After over 2 decades of enthralling young audiences, Dora the Explorer is all set to return in a bold new live-action reboot: one without Isabela Merced, sadly. Slated for a 2025 release, the live-action film titled Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is all set to reintroduce the much-loved explorer with a fresh face, Samantha Lorraine.

This news has received mixed reactions, with some hesitation from longtime fans. That’s because in 2019, Merced gave a widely lauded performance in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, perfectly embodying the humor, heart, and heritage of the legendary character.

While Lorraine’s casting does promise a fresh look at Dora, it also raises some inevitable doubt: will she be able to truly capture a charm similar to what Merced brought to the role?

When Dora and the Lost City of Gold was released in 2019, it didn’t feel much like just a kids’ movie. It was a surprisingly cerebral, self-aware, and charming adventure film. Isabela Merced as Dora was one of the movie’s biggest feats. She brought with her an appealing blend of wide-eyed innocence and teenage self-awareness, which helped her retain the character’s quirky cartoon charisma while being a believable live-action teen.

Merced, who is of Peruvian descent herself, even learned Quechua, an ingenious language, to deliver a more authentic portrayal of the ethnic cartoon character (via Hola!)- an effort that deeply resonated with Latinx fans. Her performance helped the movie bring in over $120 million in global box office returns (via Box Office Mojo)and earned her praise and acclaim for anchoring the film with authenticity and spunk.

Needless to say, the pressure of playing such a universally recognized character couldn’t have been easy. However, her commitment to the project showed and paid off, with many fans still considering her the definitive live-action Dora. And the fact that Merced managed to win over both nostalgic fans and new audiences is no small feat. As Tinseltown reboots continue to rely on Gen Z audiences, her version remains the ultimate blueprint.

Now, as Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado gears up for its release on July 2, 2025, Samatha Lorraine finds herself in the center of the conversation. Helmed by Alberto Belli, the upcoming movie marks the 25^th anniversary of the original cartoon. Lorraine, who famously starred in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, is set to lead the story as Dora, taking on an adventurous quest to uncover an ancient treasure.

Social media has been buzzing ever since Lorraine’s involvement was confirmed, with mixed reactions. Many wonder if Lorraine will deliver a similar sense of comedic timing, and flat out just want Merced back.

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Fans are not happy with the lower-budget, new-cast film, and they’re not afraid to call it out on Reddit.

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As Dora swings back onto our TV screens for another round of adventure, the stakes are higher than ever- not just for the film, but for Lorraine herself. Following in the footsteps of the multi-talented Isabella Merced is a daunting task. Here’s hoping Samantha Lorraine is up for it and emerges out of these thick clouds of speculations, a victorious, righteous version of Dora.