Isabela Merced, the actress portraying Dina in HBO’s acclaimed series The Last of Us, has opened up about an unsettling experience from a joint press conference with co-star Bella Ramsey. The revelation came to light on June 7, 2025, after Merced stumbled upon old footage while preparing for the show’s second season. The moment, captured during a 2023 promotional event, shows Ramsey’s intense gaze directed at Merced, leaving the 24-year-old actress feeling uneasy and sparking a wave of online discussion. This unexpected rediscovery has added a new layer to the dynamic between the two young stars, known for their compelling on-screen chemistry as Ellie and Dina.
The press conference, held to promote the first season, featured Merced alongside Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, and other cast members. In the rediscovered clip, Merced was answering a question about her character’s emotional arc when Ramsey, seated beside her, fixed a prolonged, unblinking stare. Merced recently shared on Instagram Stories that the look “sent chills down my spine,” describing Ramsey’s eyes as “piercing” and “almost otherworldly.” The footage, now circulating on X, shows Ramsey’s expression shifting from neutral to a subtle smirk, a moment Merced admitted she didn’t notice during the live event but now finds disturbing in hindsight.
Merced, who joined the series after gaining recognition in films like Dora and the Lost City of Gold, has spoken fondly of Ramsey in the past, praising their talent and dedication. However, this rediscovered moment has prompted her to reflect on their interactions. In a follow-up post, she clarified that she doesn’t believe Ramsey intended harm, suggesting it might have been a nervous tic or an attempt to stay focused. Still, the intensity of Ramsey’s gaze—accentuated by their wide eyes and slight head tilt—has fueled speculation among fans. Some, like @TLOUfanatic on X, jokingly called it “Ellie’s killer stare breaking through,” while others, such as @CelebWatcher23, wondered if it hinted at underlying tension.
The timing of Merced’s comments coincides with heightened anticipation for The Last of Us Season 2, set to premiere in early 2026. The series, based on the Naughty Dog video game, has already garnered critical acclaim, with Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie earning Emmy buzz. Merced’s Dina, a key figure in Ellie’s story, shares significant screen time with Ramsey, making their off-screen rapport a point of interest. The rediscovered clip, however, has shifted the narrative, with some fans interpreting Ramsey’s look as a sign of discomfort or rivalry, though no evidence supports this.
Ramsey, who came out as non-binary in 2023 and uses they/them pronouns, has faced intense scrutiny online, which may explain their intense demeanor during the press conference. Sources close to the production suggest Ramsey was under pressure at the time, juggling media duties while managing personal challenges, including the backlash to their gender expression. Merced’s reaction, shared candidly, has sparked sympathy from some quarters, with @SupportBella tweeting, “Bella’s been through a lot—let’s not read too much into this.” Others, however, have seized on the moment to criticize Ramsey, with @DramaLoverX calling it “creepy” and demanding an explanation.
The clip’s virality has also drawn attention to the broader pressures of fame. Merced, in a brief interview with Variety, noted that revisiting the footage made her realize how nerve-wracking such events can be, especially for younger actors like Ramsey, who was 19 during the conference. She emphasized their professional relationship remains strong, hinting at collaborative projects ahead. Meanwhile, Ramsey has yet to comment, though their recent social media silence—following a controversial post on June 5—suggests they may be avoiding the spotlight.
Fan reactions on X range from humorous memes comparing Ramsey’s stare to horror movie tropes to serious discussions about mental health in the industry. The incident has also reignited debates about the authenticity of on-screen chemistry versus off-screen dynamics. As The Last of Us prepares for its next chapter, this rediscovered moment offers a glimpse into the complexities behind the scenes, leaving fans eager to see how Merced and Ramsey’s real-life rapport will translate to their characters’ evolving relationship. For now, the unsettling stare remains a talking point, blending intrigue with the anticipation surrounding the series’ future.
