Isabela Merced: From Child Star to Hollywood Powerhouse
If you’re curious about the impressive career of Isabela Moner, especially her isabela moner movies and tv shows, you’ve come to the right place. This young talent has captivated audiences from a very early age. She’s not just an actress; she’s also a singer, voice actress, and songwriter.
To quickly answer your main question, here are some highlights of Isabela Moner’s (now Isabela Merced’s) notable work:
- Name Change: Isabela Moner officially changed her name to Isabela Merced in 2019, honoring her late grandmother.
- Major Movie Roles: She’s known for lead roles in films like Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Transformers: The Last Knight, Instant Family, and Sicario: Day of the Soldado.
- Key TV Series: Her breakout role was as CJ Martin in the Nickelodeon series 100 Things to Do Before High School.
- Early Career: Isabela made her Broadway debut at just 10 years old in Evita, showcasing her talent from a very young age.
Isabela Merced’s journey is a powerful example of versatility and dedication in the entertainment industry. She continues to take on diverse roles, proving her range and commitment.
The Story Behind the Name: From Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced
When fans find that their favorite actress changed her name, it often raises eyebrows. But Isabela’s journey from Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced tells a story that’s both touching and deeply meaningful.
Born Isabela Yolanda Moner on July 10, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio, she made the official switch to Merced in 2019. This wasn’t about creating a catchier stage name or following Hollywood trends. Instead, it was a beautiful tribute to someone she never got to meet but carries in her heart every day.
The name “Merced” honors her late maternal grandmother, a woman who passed away before Isabela was born. This decision shows how deeply she values her Peruvian heritage and family connections. Even as her career in isabela moner movies and tv shows continued to flourish, she wanted to carry this piece of her family’s legacy with her.
It’s refreshing to see a young star make such a personal choice in an industry that often prioritizes image over authenticity. The name change represents more than just a professional decision – it’s about staying connected to her roots while building her future.
For fans following her work, this change happened right around the time she was taking on more mature roles and establishing herself as a serious actress. You can read more about her heartfelt decision in Why Isabela Moner Changed Her Name.
This change from Moner to Merced perfectly captures who Isabela is – someone who honors her past while fearlessly stepping into her future.
The Ultimate List of Isabela Moner Movies and TV Shows
Isabela Merced’s journey through film and television is truly something special. She’s tackled everything from heartwarming family stories to intense action thrillers, showing off her incredible range. With dozens of acting credits to her name, she’s definitely left her mark across various genres. Her ability to seamlessly transition between roles, whether in huge blockbusters or more intimate independent films, truly showcases her impressive talent. Let’s explore some of the most memorable isabela moner movies and tv shows that have shaped her career so far.
Must-See Isabela Moner Movies and TV Shows
When we think of Isabela Merced’s most iconic roles, certain films immediately pop into mind. These are the projects where she truly shone and captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Perhaps one of her most recognizable roles, Isabela perfectly brought the adventurous animated character to life in the live-action Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019). Imagine a homeschooled Dora tackling high school before starting on a quest for a lost city of gold! Her performance was a hit, capturing Dora’s spirit and smarts. Fun fact: she even voiced Kate in the animated Dora and Friends: Into the City! before becoming the big-screen Dora – talk about a full-circle moment!
Then there’s her thrilling role in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017). Isabela played Izabella, a tough, street-smart orphan who finds an unlikely friend in Bumblebee. She really held her own in this huge action blockbuster, showing she could handle intense scenes and bring emotional depth even when surrounded by giant robots and epic battles.
For a completely different vibe, look at Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018). Here, Isabela took on a much more serious and mature role as Isabel Reyes, the young daughter of a drug lord. Her portrayal was raw and vulnerable, adding a deeply human touch to such a gritty and intense story. Critics were especially impressed by how much emotion she could convey, even just “in her eyes.”
In a heartwarming contrast, Instant Family (2018) showed a different side of Isabela. She played Lizzy, the oldest of three foster siblings adopted by a new couple (played by Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne). This film explored themes of family, adoption, and teenage life with a lovely mix of humor and heart. Plus, she even wrote and sang a song for the soundtrack – talk about multi-talented!
