Isabela Merced’s Haunting Press Conference Moment with Bella Ramsey: What Bella’s Eyes Revealed

The entertainment world thrives on raw, unfiltered moments, and the recent joint press conference featuring The Last of Us Season 2 stars Isabela Merced and Bella Ramsey delivered just that. During a promotional event in May 2025, Merced, who plays Dina, made headlines with her emotional declaration: “I’m still haunted about that scene!” Her words, coupled with the intense, unspoken emotion in Ramsey’s eyes, have sparked a frenzy of speculation among fans and media alike. Social media platforms like X have exploded with reactions, dissecting the chemistry between the two actors and the mysterious scene that left Merced shaken. What was the context of this moment, and what deeper story did Ramsey’s eyes tell? Let’s dive into the event, the actors’ dynamic, and the cultural impact of this viral moment.

The Press Conference That Shook Fans

The moment occurred during a press conference in Los Angeles on May 20, 2025, to promote the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us, set to premiere in April 2026. The event, attended by cast members including Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), and Isabela Merced (Dina), was meant to tease new storylines and character dynamics. Moderated by a journalist from Variety, the panel discussed the show’s adaptation of The Last of Us Part II, a critically acclaimed but emotionally heavy video game known for its themes of love, loss, and revenge.

Midway through the event, a question about the cast’s most challenging scenes prompted Merced’s now-iconic outburst. Visibly emotional, she leaned into the microphone and said, “I’m still haunted about that scene!” before pausing, her voice cracking. She glanced at Ramsey, who plays Ellie, Dina’s love interest in the series, and added, “Working with Bella just… it brought something out of me I didn’t expect.” Ramsey, known for their stoic demeanor, remained silent, but their wide, glistening eyes spoke volumes, captivating the audience and cameras. The moment was captured in a viral clip shared by @IsabelaMercedBR on X, which amassed over 2 million views within hours.

Posts on X, such as one from @slipdaughter, amplified the moment’s impact, quoting Merced praising Ramsey: “Bella me deixa muita calma quando estou com ela, meus pensamentos desaparecem e de repente estou pensando claramente” (“Bella makes me so calm when I’m with her, my thoughts disappear, and suddenly I’m thinking clearly”). Another post by @AtlusAvalon described Ramsey’s expression as “a mix of pride and pain,” fueling speculation about the scene’s content and the actors’ off-screen bond. While HBO has kept plot details under wraps, the intensity of Merced’s reaction and Ramsey’s silent response have made this one of the most talked-about moments in The Last of Us fandom.

The Context: Merced, Ramsey, and The Last of Us

To understand why this moment resonated so deeply, we must first explore the context of The Last of Us and the roles of Merced and Ramsey. Based on Naughty Dog’s 2013 and 2020 video games, the HBO series follows survivors in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. Season 1, released in 2023, was a critical and commercial success, praised for its faithful adaptation and emotional depth. Season 2 adapts The Last of Us Part II, which introduces Dina, a bisexual Jewish-American woman who becomes Ellie’s romantic partner and a key figure in her journey.

Isabela Merced, a 24-year-old Peruvian-American actor known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Madame Web, was cast as Dina in late 2024. Her casting was celebrated for its alignment with Dina’s ethnic background in the game, with fans praising Merced’s ability to convey warmth and resilience. Bella Ramsey, a 21-year-old non-binary British actor, reprises their role as Ellie after a breakout performance in Season 1. Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie—a tough, queer teenager grappling with trauma—earned them an Emmy nomination and widespread acclaim.

The press conference moment likely references a pivotal scene from The Last of Us Part II, where Ellie and Dina share a romantic and emotionally charged moment or face a traumatic event. Fans on X have speculated that Merced was referring to the game’s iconic dance scene, where Ellie and Dina share a kiss at a community event, or a later sequence involving violence that tests their relationship. Merced’s comment about being “haunted” suggests a scene with significant emotional weight, possibly one that required her and Ramsey to tap into deep vulnerability. Her earlier X post about Ramsey—“We’re tapping into every possible feeling in our relationship and story to evoke emotions and moments that weren’t even written”—hints at improvised or intensely collaborative work.

