In the critically-acclaimed comedy-drama “Instant Family“, Lizzy is a notable character, and chances are you’ve seen the actor in significant roles elsewhere. The primary cast of “Instant Family” consists of Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, portraying Pete and Ellie Wagner, a contented pair yearning to become parents. As they delve into the foster care system, they encounter Lizzy, a defiant yet nurturing teenager, along with her two younger siblings, Juan and Lita.
The film “Instant Family” received widespread acclaim upon its initial release, grossing over $120 million in box office sales (as reported by Box Office Mojo) and garnering an impressive 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, several years later, the film has gained popularity on Netflix, attracting a new wave of fans. While Mark Wahlberg and Isabela Moner were the main stars in “Instant Family” when it debuted as a family-friendly movie, many viewers today may recognize the young actress who portrayed Lizzy.
Instant Family’s Lizzy Is Played By Isabela Merced
The Actor Was Credited As Isabela Moner At The Time
In the film “Instant Family”, Isabela Merced (originally known as Isabela Moner) plays Lizzy, whose acting performance stands out among others. Initially, Lizzy is depicted as a straightforward young woman who, being part of a foster care group, doesn’t hold high hopes for finding a family to adopt her. To make matters more challenging, she insists on being placed with her younger siblings as well. Remarkably, the Wagners agree to this unusual condition.
Merced excels at navigating the intricacies of Lizzy’s character. She has been a guardian figure for her younger brother and sister for much of their lives, taking on parental roles. This makes it difficult for her to relinquish control and let Ellie and Pete assume parenting responsibilities. Additionally, she harbors a desire to reconnect her family with their biological mother, which creates hesitation in forming attachments to the Wagners. Furthermore, she often finds herself in typical teenage scenarios, making dubious romantic decisions, going out with friends, and challenging authority – essentially, she’s a rebellious teenager.
In her portrayal, Merced skillfully reveals the complexities of Lizzy, a character who is both intelligent and conflicted. She effectively captures Lizzy’s frustrations towards Pete and Ellie, individuals who are merely attempting to assist her and her siblings. Yet, she also subtly communicates why Lizzy behaves in such a manner, keeping the audience empathetic towards her throughout. Merced’s acting during the movie’s climax is one of the most compelling aspects of the film.
What Isabela Merced Has Done Since Instant Family
Merced Appears In A Hit HBO Series And An Upcoming DCU Movie
Isabela Merced made a strong entry into Hollywood early in her career, but her stardom has soared even higher since then. Prior to her acclaimed performance in the comedy-drama “Instant Family”, she landed a breakout role in the Transformers franchise, portraying Izabella in “Transformers: The Last Knight”, which also featured her future “Instant Family” co-star Mark Wahlberg. In the same year that she starred in “Instant Family”, she also held a leading role in the thriller sequel “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” as Isabel Reyes. The following year, she claimed her first leading role, and an iconic one at that, starring in “Dora and the Lost City of Gold”.
Isabela Merced’s Movies & TV Shows:
| Title | Character |
|---|---|
| Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) | Izabella |
| Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018) | Isabel Reyes |
| Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) | Dora |
| Turtles All the Way Down (2024) | Aza Holmes |
| The Last of Us (2023-Present) | Dina |
The movie titled “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” marked the last time Isabela Moner was given credit, but her career as Isabela Merced has remained vibrant and promising. She graced the screen in the teen holiday comedy “Let It Snow,” portrayed Shakespeare’s Juliet in the comedic reinterpretation “Rosaline,” and shared the spotlight with Jason Momoa in the thriller “Sweet Girl.” However, her debut in the superhero realm in “Madame Web” was underwhelming in 2024. Yet, she made a striking comeback with her captivating role in the hit summer blockbuster “Alien: Romulus.
2025 has undeniably been a momentous year for me, with my breakthrough role as Dina in The Last of Us likely cementing my place in popular culture. It’s exciting to think that my stardom is only set to escalate, especially with my upcoming DCU theatrical debut as Hawkgirl in Superman and my confirmed return to Peacemaker for season 2. Reflecting on my journey, it’s fascinating to revisit Instant Family as a glimpse of the greatness that was yet to unfold.
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2025-05-23 04:35