If you’ve been a longtime Celeb Secrets stan, you know we’ve been riding for Isabela Merced since the beginning. From dancing her way into our hearts as a kid on Nickelodeon to carrying the torch as a new-age action star, Isabela’s glow-up has been nothing short of superhero-worthy. And now, in the highly anticipated Superman movie from DC Studios, she’s finally earned her wings — literally — as the iconic and enigmatic Hawkgirl.
“It’s been quite a whirlwind,” Isabela tells us with a grin. “I was filming The Last of Us and Superman at the same time — and now I feel like I’m doing press for both. But I’ve never been more excited.”
In this next chapter of her career, Isabela steps into a role that’s equal parts fierce, grounded, and deeply layered — just like her. “Hawkgirl is kind of a version of me if I didn’t people please at all,” she says with a laugh. “She doesn’t care to put on the social mask — even though she literally wears one. She treats being a superhero like a job at first, which I think is so cool and unique.”
And while she might fly solo in some ways, Isabela has been vibing with her Superman cast behind the scenes — especially in their Justice Gang group chat. “It clicked for me when we were all standing together on set — Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific — and I was like, alright, we’re doing this. This is real.”
Isabela’s red carpet moment is leveling up too — thanks to her new partnership with Progressive Insurance. To celebrate the Superman premiere, Progressive teamed up with DC and Warner Bros. to unveil a larger-than-life photo op inspired by the Action Comics #1 cover — a comic-style diorama featuring a branded car replica suspended in mid-air.
“I thought it was such a beautiful homage to Superman,” Isabela shares. “They nailed it. The vibe is correct. It’s clever and it’s helpful — just like Superman would be.”
The activation also shines a spotlight on Progressive’s in-app feature, Accident Response — a real-world superhero solution that helps drivers when things go south. With just a few taps, the app can contact emergency services, request a tow, and even begin filing a claim — all in real time.
“As someone who would totally freeze in that kind of situation, I think it’s genius,” she says. “It makes things so simple. And honestly? It’s something my mom would love.”
Hawkgirl’s got wings, strength, and edge — but what would Isabela choose if she had just one power IRL?
“Teleportation. Flight and super speed would mess up the glam,” she jokes. “I’m always running late. It’s not cute.”
Even with all the chaos of superhero suits and premiere prep, Isabela hasn’t lost her down-to-earth charm. She refers to her glam team as her own “Justice Gang,” plans to bring a tote bag for the premiere freebies, and beams when talking about fans — especially the kids who’ve followed her since her Dora days.
“Kids are my audience. They’re tastemakers. If they like you, it means you’re cool,” she says. “Seeing their reactions tonight is what I’m most excited about.”
And for fans who’ve grown up alongside her, this role is more than just a career move — it’s a full-circle moment. “I hope when people see Hawkgirl, they forget it’s me,” Isabela says sincerely. “That they’re able to immerse themselves in the world. I’m so passionate about this film and I really believe in it.”
She also hinted that eagle-eyed fans should keep their eyes peeled for hidden Easter eggs. “There are things I missed — and I filmed the movie! Some I can’t even talk about yet,” she teases.
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Superhero projects aren’t slowing her down one bit — she’s also getting back to her musical roots. Coming up? A brand new single in August with a Grammy-winning Peruvian producer, blending salsa and tropical vibes into what she calls a “love letter to Peru — and to the fans of my music.”
“There’s a music video coming. It’s sexy and fun — and very me,” she reveals. “It came from my own imagination, and I’m so proud of it.”
As for her role in Superman, you’ll have to catch her in IMAX to see it in all its glory — and Isabela has one humble birthday request: “If you’re a fan of mine, please go see Superman in theaters. My birthday is July 10, and that’s how this movie was meant to be experienced.”
Isabela Merced is no stranger to transformation — but this time, she’s doing it with wings, wisdom, and just the right amount of superhero sass. With Superman, her Progressive partnership, and a new era of music on the way, Isabela isn’t just stepping into the DC Universe. She’s soaring.
For more on Isabela’s role as Hawkgirl in Superman and her partnership with Progressive Insurance, make sure to watch our full interview below — and don’t forget to catch Superman in theaters when it hits theaters and IMAX this Friday, July 11th.
Interview quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