The Chemistry Between Merced and Ramsey

The heart of this moment lies in the dynamic between Merced and Ramsey, both on and off screen. During the press conference, Merced’s emotional candor contrasted with Ramsey’s quiet intensity, creating a palpable tension that fans interpreted as a reflection of Ellie and Dina’s relationship. In the game, Ellie and Dina’s romance is a beacon of hope in a brutal world, marked by tender moments like stargazing and playful banter, as well as shared grief. Merced and Ramsey’s ability to channel this chemistry has been a focal point of fan excitement, with X users like @TLOUFans tweeting, “Isabela and Bella are going to BREAK us as Dina and Ellie.”

Off screen, the two actors have developed a close bond, evident in Merced’s public praise for Ramsey. In a May 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Merced described Ramsey as “a grounding force” who helped her navigate the role’s emotional demands. Their friendship, forged during months of filming in Vancouver, has been documented in behind-the-scenes photos shared on X, showing them laughing on set or rehearsing scenes. Fans have latched onto this camaraderie, with one X post joking, “Isabela and Bella are basically Dina and Ellie IRL.” The press conference moment, with Merced’s vulnerability and Ramsey’s expressive silence, feels like an extension of this bond, blurring the line between performance and reality.

Ramsey’s eyes, described by fans as “telling everything,” have become a meme in their own right. Screenshots from the press conference show Ramsey staring at Merced with a mix of empathy, pride, and perhaps a trace of sadness, prompting speculation about their personal connection to the scene. Ramsey, who came out as non-binary in 2023 and has spoken about the importance of queer representation, may have felt a particular weight in portraying Ellie’s story. Their silence during Merced’s outburst allowed her to take center stage, but their eyes conveyed a shared understanding, amplifying the moment’s impact.

The Cultural and Emotional Resonance

The press conference moment has struck a chord for several reasons. First, it highlights the emotional labor of acting, particularly in a series as intense as The Last of Us. Merced’s admission of being “haunted” speaks to the toll of embodying characters who endure trauma, a sentiment echoed by Pascal’s comments about Season 2’s “heartbreaking” narrative. For fans, this vulnerability humanizes the actors, making their performances feel more authentic. One X user wrote, “Isabela saying she’s haunted by a scene with Bella just proves how much they’re pouring into this. I’m not ready.”

Second, the moment underscores the importance of queer representation in The Last of Us. Ellie and Dina’s relationship is one of the most beloved aspects of The Last of Us Part II, offering a rare depiction of a queer romance in a mainstream video game. The HBO series, under showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, has committed to preserving this narrative, with Merced and Ramsey’s casting reinforcing its authenticity. The press conference moment, with its raw emotion, has galvanized queer fans, who see Ellie and Dina’s story as a powerful affirmation of love and resilience. A post on X read, “Bella and Isabela giving us queer love in TLOU S2 is everything. Those eyes don’t lie.”

Finally, the moment reflects the cultural phenomenon that The Last of Us has become. Season 1 drew over 30 million viewers per episode, making it HBO’s biggest debut, and Season 2 is poised to build on that success with new cast members like Kaitlyn Dever (Abby) and Jeffrey Wright (Isaac). The press conference clip has fueled anticipation, with fans creating fan art, edits, and theories about the scene in question. The hashtag #TLOUS2 trended on X for days, with users debating whether Merced’s reaction hints at a faithful adaptation or a bold reinterpretation of the game’s story.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying the Moment

Social media, particularly X, has been instrumental in turning this press conference moment into a cultural touchstone. The viral clip, first shared by @IsabelaMercedBR, was retweeted thousands of times, with fans analyzing every detail of Merced’s words and Ramsey’s expression. Posts like @slipdaughter’s, which translated Merced’s Portuguese praise for Ramsey, added an international dimension, highlighting the global reach of The Last of Us fandom. The platform’s real-time nature allowed fans to react instantly, creating a feedback loop that amplified the moment’s significance.

