Hello! Meet Aza!

In which John and Turtles All the Way Down star Isabela Merced discuss acting, color, the deep love of parents, and compassion toward one's self.
Follow Isabela on instagram: / isabelamerced
Here's the semi-secret longer version: • The secret longer vers...
----
Subscribe to our newsletter! eepurl.com/Bgi9b
And join the community at nerdfighteria.com
Help transcribe videos - nerdfighteria.info
Learn more about our project to help Partners in Health radically reduce maternal mortality in Sierra Leone: www.pih.org/hankandjohn
If you're able to donate $2,000 or more to this effort, please join our matching fund: pih.org/hankandjohnmatch
John's twitter - / johngreen
Hank's twitter - / hankgreen
Hank's tumblr - / edwardspoonhands

[@vlogbrothers]

Hi. As you can see in this video, Isabela Merced has such a deep understanding of Aza and human dynamics and she's just brilliant. I am so grateful to her for pouring so much love and talent into Aza. -John p.s. here's the semi-secret long version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m36YgXyrdsiUm7c

[@PoppyOxymoron]

I watch the longer version first and I was so exited to see it! Thank you for uploading John

[@rainbowfoxmagicgrrrl]

I can't wait to watch the movie!

[@furyzimmerman]

I read the book right after my dad died in 2017. I barely slept for 3 months to care for him, and sleep continued to allude me afterwards. I started the book hoping to read a couple of pages and fall asleep, and I read the entire thing. It was like a movie, and it’s been my favorite book since. And now you’re making it a movie!! Isabela and I share the exact same birthday (month, day, and year), and I always resonated with Aza. The coincidence is insane. Wishing you all the best ❤️❤️❤️

[@idiomasconalex]

She is a such a great artist and human

[@MelissaThompson432]

Q: this doesn't really matter, but I always assumed John was autistic and his hair thing was a stim. He feels like he belongs to us in the ASD federation. I won't ask. I merely observe. Take it as a compliment. 💚

[@sayna3821]

I immediately noticed johns “19” necklace which indicates that he is the 19th important actor on set and I love it

[@josipjagic]

DH&J club!!

[@OurHourglass]

@visible Oh man, totally got donut-rolled.

[@SMBudge]

@@josipjagic for a second I thought you were talking about a new kind of sandwich, but I looked at context and remembered that less than 3minutes ago I was listening to that. Dry Humor and Jokes

[@timothyshoup5044]

Is that really what it means?

[@Kagedtiger]

@@timothyshoup5044 Yeah, he mentioned it in a previous video: he is 19th on the call sheet. XD

[@OctopusLady]

"She was just you with a wig on?" made me legit laugh out loud

[@adlockhungry304]

LLOL, as it were.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Too bad they didn't cast John with a wig on for the role.

[@megs.9915]

me too. And the way John responded was equally great

[@1206549]

@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 make a John green cut of the movie where aza is just John in a wig

[@mars_girl]

I'm obsessed with this entire video. Isabella was supplying relatable theatre kid content the entire time, especially when she talked about the constant need for reassurance and the blackout when you're really in the scene. I've loved her in all the projects I've seen her in, I know she'll be great in this

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

+

[@B_Skizzle]

"I can feel empathy for Aza that I struggle to feel for myself." I’m not a writer in the traditional sense, but I can relate to this so much. I play D&D and I often find that I have an easier time working through things in character.

[@bouncingbean]

Yes, this. I have discovered important things about myself through my D&D characters. Like major things I never fully explored until I started playing D&D about 3 years ago (well into grown-ass adulthood).

[@Mine-jm9sq]

I actually feel like this can be true for readers as well. When reading you often are able to find little bits and pieces of yourself in a character and simultaneously get an outside look on those things. Often those little flaws are the thing that make us like those characters the most even though we hate them about ourselves. When a character we love is struggling we feel compassionate even though we might beat us up about everything going on if we were in a similliar situation

[@fiveclub40]

As someone with OCD, I’m SO excited for this movie because Turtle All the Way Down is one of the only accurate and respectful depictions of OCD that I’ve ever seen, and this movie will bring that good representation to an even wider audience ❤️

[@prayingmantis8148]

Having a movie where the source material was written by a person who lives with OCD, and more importantly, wanted to write about it carefully and truthfully (with the added bonus of being an excellent writer) is something I'm deeply grateful for. I can't wait to watch it over and over again.

