Evolution of a Star: The Most Impactful Isabela Merced Movies and TV Shows From Nickelodeon to the DCU

Isabela Merced, formerly known as Isabela Moner, has rapidly ascended from a Nickelodeon child star to one of Hollywood’s most sought-after lead actresses. Known for her versatility across action, comedy, and intense drama, her filmography reflects a rare ability to anchor massive blockbusters while delivering nuanced performances in character-driven indie films. As of 2024 and looking toward 2025, her roles in major franchises like the Alien universe, the DC Universe (DCU), and HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us have solidified her status as a global talent to watch.

The Foundation of a Career: Nickelodeon and Early Television

Before becoming a staple in high-budget cinema, Isabela Merced built a strong following through television, specifically within the Nickelodeon ecosystem. This era was crucial in establishing her comedic timing and her ability to carry a series as the central protagonist.

100 Things to Do Before High School (2014–2016)

In her first major breakout role, Merced played CJ Martin, a charismatic and determined middle schooler who creates a bucket list to make the most of her pre-high school years. The show allowed her to showcase a wide emotional range, from slapstick humor to the relatable anxieties of growing up. Unlike many child stars who struggle to move beyond their initial persona, Merced used this platform to demonstrate a professional maturity that caught the eyes of major film directors.

Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2014–2017)

During her time on 100 Things to Do Before High School, she also ventured into voice acting. Portraying Kate in this animated spin-off of the Dora the Explorer franchise, she began a long-standing association with the character of Dora, which would eventually culminate in a massive live-action role years later.

Breaking into the Global Box Office: The Action Phase

Transitioning from television to film is a notorious hurdle for young actors, but Merced leaped into the industry via some of the biggest action franchises in modern cinema.

Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

Directed by Michael Bay, this film marked Merced's entry into the world of summer blockbusters. Playing Izabella, a street-smart orphan living among the ruins of Chicago, she provided the film with a much-needed human groundedness. Despite the heavy CGI and chaotic action, her performance was noted for its grit. Working alongside Mark Wahlberg, she proved she could hold her own in high-pressure, large-scale productions.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)

If Transformers introduced her to the box office, Sicario: Day of the Soldado introduced her to the critics. In this intense, dark sequel to the 2015 hit, she played Isabel Reyes, the daughter of a drug cartel kingpin who becomes a pawn in a covert war. Her performance was a revelation; she portrayed a character undergoing extreme trauma with a silent, haunting intensity. This role effectively "graduated" her from child star status to a serious dramatic actress capable of handling complex, adult themes.

Leading Lady Status: Comedy and Adventure

Between 2018 and 2019, Merced focused on roles that emphasized her ability to lead a story, proving she could draw audiences to theaters as the primary star.

Instant Family (2018)

Reuniting with Mark Wahlberg, Merced played Lizzy, the eldest of three foster children adopted by a couple played by Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. This film is often cited by fans as one of her most heartwarming performances. She perfectly captured the defensive walls and eventual vulnerability of a teenager in the foster system, balancing the film’s humor with genuine emotional stakes.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Perhaps her most recognizable role to date, she took on the mantle of the live-action Dora Márquez. While the concept of an older Dora could have been handled poorly, Merced’s performance was widely praised for being both sincere and self-aware. She leaned into the character’s relentless optimism while adding an adventurous physical energy that turned the film into a surprise hit with both families and critics.

The Rebranding: Becoming Isabela Merced

In 2019, the actress announced she was changing her professional name from Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced to honor her late grandmother and her Peruvian heritage. This coincided with a shift toward more diverse and mature projects on streaming platforms.

Let It Snow (2019)

As part of a Netflix ensemble cast, she starred in this holiday romantic comedy as Julie. The film allowed her to play a more grounded, relatable young adult, moving away from the high-stakes action and adventure of her previous years.

Sweet Girl (2021)

Returning to the action-thriller genre, she starred opposite Jason Momoa in this Netflix original. Playing Rachel Cooper, a daughter seeking justice for her mother’s death, Merced performed many of her own stunts. Her physicality in the film’s fight sequences demonstrated her continued commitment to becoming a versatile action star.

