UK, the two actors shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse into filming their characters’ iconic first kiss in season 2, episode 1, revealing a tender moment that deepened their bond both on and off screen.

A Kiss That Sparked Joy in a Bleak World

Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal zombie outbreak, The Last of Us season 2 delves deeper into the emotional complexities of its characters. Ellie and Dina, best friends navigating their feelings amidst constant danger, share a pivotal moment at a New Year’s Eve party in Jackson, Wyoming. Their slow dance culminates in a kiss that marks a turning point in their relationship, offering a rare glimpse of joy in the series’ grim universe. “It was so nice for people to be happy for 10 minutes in the world of The Last of Us,” Ramsey noted, reflecting on the scene’s impact.

The kiss, faithfully adapted from The Last of Us Part II video game, was a moment fans had eagerly anticipated. However, what made it truly special was the spontaneity and authenticity Ramsey and Merced brought to the scene. Unlike many intimate scenes that require extensive rehearsal, the actors revealed they skipped practicing the kiss. “We did it the first time on the first take. Rehearsing kisses is always so weird,” Ramsey admitted, while Merced likened the experience to “spin the bottle.” Their decision to forgo rehearsal resulted in a natural, heartfelt moment that resonated with viewers.

A Sweet Off-Screen Moment

Beyond the on-screen chemistry, Ramsey and Merced shared a “sweet” moment after filming that further solidified their camaraderie. While they kept the specifics private, Ramsey described it as “really special,” hinting at the deep trust and comfort they developed during production. This off-screen connection was evident in their playful dynamic during ELLE UK’s “Knowing Me, Knowing You” game, where they guessed fun facts about their castmates, including who had a link to Barney and who suffered multiple eye infections from fans. Their laughter and ease with each other underscored the genuine bond that enhanced their performances.

Merced, in a separate interview with Variety, elaborated on their comfort level, noting that their shared experiences in queer relationships added authenticity to their portrayal. “We both have experience in queer relationships—you can just tell when a girl hasn’t kissed a girl before,” she said. This mutual understanding allowed them to improvise, adding unscripted kisses and moments to the scene that weren’t in the original script, making it even more intimate and true to their characters.

Crafting an Iconic Sapphic Story

The chemistry between Ramsey and Merced was palpable from day one, as Merced shared in earlier interviews. “Bella and I have so much chemistry. From the first day, it was there,” she told Collider, a sentiment echoed across multiple platforms. This natural connection translated into a portrayal of Ellie and Dina that fans have hailed as “iconic.” Social media buzzed with praise, with one X post declaring, “Isabela Merced has been crushing it as Dina since episode 1, but episode 4 is HER episode,” highlighting her nuanced performance.

Their work extended beyond the kiss, particularly in episode 4, where Ellie and Dina’s relationship deepens with a sex scene that Merced described as “tender” and “intentional.” Working closely with an intimacy coordinator, the actors ensured the scene reflected consent and emotional depth, with Merced adding specific touches, like Dina guiding Ellie’s hand, to emphasize her character’s agency. “We wanted it to be sexy, emotional, and charged, but also smart,” Merced explained, showcasing their commitment to portraying a layered, authentic queer relationship.

A Progressive Milestone

The Last of Us has been lauded for its progressive representation, introducing queer and trans characters in a mainstream narrative. Ramsey, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, emphasized the importance of authentic representation that doesn’t feel tokenistic. “It’s really important that we continue to have representation on screen that doesn’t feel like it’s ticking a box,” they told IndieWire. Merced, who has openly discussed her queerness, echoed this sentiment, telling Variety, “It’s awesome!” to see such genuine LGBTQ+ storytelling.

The show’s commitment to inclusivity hasn’t been without challenges. The kiss scene faced homophobic backlash, with some review-bombing the series, but the overwhelming fan response has been positive. X posts celebrated the “beautiful and natural” improvisation, with one user noting, “You could tell they knew what they were doing, thanks for choosing queer actresses!!”

Behind the Scenes: A Bond Beyond the Camera

Ramsey and Merced’s off-screen friendship added depth to their performances. Merced described Ramsey as a “natural actor” whose presence made her job easier, while Ramsey praised Merced’s “light and energy” on set, calling her a “little sprite.” Their secret hand-signal language, developed to communicate discreetly while miked up, became a testament to their closeness. “We didn’t even need to say words,” Merced shared with British GQ, highlighting their intuitive connection.

This bond was evident in emotional scenes like the music shop moment in episode 4, where Ellie sings “Take on Me” to Dina. Merced, moved by Ramsey’s musical talent, admitted to crying during filming, as the scene encapsulated Dina’s love for Ellie and her grief for Joel. “It was a moment of beautiful grief,” she told GQ, underscoring the scene’s emotional weight.

Looking Ahead

As The Last of Us season 2 progresses, fans can expect more of Ellie and Dina’s evolving relationship, with Merced teasing a “huge shift” in episode 7. The series, already breaking viewership records with a 10% increase from season 1, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of action, emotion, and representation. Ramsey and Merced’s performances have positioned them as frontrunners in the 2025 awards season, with fans on X proclaiming Merced’s Dina as a standout.

For Ramsey and Merced, the journey of bringing Ellie and Dina to life has been as rewarding as it is for fans to watch. Their shared “sweet” moment after filming the kiss is a reminder of the trust and vulnerability that define their collaboration, creating a sapphic love story that resonates deeply. As one X user put it, “The words Bella Ramsey says about Isabela Merced are so precious… I’m crying.”

Interactive Question: What was your favorite Ellie and Dina moment in The Last of Us season 2 so far, and how do you think Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced’s chemistry has shaped their story? Share your thoughts below!