Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced

stars in film

Superman

Isabela Merced isn’t “up-and-coming”–she’s just up. Starring in two of this year’s biggest cultural moments–The Last of Us Season 2 and James Gunn’s Superman–Merced has proven herself to be an unstoppable talent. The 24-year-old actress’s portrayal of Hawkgirl, the classic DC Comics superhero, has garnered praise from new and old fans of the Superman franchise alike, with soon-to-be iconic and scene-stealing action sequences alongside Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern and Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific as the “Justice Gang.” Merced is also known for roles in Alien: Romulus and Turtles All the Way Down.

Today, Isabela Merced discusses Superman’s incredible reception, how she cultivated her own interpretation of Hawkgirl, her busy acting career, and much more!

Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Heels: Paul Andrew, Tights: Wolford

What has it been like seeing the fan reaction to Superman—especially the outpour of love coming towards your portrayal of Hawkgirl?

It’s been overwhelming in the best way. I knew how much Hawkgirl meant to DC fans, but seeing people connect with my take on her has been something else entirely. I keep getting messages and being tagged in artwork from fans saying they feel seen or represented in a new way and that’s something I’ve been holding onto. It excites me to keep portraying her and her legacy down the road.

Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Heels: Paul Andrew, Tights: Wolford

Jacket, Shorts, Jewelry, Bag & Boots: CHANEL PF25

In your own life, what has a “superhero” looked like to you?

To me, a superhero is someone who shows up when it’s hard, not when it’s convenient. I think of my mother and grandmother–Katerine and Yolanda. They carried the weight of the world on their shoulders without letting it crush them. They also kept this softness throughout all the hardships. That’s heroism to me.

Jacket, Shorts, Jewelry, Bag & Boots: CHANEL PF25

Top: SunBurn Project, Briefs: Archive D&G, Heels: Paul Andrew

Jacket, Shorts, Jewelry, Bag & Boots: CHANEL PF25

Hawkgirl was first established by DC Comics in 1940. What research did you do on Hawkgirl prior to the role? Did you read any of the comics she’s in, or take any inspiration from previous portrayals?

I went back to the comics, of course, but I didn’t want to just imitate what had already been done. I watched the animated-series she appeared in, read her arcs from different eras, and tried to understand the through-line of who she is. She has always had this fierceness, loyalty, and grit. Then, I layered that with my own instincts so she’d feel fresh, like someone you could actually meet in the real world.

Dress, Boots, Bag, Jewelry: CHLOE F25

Many of your scenes in Superman are with the “Justice Gang,” consisting of your character Hawkgirl, Green Lantern played by Nathan Fillion, and Mr. Terrific, who was portrayed by Edi Gathegi. What was it like working with these two incredible actors?

They’re a dream team. Nathan’s is effortlessly charismatic with a youthful disposition. He can make you laugh in the middle of a fight scene. Edi has this grounded, thoughtful energy that pulls you in. That guy is effortlessly cool. I’m not sure where I fit in the bunch, but I’d like to claim the effortlessly confident title, if that’s still available. The three of us just clicked. There’s a lot of respect, but also a lot of playful banter, which I know translated into our chemistry on screen. I can’t wait to see how future members of the Justice “gang” fit into the picture.

Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Heels: Paul Andrew, Tights: Wolford

Hawkgirl wasn’t the only massive role you played this year—you were also Dina in The Last of Us! In your opinion, which character do you see the most of yourself in?

They’re so different, but I think I share Hawkgirl’s fire and Dina’s warmth. Hawkgirl is all about resilience and boundaries, and Dina is about connection and compassion. I like to think I’m a mix of both? Depending on the day and REM situation.

Dress, Boots, Bag, Jewelry: CHLOE F25

The Last of Us and Superman have starkly different action elements. How did the training differ from each project?

For The Last of Us, the action was gritty and grounded with lots of weapons training, tactical movement, things that felt very real-world. Superman was a whole other beast because of the wire work, aerial choreography, and more stylized combat. One was survival, the other was spectacle.

Dress: Stella McCartney, Boots: Paul Andrew, Tights: Wolford

Dress: Stella McCartney

Although you’ve been booked and busy, what do you do on your days off?

Honestly, I turn into the craziest version of myself. I’m talking about setting my own meetings, pole-dancing classes, pilates, building a music studio, reading at least one script a day, and ordering so much Uber Eats because I’d rather not spend time cooking. Somehow still doing the dishes though. Balancing work and personal life has been a never-ending battle.

Dress: Stella McCartney

Top: SunBurn Project, Sunglasses: Lowercase NYC

What do you hope to be the biggest takeaway from Superman? What was the biggest takeaway for you?

I hope people walk away remembering that even the most powerful heroes have vulnerabilities, and that those cracks are what make them human and relatable. For me personally, it lifted my spirits and gave me hope for humanity. Kindness is definitely very punk rock.