Isabela also proved her action chops in Sweet Girl (2021). She played Rachel Cooper, whose father (Jason Momoa) is on a mission for justice after his wife’s death. This role really showcased her ability to handle thrilling sequences and intense emotions in a suspenseful setting.
And recently, she joined the superhero world in Madame Web (2024). Isabela plays Anya Corazon, one of the young women who gain spider-like abilities and team up with Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson). It’s exciting to see her bring a fresh take to a comic book character in this new genre for her.
Key Television Roles and Appearances
Before hitting the big screen, Isabela Merced really shined on TV, especially with Nickelodeon, which has been a launching pad for so many young talents.
Her breakout role was CJ Martin in the Nickelodeon series 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014-2016). This show was a hit, following CJ and her friends as they tried to complete a fun list of trips before heading to high school. It really showed off her knack for comedy and made her a prominent young star, establishing her as a charming and relatable presence on screen.
She also had a recurring role as Jenny in the NBC sitcom Growing Up Fisher (2014), where she got to explore more comedic timing. And for fans of classic Nickelodeon, she starred as Sadie in the TV movie adaptation of Legends of the Hidden Temple (2016), bringing a beloved game show to a new generation.
Looking ahead, fans of the critically acclaimed HBO series The Last of Us are eagerly anticipating Isabela’s role as Dina in the upcoming second season. This is set to be a significant role, allowing her to dive into a complex and intense post-apocalyptic story.
A Complete List of Isabela Moner Movies and TV Shows
To truly appreciate just how much Isabela has accomplished, here’s a comprehensive look at her film and television credits. It’s a wonderful testament to her dedication and incredible journey from early appearances to becoming a leading lady!
Film:
- The House That Jack Built (2013) – Young girl (her film debut)
- Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016) – Jeanne Galletta
- Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) – Izabella
- The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (2017) – Heather (voice)
- Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) – Isabel Reyes
- Instant Family (2018) – Lizzy
- Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) – Dora
- Let It Snow (2019) – Julie Reyes
- Spirit Untamed (2021) – Lucky Prescott (voice)
- Sweet Girl (2021) – Rachel Cooper
- Father of the Bride (2022) – Cora Herrera
- Rosaline (2022) – Juliet
- Migration (2023) – Kim (voice)
- Madame Web (2024) – Anya Corazon
- Turtles All the Way Down (2024) – Aza Holmes
- Alien: Romulus (2024) – Kay
- Superman (2025) – Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl
Television:
- The Good Parts (2014) – Michelle (TV short)
- Growing Up Fisher (2014) – Jenny (7 episodes)
- Dora and Friends: Into the City! (2014-2017) – Kate (voice, 5 episodes)
- 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014-2016) – CJ Martin (25 episodes)
- Splitting Adam (2015) – Lori Collins (TV movie)
- Legends of the Hidden Temple (2016) – Sadie (TV movie)
- The Middle (2016) – Jeanne (1 episode)
- Maya and the Three (2021) – Widow Queen (voice, 3 episodes)
- Rock, Paper, Scissors (Upcoming) – (voice)
- The Last of Us (Upcoming) – Dina
This comprehensive list truly highlights the incredible range and dedication Isabela has brought to her craft, constantly seeking out new challenges and genres.
Beyond the Screen: A Singer and Voice Actor
While we’ve explored many of isabela moner movies and tv shows, Isabela Merced’s talents extend far beyond traditional acting. She’s a true multi-talented artist who has captivated audiences through music and voice acting as well. Her diverse creative expressions make her a genuine celebrity inspiration, especially as she continues to explore different artistic mediums with the same passion she brings to her on-screen roles.
What makes Isabela particularly fascinating is how she seamlessly moves between different forms of entertainment. Whether she’s singing, acting, or lending her voice to animated characters, she brings the same authenticity and energy that has made her such a beloved figure in Hollywood.
