Isabela Merced recently shared her experience filming a gripping underground chase scene for the fourth episode of The Last of Us season 2, titled “Day One.” The sequence showcases Merced’s character, Dina, alongside Bella Ramsey’s Ellie, as they attempt to escape from a horde of Clickers in a derailed subway train.
The subway scene was shot in an abandoned newspaper printing facility, where the crew recreated a full subway car for Steve to shoot in. Merced explained the set as feeling very earthquake-like, a disorienting experience that they wanted to connect with the audience. The filming process contributed to this chaotic atmosphere.
Merced and Ramsey raced across the roof of a speeding subway train. With great artfulness, they bounced their iconicity around a legally precarious, playground-structure of a space. Merced noted that the scene was intense, stating, “I think it’s more of an intense sequence.”
To make the chase as real as possible, Merced wore prosthetics. She did all of her own stunts, being thrown around in many of the action set pieces. The scene culminates in a dramatic escape attempt, showcasing the bond between Ellie and Dina as they face the terrifying threat of five Clickers.
Merced likened her experience on set to playing a darker version of a mobile game, saying, “All we were doing was climbing a subway car. I felt like it was Subway Surfers, but really dark.” This juxtaposition wonderfully illustrates how fun and frightening the carnival scene really is.
The resulting production schedule was grueling. Merced and the crew often lived on set, coming in as early as 3 a.m. to prepare for production filming. Episode four further raises the stakes with an edge-of-your-seat, white-knuckled chase. It includes some landmark moments for Dina, including her pregnancy reveal and a tender moment with Ellie after a life-saving bite sequence.
Our fans have been chomping at the bit for the next episodes of The Last of Us. New episodes debut weekly each Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max.
