Isabela Merced: The Rising Star Playing Hawkgirl - Bio, Net Worth & Career 2025
From her Dora the Explorer days to joining the DC Universe as Hawkgirl, Isabela Merced is the Gen Z icon taking Hollywood by storm in 2025.
Isabela Merced is having her biggest moment yet. As we move through 2025, this talented actress and singer isn't just a former child star—she's a full-fledged superhero and dramatic powerhouse. With breakout roles in James Gunn's Superman and HBO's The Last of Us Season 2, she has firmly established herself as one of the most versatile young talents in the industry.
Born Isabela Moner in Cleveland, Ohio, she proudly embraces her Peruvian-American heritage, often weaving her culture into her work. Whether she's performing in Spanish or portraying complex characters on screen, Isabela brings an authenticity that resonates with millions of fans worldwide. Her transition from Nickelodeon's 100 Things to Do Before High School to gritty, mature roles in Sicario and Alien: Romulus proves she has the range to conquer any genre.
With a net worth of $3 million and a growing social media following of over 4.5 million, Isabela is not just an actress but a fashion icon and musician. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into her bio, physical stats, relationship history, and the massive projects that are defining her career in 2025.
Isabela Merced: Complete Personal & Professional Profile
Below is a comprehensive overview of Isabela Merced's personal information, including her biographical details, family background, physical attributes, career information, net worth, education, and social media accounts.
| 👤 Biographical Details | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Isabela Yolanda Moner (changed to Merced in 2019) |
| Nickname | Isa, Bella |
| Date of Birth | July 10, 2001 |
| Age (in 2025) | 24 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer ♋ |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Peruvian-American (Peruvian mother, American father) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| 👨👩👧 Family Background | |
| Father | Patrick Moner (Firefighter) |
| Mother | Katherine Moner (from Lima, Peru) |
| Siblings | Jared Moner (Older Brother), Gyovanni Moner (Younger Brother) |
| 📏 Physical Attributes | |
| Height | 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 47-50 kg (104-110 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 34-27-35 inches (Estimated) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (Often dyes it for roles) |
| Shoe Size | 6 (US) / 36.5 (EU) |
| 💼 Professional Status | |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Songwriter |
| Known For | Hawkgirl in Superman, Dina in The Last of Us, Dora, Sicario |
| Net Worth (2025) | $3 Million USD (Estimated) |
| Education | Homeschooled; accepted into college at 15 |
| 📱 Social Media | |
| @isabelamerced (4.5M+ Followers) ✅ | |
| TikTok | @isabelamerced (Verified) |
| YouTube | Isabela Merced (Official Artist Channel) |
Isabela Merced's Career: From Broadway Prodigy to DC Superhero
Isabela Merced's rise to stardom is a masterclass in versatility. Unlike many child stars who struggle to transition, Isabela has seamlessly evolved from a Nickelodeon favorite into one of Hollywood's most sought-after dramatic actresses and action stars.
The Early Years: Broadway and Nickelodeon
Long before she was a household name, Isabela was a stage prodigy. At just 10 years old, she made her Broadway debut in Evita alongside Ricky Martin in 2012. This early discipline set the stage for her television breakthrough as CJ Martin in Nickelodeon's hit series 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014-2016), which introduced her comedic timing to a global audience.
Blockbuster Breakthroughs: Transformers and Sicario
Isabela proved she could handle massive productions when Michael Bay cast her as the gritty survivor Izabella in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017). She followed this up with a critically acclaimed performance in Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018), holding her own against heavyweights like Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin. Critics praised her ability to convey deep emotional trauma, marking her arrival as a serious dramatic actress.
Leading Lady Status: Dora and Sweet Girl
In 2019, she took on her most iconic lead role to date in the live-action Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Unlike the cartoon, this film required immense physical training and comedic chops, solidifying her status as a box-office draw. She continued to showcase her action capabilities in Netflix's thriller Sweet Girl (2021) alongside Jason Momoa.
