Isabela Merced, a 23-year-old actress born in Cleveland, has made quite a name for herself by landing significant roles in several popular film franchises. From “Dora the Explorer” and “Transformers” to “Father of the Bride” and “Sicario,” she has left her mark on these iconic sagas. Additionally, she has been part of Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Looking ahead, she is set to appear in the second season of HBO’s “The Last of Us” and the upcoming DC “Superman” reboot.
Isabela’s journey to success began when she played a munchkin at the age of six in a production of “The Wizard of Oz” at Beck Center of the Arts in Lakewood. She credited her Northeast Ohio upbringing as an advantage in Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of Midwestern kindness in the industry.
Her most recent project is “Alien: Romulus,” the latest addition to the sci-fi horror series that originated 45 years ago. Isabela’s fascination with the “Alien” franchise began later in life at the age of 20 when she saw the original “Alien” film for the first time. This viewing sparked an obsession, leading her to immerse herself in the various sequels and spinoffs. “Alien: Romulus” marks the seventh film in the franchise, or the ninth if we include the “Alien vs. Predator” films.
Reflecting on her experience, Isabela expressed surprise at the opportunity to be part of the series and enthusiastically delved into learning as much as possible about the “Alien” universe.
The upcoming movie “Alien: Romulus,” directed and co-written by Fede Alvarez, a well-known figure in the horror genre, is set to expand the “Alien” legacy. The film, set between the events of the original “Alien” and its sequel “Aliens,” will focus on a group of young space colonizers portrayed by Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, and Isabela Merced. The storyline will explore themes of sibling love, sacrifice, and the challenges of space travel.
The movie brings a fresh perspective to the franchise by delving into the experiences of young colonizers on a decommissioned space station and their encounter with a terrifying alien species. Isabela Merced, who plays the character named Kay, shared insights into her role, expressing that the character represents innocence and curiosity. Merced also discussed the use of practical effects in the film, aiming to deliver authentic performances and a genuine sense of fear for the audience.
Director Fede Alvarez’s decision to shoot the movie in chronological order and prioritize practical effects over CGI contributes to the film’s intense and immersive experience. According to Merced, these choices allowed her to deliver a more genuine and fear-driven performance. Both Alvarez and Merced emphasized the importance of experiencing the film on the big screen to fully appreciate the visual and emotional impact of the story.
In addition to her role in “Alien: Romulus,” Isabela Merced recently filmed scenes for James Gunn’s “Superman,” where she plays the superhero Hawkgirl. Reflecting on this experience, Merced expressed her excitement and described the filming process as a full circle moment, as she revisited her hometown of Cleveland for the project.