[@jemimaburns3340]

The first book that introduced me to OCD in an actual 'here's what it's like to live day in day out with this condition' sort of way was 'Am I Normal Yet?', by Holly Bourne. It's a UK book so if you're not from here there might be some cultural things that are hard to understand - but it's a beautiful book about a teenager re entering her school and social lives as she starts to get in control of her OCD. It's about mental health and feminism and female friendship and what all of that means to a teenager, and I love it. I don't have OCD, so I can't speak for how accurate it is from personal experience, but from what I know through study and friends experiences, it's an accurate depiction. If you're looking for more books about OCD, that might be a good one to try next :)

[@fiveclub40]

@@jemimaburns3340 Thank you for the recommendation! I took a screenshot of the title :)

[@prongs4137]

+

[@spacey-sam]

I love that she didn’t fall for the favorite Beetle favorite color trick lol

[@TalLikesThat]

I didn't understand it. Can you explain it to me?

[@aashi8316]

Normally John asks their favourite colour and favourite Beatle (the band) and then responds with "oh see mine are John and Green"

[@TalLikesThat]

@@aashi8316 that's awesome. Thank you!

[@squarepeg9546]

@@aashi8316but… my favorites really ARE John and green! 😮

[@koenahn]

In a different timeline this channel is run by the brothers Hank and George Brown

[@sarahknott4125]

On being a parent not wanting to be too desperate: As a mom of a middle schooler who has been going through some times, being there feels the most relevant. I'll lay in her bed and just be in the space while she does her own thing. Or sitting on the couch with her. Or driving in the car. My presence is there and she decides if she wants or needs me to be involved in her life. Her insecurities, her fears, her excitement, her accomplishments. We have discussions that fit her understanding, not her age. Being open minded and open hearted will get your caring energy as a parent across. 💜

[@globisdead]

I love this so much.

[@gracehwang5671]

Thank you for this ♡ I think this is so helpful in learning how to love people well generally, and especially as a parent

[@Judithwhite315]

Speaking as a mom of 7, with the advice from 2 neighbors, one of 8 & the other of 10, just listen. Open your ears & close your eyes to the mess. They want to connect. Mostly they, and their friends, want a safe space. My best friend in HS, her father said, "if you feed them, they will come." A rule I keep. All the junk food I want to taste, but don't want to eat the entirel package, chips, ice cream, etc. Keep it stocked, make the home welcoming, ignore the mess, the friends will also come.

[@AdaSoto]

Mine just turned nine and I can feel the whispers of the teenage years approaching. She'll still flip on My Little Pony but then say something terribly profound about Applejack's character that somehow connects to something going on with her friends at school. I'm trying to remind myself over and over that the best thing I can do is just be there. But it is hard to back off some days.

[@MinibitX]

I'm really glad this works for you and your daughter. Sincerely. But it wouldn't say it's good advice for every family. My parent did a similar thing and I resented the hell out of it. I felt like I was never allowed to be alone, even in my room. It made we want to keep more secrets, because then at least I would have SOME things that were just for me. So it's definitely different for every kid. I am really glad you've managed to be close with your daughter though. Raising kids seems really, really hard.

[@wietse1113]

Struggling to feel empathy for yourself like you would feel for others really resonates with me.

[@Ana-ls4mu]

+

[@katieelizabeth2828]

Same

[@camilled9215]

She looks exactly like I imagined Aza the first time I read the book, both physically and mentally, the movie is going to be fantastic !

[@debrachambers1304]

What does looking like someone mentally mean?

[@thatjillgirl]

She's not my exact imagined Aza, but she's weirdly close.