2024-2025: Taking Over the Universe (literally)
As we head into 2025, Isabela is entering the "Superstar Era" of her career with three massive projects spanning horror, sci-fi, and superhero genres:
- Alien: Romulus (2024): Following in the footsteps of Sigourney Weaver, appearing in the legendary sci-fi horror franchise.
- The Last of Us Season 2 (2025): While appearing as Dina, the fierce and loyal romantic interest of Ellie. This role places her at the center of one of television's most anticipated events.
- Superman (2025): Officially joining James Gunn's DC Universe as Hawkgirl. This major superhero role will likely define the next decade of her career, seeing her don the iconic wings and mace.
Music Career
Let's not forget—she sings. Releasing music under her own label, her EP The Better Half of Me showcases her bilingual talent, blending pop and Latin R&B influences. She often contributes to the soundtracks of her films, proving she is a true double threat.
Isabela Merced's Major Achievements & Industry Recognition
Despite just entering her mid-20s, Isabela Merced has already accumulated accolades that many actors work decades to achieve. Her ability to switch between English and Spanish roles has made her a favorite at international ceremonies, while her box office appeal has been recognized by industry giants.
Awards and Nominations Highlights
| Year | Award Body | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | CinemaCon Awards | Rising Star of the Year | Herself | Won 🏆 |
| 2019 | Imagen Awards | Best Actress - Feature Film | Instant Family | Won 🏆 |
| 2017 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Summer Movie Actress | Transformers: The Last Knight | Nominated |
| 2016 | Imagen Awards | Best Young Actor - Television | 100 Things to Do Before High School | Won 🏆 |
| 2020 | Imagen Awards | Best Actress - Feature Film | Dora and the Lost City of Gold | Won 🏆 |
Groundbreaking Milestones
- Youngest Broadway Performer: Isabela was one of the youngest talents to grace the Broadway stage in the revival of Evita, proving her vocal chops before she famously acted on screen.
- First Live-Action Dora: She successfully brought one of the world's most recognizable cartoon characters to life, carrying a major studio film on her shoulders as the first live-action Dora the Explorer.
- Joining the "Big Two" Universes: By the age of 24, Isabela has achieved the rare feat of joining major franchises in both superhero cinema (DC's Superman) and prestige television (HBO's The Last of Us), two of the most coveted gigs in modern Hollywood.
Her consistent recognition by the Imagen Awards also highlights her significant impact on Latino representation in Hollywood, consistently portraying strong, multi-dimensional Hispanic characters rather than stereotypes.
Inside Isabela Merced's Personal Life: Heritage, Education & Relationships
While she spends much of her life in the spotlight, Isabela Merced has managed to keep her private life remarkably grounded. Her deep connection to her roots and her impressive academic achievements paint the picture of a young woman who is much more than just a Hollywood star.
Proudly Peruvian-American
Isabela's identity is deeply intertwined with her heritage. Born in Ohio to an American father and a Peruvian mother from Lima, she grew up speaking Spanish as her first language. In 2019, she made the significant decision to legally change her professional name from Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced. This wasn't a marketing gimmick but a heartfelt tribute to her late maternal grandmother, Yolanda Merced Salazar Pittman, ensuring her family's legacy lives on in every credit she earns.
Academic Brilliance
Proving she's a brilliance both on and off screen, Isabela was accepted into college at the incredibly young age of 15. While balancing a demanding filming schedule for major blockbusters, she pursued psychology, demonstrating an intellectual depth that often informs the complex characters she chooses to play.
Isabela Merced's Dating History & Boyfriends
When it comes to her romantic life, Isabela Merced has navigated the public eye with a mix of openness and privacy typical of her generation. In her early Nickelodeon days, she was in a high-profile relationship with fellow teen star Jace Norman (of Henry Danger fame) in 2016, a romance that dominated teen magazines at the time. Since then, she has kept things more low-key. She was briefly linked to Dylan Summerall, but in recent years, she has been more open about her identity, sharing insights into her life that include queer relationships. As of 2025, she appears to be single, pouring her passion into her rapidly ascending career, though fans are always eager to see who might capture the heart of the new Hawkgirl.
