In an exciting development for fans of the DC universe, Isabela Merced has opened up about her role as Hawkgirl in the upcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn. This marks a historic moment as she will be the first actress to portray the iconic superhero in a live-action feature film, despite the character having appeared in various forms on television in shows like Smallville, Legends of Tomorrow, and Stargirl. Alongside Merced, the film also stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Holt, Nathan Fillion, and Edi Gathegi.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Merced candidly discussed the challenges of wearing the Hawkgirl costume, describing it as uncomfortable due to its tightness and the physical demands of looking both cool and aggressive while also being strapped into a harness. "I got a taste of the supersuit, which was not fun. The tightness and the way you had to make everything look cool, but also aggressive, but also smooth, but also in a tight suit, but also you're wearing a harness...It's a lot," she explained.
Despite the discomfort, Merced found camaraderie with her castmates, stating that they all shared the experience of wearing the cumbersome costumes. "We'd use fans on each other to make sure we weren't hot on the summer days where we'd be in harnesses in the middle of in Cleveland," she recalled. This sense of teamwork added a layer of fun to the challenging filming conditions.
Warner Bros. Executive Mike De Luca teased that Gunn's Superman will evoke the charm of Richard Donner's classic films starring Christopher Reeve. Merced's character, Hawkgirl, is known for her ability to fly, which meant she spent much of the filming time in a harness. However, she embraced this aspect, saying, "Every scene I'm flying, pretty much, but it's cool because I'm an adrenaline seeker. I like being dropped from really high heights. It's actually one of my favorite things." This enthusiasm hints at the action-packed sequences that fans can expect in the film.
As the release date approaches, anticipation is building for the film, which is set to hit theaters in July 2025. While trailers have showcased Hawkgirl soaring into battle, the specifics of her character's involvement in the plot remain largely under wraps. Given Merced's comments, it appears that her role will primarily be featured in the film's dynamic fight scenes. Gunn's approach to integrating practical effects with computer-generated imagery for flight sequences is a refreshing change in the superhero genre, which often leans heavily on CGI.
In addition to her role in Superman, Merced is also making waves in the HBO series The Last of Us, where she portrays Dina, a spirited and tough-talking orphan who finds joy in battling clickers, the series' grotesque zombies. In the first episode of the new season, her character shares a romantic moment with Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, during a holiday party, adding depth to the show's already rich narrative.
Reflecting on her character, Merced noted, "That’s her hobby!" emphasizing Dina's fierce personality and her complex relationship with Ellie. The second season of The Last of Us has already garnered significant attention, following the success of its first season, which won eight Emmy Awards out of 24 nominations. Merced's portrayal of Dina is central to the season's vengeance-driven storyline, showcasing her ability to blend humor with the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world.
Merced, who is 23 years old, has been steadily rising in Hollywood since her early days in community theater. She began performing at just six years old, made her Broadway debut at ten alongside Ricky Martin in Evita, and starred in the series 100 Things to Do Before High School at thirteen. Her early career laid the groundwork for her current trajectory, which includes notable roles in films like Turtles All the Way Down and a small part in the 2022 remake of Father of the Bride.
On a recent stroll through West Hollywood with her Chihuahua, BonBon, Merced expressed her excitement about her burgeoning career. "I feel like I’ve been sitting on this secret for a while," said Craig Mazin, co-creator of The Last of Us, hinting at Merced's rising star power. He noted, "Isabela is a big S star, and people are about to find out." This sentiment underscores the anticipation surrounding her dual roles in Superman and The Last of Us, both of which could significantly elevate her profile in the industry.
As Merced navigates her newfound fame, she remains grounded, sharing her thoughts on the importance of connection. During a recent meal at Great White, a popular brunch spot, she emphasized her love for sharing food, stating, "I think eating is probably the single best thing we can do as humans, especially eating together. It’s like my favorite pastime." This down-to-earth attitude resonates with her fans, who appreciate her authenticity.
Looking ahead, Merced has a clear vision for her future. "I actually wrote down a list this past full moon," she shared, outlining her goals to attend more live concerts, give more hugs, and love more freely. With her roles in Superman and The Last of Us, it's evident that Merced is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough in her career.
As she prepares to take flight as Hawkgirl and continue her journey in The Last of Us, Isabela Merced is poised to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress. Her journey is just beginning, and fans are eager to see where it takes her next.