A Flourishing Music Career
Music has been woven into Isabela’s life from the very beginning, running parallel to her acting career. She released her debut album, Stopping Time, back in 2015, showcasing vocal abilities that many fans didn’t even know she possessed. The album revealed a young artist with genuine musical talent, not just another actor trying their hand at singing.
In 2019, around the same time she changed her professional name, Isabela released her single “Papi,” which garnered significant attention and highlighted her connection to her Latin heritage. This was followed by her debut EP, The Better Half of Me, which dropped on May 22, 2020, further establishing her as a serious musical artist.
One of the most charming aspects of Isabela’s musical journey is her skill with the ukulele. She often incorporates this instrument into her performances and social media posts, creating an intimate connection with her fans. Her music beautifully blends pop with Latin influences, reflecting her Peruvian roots and adding another layer to her artistic identity.
She’s also contributed to movie soundtracks, including writing and performing a song for her film Instant Family. This shows how she integrates her various talents, bringing her musical abilities directly into her acting projects.
Lending Her Voice to Animation
Isabela’s voice acting work demonstrates yet another dimension of her versatility. She has a natural ability to bring animated characters to life, infusing them with personality and heart through her expressive vocal delivery.
Her most prominent voice role came in Spirit Untamed (2021), where she voiced the lead character, Lucky Prescott. Lucky is a spirited girl who forms an unbreakable bond with a wild mustang named Spirit, and Isabela brought both trip and emotional depth to this character. The role allowed her to explore themes of freedom, friendship, and finding your place in the world.
In The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (2017), she voiced Heather, a feisty mouse character who added energy to this family-friendly animated comedy. Even in a smaller role, her personality shone through.
Her work in Maya and the Three (2021) showed her range in a completely different direction. She provided the voice for the Widow Queen in this critically acclaimed Netflix animated limited series, bringing gravitas and power to a more dramatic character.
Perhaps most interesting is her connection to the Dora franchise through voice work. Before becoming the live-action Dora, Isabela voiced Kate in the animated series Dora and Friends: Into the City! from 2014-2017. This early voice role laid the foundation for her eventual iconic portrayal of Dora herself, creating a beautiful full-circle moment in her career.
Her voice acting career proves that Isabela’s talents truly know no bounds. She can embody characters of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, bringing the same dedication and authenticity to animation that she brings to live-action roles.
What’s Next for Isabela Merced?
The future is absolutely glowing for Isabela Merced, and we couldn’t be more excited about the incredible projects she has lined up. Her upcoming roles show a deliberate evolution toward more complex and challenging characters, proving that her isabela moner movies and tv shows journey is just getting started.
Perhaps the most thrilling news for superhero fans is her casting as Kendra Saunders, also known as Hawkgirl, in James Gunn’s highly anticipated Superman (2025). This marks a monumental moment in her career as she enters the DC Universe, joining one of the most prestigious superhero franchises in Hollywood. The role positions her alongside some of the most iconic characters in comic book history, and fans are buzzing with anticipation to see how she’ll bring this powerful, winged warrior to life on the big screen.
But that’s not all – Isabela is also set to star in Alien: Romulus (2024), where she’ll play a character named Kay in the latest chapter of the legendary sci-fi horror franchise. While specific details about her role remain tantalizingly under wraps, her involvement in this intense, mature franchise signals her willingness to tackle darker, more psychologically demanding material. It’s a bold choice that showcases her range beyond the family-friendly roles that first made her famous.
Another deeply meaningful project on her horizon is Turtles All the Way Down (2024), where she takes on the challenging lead role of Aza Holmes. Based on John Green’s bestselling novel, this film explores the complex inner world of a teenager navigating obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety while solving a mystery involving her childhood friend. It’s exactly the kind of nuanced, emotionally rich character work that allows actors to truly showcase their depth and maturity.
These upcoming projects demonstrate Isabela’s thoughtful approach to her career trajectory. She’s not just taking any role that comes her way – she’s carefully selecting characters that push her boundaries and allow her to grow as an artist. From superhero action to psychological horror to intimate character studies, her future filmography promises to be as diverse and captivating as her personality.