Advocacy and Influence
Isabela uses her platform of over 4.5 million followers to advocate for causes close to her heart. She is a vocal supporter of the Latinx community in the United States and has worked with organizations like UNICEF to support children's rights, proving that her superhero heroics aren't limited to the big screen.
Isabela Merced Net Worth 2025: A Multimillion-Dollar Empire
At just 24 years old, Isabela Merced has built a financial portfolio that rivals veterans in the industry. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands at $3 Million, a figure that is rapidly climbing thanks to her entry into major movie franchises.
Income Sources Breakdown
- Acting Acting (Primary): Isabela commands significant paychecks for her film roles. While her early Nickelodeon salary was standard for teen stars, her roles in Transformers: The Last Knight and Dora and the Lost City of Gold pushed her earnings into the seven-figure range. Her casting in Superman and The Last of Us likely came with substantial salary bumps given the profile of these projects.
- Music Sales & Streaming: Her music career provides a steady secondary income stream. With millions of streams on Spotify for hits like "PAPI" and "Don't Go," plus album sales, she earns royalties as both a singer and songwriter.
- Brand Endorsements: With her massive social media following, Isabela is a prime target for brand partnerships, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors, adding lucrative deals to her annual income.
Financial Trajectory
Isabela's financial future looks incredibly promising. Joining the DC Universe as a core Justice League member (Hawkgirl) typically comes with multi-picture deals and merchandise points. Similarly, HBO series regulars often see massive pay increases season-over-season. Financial analysts expect her net worth to potentially double within the next 2-3 years as these major projects release and backend bonuses kick in.
Unlike many young stars who burn through cash, Merced has reportedly been smart with her earnings, focusing on career longevity and investments rather than lavish public spending.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isabela Merced
How old is Isabela Merced in 2025?
Isabela Merced is 24 years old in 2025. She was born on July 10, 2001.
What is Isabela Merced's height?
She stands at 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm) tall, proving that big talent comes in petite packages.
Is Isabela Merced playing Hawkgirl?
Yes! Isabela Merced has been cast as Hawkgirl in James Gunn's Superman (2025), making her a key figure in the new DC Universe.
Who is Isabela Merced's boyfriend?
As of 2025, Isabela Merced appears to be single. Her most famous past relationship was with Jace Norman in 2016.
What role does she play in The Last of Us?
Isabela plays Dina in Season 2 of HBO's The Last of Us. Dina is Ellie's romantic interest and a major character in the storyline.
Why did she change her name from Moner to Merced?
She changed her name in 2019 to honor her late maternal grandmother, Yolanda Merced, whom she described as a driving force in her life.
What is Isabela Merced's ethnicity?
She is Peruvian-American. Her mother is from Peru, and her father is American. She speaks fluent Spanish.
Does Isabela Merced have siblings?
Yes, she has two brothers: an older brother named Jared and a younger brother named Gyovanni.
What is Isabela Merced's net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $3 Million as of 2025.
Did Isabela Merced go to college?
Yes, she was accepted into college at age 15 to study psychology, showing her dedication to education despite her acting career.
What movie made Isabela Merced famous?
While famous for Nickelodeon, her global film breakout was Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), followed by Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019).
Does Isabela Merced sing?
Yes, she is a talented singer who has released her own EP, The Better Half of Me, and often sings on her movie soundtracks.
Is Isabela Merced in Alien: Romulus?
Yes, she stars in the 2024 sci-fi horror film Alien: Romulus, adding another major franchise to her resume.
What is Isabela Merced's zodiac sign?
She is a Cancer, born on July 10th.
Where does Isabela Merced live?
She splits her time between Los Angeles for work and Cleveland/Ohio to visit family.