However, social media has also fueled speculation and misinformation. Some X users have exaggerated Merced’s comments, claiming she “broke down” or that Ramsey was “visibly upset,” when the clip shows a more nuanced exchange. Others have speculated about behind-the-scenes drama, despite no evidence of tension between the actors. This tendency to sensationalize reflects the double-edged sword of fandom, where passion can sometimes outpace facts. Still, the overwhelming sentiment on X is one of excitement, with fans eager for Season 2 to deliver the emotional payoff promised by Merced and Ramsey’s chemistry.

The Bigger Picture: Acting, Representation, and Fandom

The press conference moment raises broader questions about the intersection of acting, representation, and fan culture. Merced’s emotional candor and Ramsey’s silent expressiveness highlight the artistry of performance, particularly in a series that demands raw vulnerability. For actors of their generation—Merced, a Latina rising star, and Ramsey, a non-binary trailblazer—navigating high-profile roles comes with unique pressures, from embodying beloved characters to representing marginalized identities. Their ability to forge a genuine connection, both as actors and friends, resonates with fans who see them as stewards of a culturally significant story.

The moment also underscores the evolving role of fandom in shaping media narratives. The Last of Us fandom, like those of Harry Potter or Marvel, is a powerful force, capable of amplifying moments like this to global audiences. The press conference clip has become a rallying point, with fans on X creating threads like “Why Bella and Isabela are perfect for Ellie and Dina” and sharing personal stories about what the characters mean to them. This participatory culture reflects the democratization of media, where fans are not just consumers but active contributors to a show’s legacy.

Finally, the moment speaks to the power of queer storytelling in mainstream media. The Last of Us Part II was groundbreaking for its unapologetic depiction of queer love, and HBO’s adaptation has doubled down on this commitment. Merced and Ramsey’s press conference exchange, with its undercurrent of shared emotional weight, feels like a promise to honor that legacy. As one X user put it, “Isabela’s words and Bella’s eyes are giving us everything we need to know—S2 is gonna wreck us in the best way.”

What’s Next for The Last of Us Season 2?

As The Last of Us Season 2 approaches its April 2026 premiere, the press conference moment has heightened anticipation. HBO has released a teaser trailer featuring glimpses of Ellie and Dina’s relationship, including a shot of them dancing that mirrors the game’s iconic scene. While plot details remain scarce, the season is expected to cover the first half of The Last of Us Part II, with a third season likely to conclude the story. New cast members, including Young Mazino as Jesse and Ariela Barer as Mel, add to the ensemble, while returning actors like Gabriel Luna (Tommy) deepen the narrative.

Merced and Ramsey will continue to be central figures in the promotional campaign, with more press events planned for late 2025 and early 2026. Their chemistry, both on screen and off, will likely remain a focal point, with fans eager to see how their real-life bond translates to Ellie and Dina’s romance. The press conference moment, now etched into fandom lore, serves as a testament to their commitment and the story’s emotional stakes.

Conclusion

Isabela Merced’s haunting declaration and Bella Ramsey’s expressive eyes at the May 2025 press conference have become a defining moment for The Last of Us Season 2. The viral exchange, amplified by X and fueled by fan passion, captures the raw emotion and cultural significance of the series. Merced’s vulnerability and Ramsey’s silent intensity reflect the depth of their performances and the power of Ellie and Dina’s story, a beacon of queer love in a brutal world. As anticipation builds for the 2026 premiere, this moment reminds us why The Last of Us resonates: it’s a story about humanity, connection, and the courage to feel, even when it haunts us. Fans will be watching, hearts open and tissues ready, to see how Merced and Ramsey bring this story to life.