At Beyond Beauty Lab, we admire how Isabela continues to inspire through her fearless career choices, proving that true beauty comes from embracing challenges and staying authentic to your artistic vision.
Answering Your Top Questions About Isabela Merced
We know you have even more questions about this phenomenal talent, and we’re here to answer them! From her incredible start in acting to the awards she’s won and her deep cultural roots, let’s explore more about Isabela Merced.
How did Isabela Merced start acting?
Isabela’s journey into acting began at a remarkably young age, showing a natural gift for performing right from the start. Can you imagine making your Broadway debut at just 10 years old? Well, Isabela did just that! She starred in a 2012 production of Evita, where she even had the incredible opportunity to sing in Spanish alongside Ricky Martin. That’s quite an early career highlight!
But her passion for acting sparked even before Broadway. She started performing in local community theater when she was only six. Interestingly, her parents first encouraged her to audition for a local production of The Wizard of Oz as a way to help her cope. Their family home had been tragically destroyed by a fire, and this was a distraction. What started as a difficult time quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion for Isabela. It’s clear that her family’s support has been a huge part of her success, providing a loving environment for her talents to truly shine.
What awards has Isabela Merced won?
Isabela Merced’s talent has certainly not gone unnoticed by critics and industry experts! She has received significant recognition for her powerful performances, collecting a number of awards and nominations throughout her impressive career. In total, she has won 6 awards and received 7 nominations, which is a fantastic achievement and a testament to her impactful work.
Some of her most notable accolades include winning multiple Imagen Awards. These awards celebrate positive portrayals of Latinos and Latinas in entertainment. In 2017, she was also honored with the CinemaCon Rising Star of the Year Award, acknowledging her growing prominence in film. Plus, she received a Young Entertainer Award, recognizing her outstanding performances as a young actress. These awards truly underscore the critical acclaim she’s earned, validating her dedication and skill across all her diverse roles in isabela moner movies and tv shows. For a more detailed list of her awards and nominations, you can visit More on Isabela Merced’s awards.
Is Isabela Merced Peruvian?
Yes, Isabela Merced absolutely has strong Peruvian roots! Her mother, Katherine Moner, is Peruvian and hails from Lima, while her father, Patrick Moner, was born in Louisiana and has Polish and Slovak ancestry. This beautiful blend of cultures is a very significant part of her identity.
Though she was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Isabela actually considers herself more Peruvian than American. In fact, Spanish was her very first language, and she even mentioned struggling with English in grade school! This deep connection to her heritage isn’t just personal; it often influences her work and public persona. Her decision to change her name to Merced, honoring her Peruvian grandmother (as we mentioned earlier), is a powerful example of this connection. This rich bicultural background brings a unique perspective to her roles and music. We at Beyond Beauty Lab find her accept of her heritage to be a beautiful source of inspiration for holistic wellness and self-acceptance.
Conclusion
What an incredible journey Isabela Merced has had so far! From her dazzling Broadway debut at just 10 years old to captivating us in major blockbusters, and now, with exciting new roles on the horizon, she truly is a rising Hollywood powerhouse. Her career trajectory shows remarkable versatility and a deep commitment to her craft.
We’ve seen her shine in so many isabela moner movies and tv shows, adapting to every role with grace and power. But Isabela is so much more than just an actress. Her meaningful decision to change her name to honor her grandmother, her flourishing music career, and her impactful voice acting all showcase a talent that beautifully transcends boundaries.
Here at Beyond Beauty Lab, we are constantly inspired by Isabela’s dedication, her proud accept of her bicultural heritage, and her commitment to diverse artistic expression. She’s a wonderful example of how truly embracing who you are contributes to overall well-being and radiant confidence.
Isabela Merced isn’t just shaping the future of film and television; she’s also showing us all the power of authenticity and passion. We can’t wait to see what amazing things she does next! For more celebrity inspirations and wellness insights, be sure to explore our site: https://beyondbeautylab.com/category/celeb-faves/.
