With our final second season around the corner, we had the opportunity to sit with three stars: Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Isabella Mercedo (Dina) and Young Magino (Jesse). The dialogue covered ample grounds, from the emotional journey the characters faced to how the show reflects our current world, and even the spiritual sacrifices that allow us to film dark scenes. You can read the full interview above and some of the outstanding moments below. The Emmy Award-winning series returns to a seven-episode run, premiering in the US on April 13th and in Australia on April 14th (same day – its timezone difference).
Our ending is as much about connection as it is about survival, and it appears that the upcoming season of the show will double in both. We kicked things out by asking why this kind of dark apocalyptic world is so popular. For Gabriel Luna, it comes down to a kind of immersive curiosity. “That’s the same reason I’m naked and afraid of survivors,” he said. “People put themselves in our shoes and enjoy watching these types of shows.”
Isabella Merse pointed out how the series chooses the moment. “It’s not just the action that makes people entertain,” she said. “You follow people in the story. There’s a reason why everything happens.”
Young Magino provided a more reflective take. “People are feeling a slow boil… maybe end-stage capitalism or something,” he said. “And there’s a kind of fun to see this apocalyptic world. It can be cathartic in some ways.”
From there, the dialogue shifted to character dynamics, particularly the growing connection between Ellie and Dina. “They are both very real people who aren’t obsessed with making masks,” explained Mercedo. “They’re stupid, have fun and can really make the most of the situation.” What the game’s fans know well is a relationship, but the show promises to dig deeper.
Luna spoke about how she formed Tommy this season, especially her relationship with Joel. “Having Benjamin helps frame what my brother was going through when he lost Sarah,” he said. “It gives him purpose…but gives him more to lose.” And although he doesn’t throw it away much, Luna hints at a powerful emotional beat between the brother and Tommy’s son, and is excited for the audience to see.
I also asked Young Magino about Jesse. Jesse finds himself a trustworthy rock for Jackson. However, reliability is expected. This is not always a blessing. “It can be strength in certain situations and in other situations it can be incredible weakness,” he said. “But…it’s like a burden he deliberately takes,” Magino added that Jesse’s history, which he has nothing, only encourages the commitment to the community he finds.
Naturally, the conversation turned into a source material: a rave reviewed video game that started it all. All three actors acknowledged the importance of the game, but also revealed that the show carved out its own space. “The script is like the end of everything,” Luna said. “But I certainly played it to get a sense of the character and sense of the world.” Maginot states, “There’s a big organic push and pull between the two source materials, but the black and white of the script is paramount.”
And yes – there’s action. There is fear. And sometimes it stays a little longer than expected. Luna shared vivid memories from filming one of the more intense scenes of the season. “I will close my eyes and see a man setting me on fire,” he said. “My wife was like, ‘Yeah, baby, I think you might be traumatized.’ ”
To the cast collapsed, the cast leaned against the music, fishing, the pool – anything that helped to shake off the intensity of the day. “The cast’s musical skills were definitely a step back,” Luna said. “Just going back to the guitar or something… he helped me.”
Whether it’s raw emotion or a quiet human moment that keeps you hooked, our final season 2 is set to offer another impact chapter. And if the second game is any indication, the path ahead will be as emotionally recharged as it is merciless. Markdown: April 14th.
Max
Source link