[@user-fh5ov4tu2j]

Its awesome that its always a mission for you to befriend the actors behind the characters lol

[@beccam7298]

I really love this, and I can only imagine how hard it must be to watch the heartwrenching scenes come to life. I hope it's joyous to see happy scenes come to life.

[@vlogbrothers]

It is. I laugh so much! -John

[@lindamagagula7476]

​​​@@vlogbrotherswhat up John. I love Isabela Merced ❤she is a superb, gifted actress. She really nailed every roles she plays. In real life, she is a lovely and warm-hearted girl. I can't wait to see the flick.

[@Azeria]

Isabela is such a great actor, and I was so happy to see she was playing Aza in this film. I can’t wait for movie!

[@suntzugames]

I could listen to you two talk for hours if not days. Such comfortable dialogue and expressions 🙂

[@idiomasconalex]

I agree. I love their chemistry

[@kimmykimmie]

…she looks like the aza in my brain I wanna cry oh my god

[@evalynn1863]

I love that, despite the age difference, John never talks to these actors as if they're kids, and always listens as though he has something to learn from them. It feels like they are equals in the conversation. I feel like it's a rare quality to have and it's really refreshing to see.

[@GoogelyeyesSaysHej]

I mean a older teenager is very different from a toddler or small child

[@evalynn1863]

@@GoogelyeyesSaysHej Of course. But most adults treat teenagers like they're still kids and don't know anything of value because they haven't been around as long. They think there's nothing to be learned from them. John doesn't.

[@IMakeupStuff]

John's laugh when she calls him out about how Aza looked in his head cured my depression.

[@VioletEmerald]

This was SO special to see, like John wasn't expecting to be so vulnerable but Isabela just peeled back all the layers so carelessly and playfully without even trying! What an amazing interesting soul connection thing going on.

[@AMTunLimited]

Mr. Rogers said that all of the characters for the land of Make Believe were aspects of himself (fears, insecurities, vanities, arrogance) that he found difficult to express, and therefore love, especially Daniel Stripped Tiger. Externalizing these things gives you permission to treat yourself with the kindness you would afford other people

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

+

[@Olive-cp4nu]

As someone with severe OCD, I LOVED the book and really want to see how accurate the movie is.

[@baeguevara354]

This was really fun to go back and watch now that I've seen Turtles All the Way Down and Isabela Merced as Aza. I love watching y'all hang out, it's always cool to see actors not in performer mode just hanging out.

[@laurensomething1899]

Anyone else here after the movie and just now noticing John would never pick out that outfit for himself and now I know why.

[@ameliafrandsen668]

Came back to this video after watching the movie. So so good!!

[@maggiemiller3174]

I LOVED Isabella in Instant Family, and I can't wait to see what she brings to Turtles All the Way Down!

[@azdajajeanne]

WHOA, WHOA, WHOA. SHE'S _THAT_ ISABELA MERCED?! "ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTRESSES" _ISABELA MERCED_ ?! That's such a common name, I didn't even think of that! And her hair's different now. I totally didn't recognize her. THAT'S who they got to play Aza?!

[@SSL26]

Loved seeing your cameo John. I can fully understand why you're regrettably cut from every other film though 😅😅 much love either way. I was so thrilled to see you in the Turtles film. I was the embodiment of the Leo DeCaprio meme to my wife when you came on screen

[@raelynbag]

This video is so sweet feels like a father and daughter talking

[@averousnooresa9791]

I watched all of John’s cast interview. This one is particularly interesting because you two connect in such a deep level it’s amazing to see. This video trumps your vlog with kristin forsyth and cara delevingne for sure.

[@kimmykimmie]

It just hit me the movie is happening. Like the book that saved my life will be a movie. I’m crying rn.

[@moocat800]

I'm so excited for this movie to come out.

[@TiredTypewriter]

i've been procrastinating reading turtles all the way down (life is crazy = reading is difficult) but these little interviews have me falling in love with the cast more and more! I'm excited to get into the book so I can appreciate the work going into this movie :)

[@Anilikedifranco]

this is delightful !! i’m so thrilled for all of these green-verse stories to reach more people in a whole new medium

[@baileyelisedavis9685]

Isabela seems to be such a wonderful empathic listener!! This was lovely.