Father of the Bride (2022)

In the HBO Max remake of this classic, Merced played Cora Herrera. The film was a significant cultural moment, focusing on a Cuban-American family in Miami. Her role highlighted her pride in her Latinx roots and her ability to thrive in a sophisticated, contemporary comedy setting.

The 2024 Breakthrough: Sci-Fi Horror and Literary Drama

The year 2024 represented a massive leap in Merced's career, as she took on roles in three distinct genres that dominated cultural conversations.

Madame Web (2024)

Joining the Sony-Marvel universe, she played Anya Corazón, one of the future Spider-Women. While the film had a mixed reception, Merced’s portrayal of the tech-savvy and independent Anya was seen as a highlight, marking her first foray into the superhero genre that would define her 2025 schedule.

Turtles All the Way Down (2024)

Based on the novel by John Green, this film featured Merced as Aza Holmes, a teenager struggling with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This was a return to deep, dramatic territory. In our analysis of her filmography, this stands out as one of her most internal and difficult performances, requiring her to depict the invisible struggle of mental illness with sensitivity and accuracy.

Alien: Romulus (2024)

Directed by Fede Álvarez, this installment in the legendary Alien franchise saw Merced play Kay Harrison. Entering the world of sci-fi horror required a different set of skills—primarily the ability to convey terror and vulnerability in a claustrophobic environment. Her performance helped the film connect with a new generation of fans while respecting the legacy of the original series.

Looking Ahead: The DCU and The Last of Us (2025-2026)

The upcoming years are set to be the biggest yet for Isabela Merced, as she enters two of the most popular franchises in entertainment today.

The Last of Us Season 2 (2025)

One of the most anticipated television events of 2025 is the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us. Merced has been cast as Dina, a pivotal character from the video game The Last of Us Part II. Playing opposite Bella Ramsey’s Ellie, Merced’s role will be central to the season’s emotional core and action sequences. The casting has been widely praised by fans of the game who recognize her ability to portray the toughness and warmth required for the post-apocalyptic world.

Superman (2025)

Under the direction of James Gunn, Merced will join the new DC Universe as Kendra Saunders, also known as Hawkgirl. This marks her transition into "A-list" superhero status. As Hawkgirl, she will be part of a new ensemble of heroes, and her inclusion suggests that she will be a mainstay in the DCU for years to come.

Complete Filmography: Movies and Television

For fans looking to track her progress, here is a consolidated list of her notable works.

Movies

Television

Summary of Professional Growth

Isabela Merced’s career trajectory is a masterclass in strategic role selection. She has successfully navigated the transition from a teenage star on Nickelodeon to a dramatic powerhouse and a superhero lead. By balancing high-stakes action like Transformers and Alien with emotionally demanding projects like Sicario and Turtles All the Way Down, she has proven that her talent is not limited by genre.

As she moves into 2025, her presence in both the DCU and the world of The Last of Us ensures that she will remain at the forefront of the entertainment industry. Whether through voice acting, musical performance, or leading high-budget films, Merced continues to redefine what it means to be a modern movie star.

FAQ

Why did Isabela Moner change her name to Isabela Merced?

In 2019, she changed her stage name to Isabela Merced to honor her late grandmother, Yolanda Merced Pittman, and to more deeply connect with her Peruvian roots.

What is Isabela Merced's most famous movie?

While she is well known for Transformers: The Last Knight and Sicario: Day of the Soldado, her role as the titular character in the live-action Dora and the Lost City of Gold remains one of her most iconic and globally recognized performances.

Who does Isabela Merced play in The Last of Us?

She has been cast as Dina for Season 2 of the HBO series. Dina is a key character who becomes a close companion and romantic interest for Ellie.

Is Isabela Merced in the Marvel or DC universe?

She has appeared in both. She played Anya Corazón in Sony’s Madame Web (Marvel character) and will play Hawkgirl in the 2025 Superman film (DC Universe).