How Did Isabela Merced Get Famous?

Isabela Merced, formerly known as Isabela Moner, is one of Hollywood's brightest young stars. With a career spanning television, film, Broadway, and music, she has quickly become a recognizable face in the entertainment industry. But how did Isabela Merced get famous? Her rise to fame didn’t happen overnight—it was built step-by-step with talent, versatility, and smart career choices.

Let’s take a deeper look into the key moments that catapulted Isabela Merced to fame.

Broadway Beginnings at Just 10 Years Old

Isabela’s journey began on stage. At the age of 10, she made her Broadway debut in the 2012 production of Evita, where she performed in Spanish alongside pop star Ricky Martin. This early opportunity not only showcased her singing talent but also gave her critical exposure in the professional performing arts world. Performing in front of live audiences on such a large platform gave her the confidence and experience that would later shape her film and television career.

Nickelodeon Stardom in “100 Things to Do Before High School”

Isabela Merced's fame took a major leap when she was cast as CJ Martin, the lead in Nickelodeon’s 100 Things to Do Before High School (2014–2016). The show was a hit among pre-teens and teenagers, giving Isabela a loyal young fanbase. Her relatable performance as a curious and determined middle schooler made her a household name for young viewers and solidified her status as a rising child star.

Voice Acting in “Dora and Friends: Into the City!”

While working with Nickelodeon, Isabela also voiced the character Kate in Dora and Friends: Into the City!—a spin-off of the beloved Dora the Explorer franchise. This role kept her connected with the network's core audience and showed her range as a voice actress. Being associated with a globally loved brand like Dora helped boost her visibility even further.

Transition to Feature Films

Unlike many child stars, Isabela successfully made the jump from TV to film. Her film debut in Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (2016) was an important step toward more serious roles. Though the film was targeted at a younger audience, it allowed her to prove herself on the big screen and opened doors to more diverse projects.

Breakout Role in “Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017)

One of the biggest moments in Isabela Merced’s rise to fame came when she joined the cast of Transformers: The Last Knight (2017). Playing the role of Izabella, she acted alongside industry heavyweights like Mark Wahlberg. Being part of such a globally recognized blockbuster franchise exposed her to a much wider, international audience and marked her arrival in mainstream Hollywood.

Critically Acclaimed Performance in “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” (2018)

To break out of the “child star” mold, Isabela took on the intense and mature role of Isabel Reyes in Sicario: Day of the Soldado. Her portrayal of a kidnapped girl caught in a drug war earned her critical acclaim and demonstrated her ability to handle gritty, dramatic roles. It was a defining moment that proved she could take on serious roles beyond her age.

Starring Role in “Instant Family”

In 2018, she starred in Instant Family with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, playing Lizzy, a teenager in the foster care system. The movie was a commercial and critical success, and her performance was praised for its emotional depth. It helped further expand her appeal to adult audiences while reinforcing her versatility as an actress.

Leading “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” (2019)

Perhaps her most iconic role to date, Isabela played the live-action version of Dora in Dora and the Lost City of Gold. Leading a major motion picture based on a beloved global character was a huge achievement. The film’s success confirmed her status as a bankable lead actress capable of carrying a franchise.

Rebranding and Music Career as Isabela Merced

In 2019, she changed her professional name from Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced, in honor of her late grandmother. Around the same time, she began focusing more on her music career, releasing singles like “Papi” and an EP titled The Better Half of Me (2020). Her shift into music allowed her to diversify her talents and connect with audiences on a different level.

Upcoming High-Profile Projects: DC & HBO

Isabela Merced’s career is still on the rise. She has been cast as Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot—a major role in the new DC Universe. She’s also set to star as Dina in Season 2 of HBO’s hit series The Last of Us. These roles position her as one of the most promising young actresses of her generation.

Final Thoughts

So, how did Isabela Merced get famous? Her journey has been one of determination, talent, and bold choices. From Broadway stages and Nickelodeon shows to blockbuster films and music releases, Isabela has proven herself to be a multi-talented performer. With high-profile roles on the horizon, it's clear that her fame is only set to grow.

Whether you're a fan of her early Nickelodeon work, her intense dramatic roles, or her catchy music, there’s no denying that Isabela Merced is a star on the rise—and here to stay.