[@jamesbrixey8102]

'I show Aza compassion I struggle to show myself' Had me tearing up a little. I struggle with anxiety and stuff. And I don't show myself anxiety or patience very well at all.

[@Domdrok]

1. John's hair is so kempt. 2. I value how John speaks with young people. I think everyone remembers being talked down to when you were that age.

[@vlogbrotherdave]

Aww I love how real you two were together. And that she called you out on reusing the classic joke hahahaha. And I also get that question all the time of "Is Green reeeeaally your favorite color?"

[@hannahjudd8873]

I’m so excited for this movie! I love Turtles All The Way Down so much! I am really excited to see your cameo John. As is the scene being filmed in a band room? Cause that looks like a band room.

[@vlogbrothers]

We were indeed in a band room! -John

[@annah5356]

You can totally tell from the awards on the wall! They look just like my old band rooms. Dark wood with gold carved plating.

[@tempusfugit9362]

Didn’t expect to both laugh AND cry in this vlogbrothers vid today but I guess I should’ve known. Love her and love the energy she brings! (Also love you, John, and your persistent nurturing of all around you.)

[@juliareste]

i have struggled with ocd for a while, and reading turtles all the way down finally let me connect with a character. I was so scared of how the hand sanitizer scene would work on screen, but I have so much faith in Isabela to bring it to life.

[@aidankeaveney2657]

I love how Isabela via Aza seems to have just a deep, penetrating understanding of John. John was incredibly generous in sharing experiences similar to his own through Aza, and now Isabela has embodied Aza so well that it’s like she just gets John. This is going to be an amazing film I can’t wait.

[@cookiesandmilk686]

Isabella used to be my fav childhood actress i love her sm and i think she is perfect for that role

[@maike__-]

Just coming back to all your old Turtles videos in preparation for the movie! I'm so excited for you John and for everyone who worked on and for this book and film. I can tell how happy you are with the way the movie turned out so I can only expect greatness, because that's what you've shown us in the past. - no pressure though. In all seriousness, I don't think you could make a book or movie I would not like, because of how hard you work and how dedicated you are to making your work feel real. That's what makes it so meaningful and why we love it so much.

[@KyleJMitchell]

I know what I expected with "light-hearted questions" and I somehow knew exactly how it would play out when I saw John crossing his fingers. Did not expect the favorite color real talk, though; that was a nice twist of depth.

[@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721]

Yeah, that was a plot twist no one was expecting.

[@lindsayh8374]

I first discovered John through his books, and then through youtube, and then through Crash Course, and let me tell you that the day I realized these three separate people were, in fact, very much so one human was mind blowing 😅 As an aspiring author I will forever be grateful I stumbled upon John (unbeknownst to me three times lol). He is so inspiring and encouraging in so many different ways and I will forever appreciate the openness and vulnerability he creates with his books. I’m incredibly excited to see such a fantastic book get its movie adaptation, especially with talented actors like Belle at the for front!

[@pizza-df8ut]

That's exactly how I imagined her 🥲🥲 this movie is going to destroy me. Aza is me and I am Aza. This is my favorite book of all time and I cannot wait to see it in theaters.

[@emilyervin2435]

Turtles has helped me feel less alone as I’ve struggled with my own mental illness and I’m super grateful that I got read it when I did. I’m so excited for the movie Also the thumbnail on this video is adorable

[@thefandomhunter]

Isabela is exactly how I imagined Aza, it’s actually kinda creepy. This made me so excited for the film, even though if it’s anything like the book it’s gonna trigger my OCD deeply. I’ll be prepared with extra therapy sessions!

[@RainaRamsay]

Isabela giving John an existential crisis about favorite colors. Love it. Good job, Ms. Merced!

[@ExCharacterx3]

I can't even imagine how surreal it was watching someone become a character you made.

[@theworldwhispers]

She seems like the most lovely human and I'm just infinitely more excited for this movie now.

[@bonniesmith7277]

I saw the thumbnail and wondered why Hank was on set for TAtWD... Whoops! Isabela is so wonderful!!!

[@kulsy]

Best video I've seen all day. The way she and John play off each other, the way she understands you John, you're right, she is the one for Aza. Doesn't matter if Aza had a face or not, I can see it in the way your muse finds a home in her.

[@AnneleenRoesems]

When you said you needed a light hearted question I KNEW it was going to be the favourite colour + favourite Beatle one and I love that Isabela called you out on it haha 😁

[@littlelunanova2591]

I'm a little lost on the Beatles thing. Can a fellow nerd fighter elaborate or link to the video in question?

[@AnneleenRoesems]

@@littlelunanova2591 hi! No problem 😊 John likes to ask people what their favourite colour is, followed by their favourite Beatle, so that he can say his answer is "John and Green" 😊 he did it in the video called "Hello! Meet Daisy!" (I would post he link, but I'm not sure if that would be considered spam or not, so I'm not risking it) that he uploaded two weeks ago, with Cree, who plays Daisy in the Turtles movie. That was the first time I had heard the joke, but I believe in that video he talks about how that's one of his classic jokes! I also think he talked about in one of the more recent episodes of the podcast Dear Hank and John, but I'm not entirely sure about that!

[@littlelunanova2591]

@@AnneleenRoesems thanks for helping me out! I am not at all surprised by the trick haha 😆

[@untappedinkwell]

@@AnneleenRoesems As long as you leave appropriate context for the link like you have here in this lovely comment, it's usually okay! (and thanks for being so thoughtful about it--those random link ones are such a pain.) DFTBA!

[@AnneleenRoesems]

@@littlelunanova2591 No problem! It's a good one haha

[@ceejf]

This feels like one of the most authentically John videos we’ve gotten

[@SewlockHolmes]

I love this. There's just something so resoundingly human. It's also an interesting twist to know that we are collectively your favorite animal John. To that, I say huzzah! And also, we should all give ourselves a bit more of a break. Love from behind your screen, Me

[@isacami25]

I love Isabela. i didn't really watch vlogbrothers videos when the previous movies were being produced so this is a whole new experience :)

[@cloudwaveASMRsleepsounds]

There's something wonderful and almost magical about the episodes where you're interacting with someone else, unscripted.

[@pchygrl17]

She was incredible in this role!!! Great in everything

[@TheDaylightSociety]

So, I was just diagnosed with OCD a few weeks ago, though I’ve been struggling with it for 16 years. I’m so excited to read Turtles All The Way Down and of course, to see the movie; it comes out on my birthday. Also so looking forward to the world seeing what OCD is actually like.

[@ihavespoken164]

never have i rushed to see a video so fast… she is awesome.. can’t wait to watch this movie! Hype levels are highhh Aahhhhhhh

[@dragonharris5465]

The favorite Beatle/favorite color joke has been my favorite for years, I love seeing different reactions to it! When I’m writing or reading characters they never have faces, just smudges where the faces go. I’m a little face blind-I can’t visualize someone’s face until I’ve seen it A Lot, and that doesn’t work for imagined faces! This makes going on to DRAW the characters I’ve written a little awkward, but I make it work for comics.

[@MrShdutchy]

I don't get the joke sadly, any suggestions on how I can remedy that?

[@dragonharris5465]

@@MrShdutchy John’s usual response to the question of his favorite Beatle and favorite color are John and Green, making his name! The vlogbrothers video he posted last week has an example

[@IzHarris]

"I don't know because I come across as so desperate" SAME. How do you not let them know you want to know EVERYTHING ALWAYS? This was great john, and clearly Isabela is going to be incredible as Aza!

[@caruarias]

I have never been diagnosed, but I have struggled with what I think is anxiety my whole life, and watching this movie made me really feel identified and definitely not that lonely with what I have experienced. Loved it. I wish I read the book before, but I'm going to do that right now. Congrats.

[@Samthe1stbob]

The passage about chronic pain was bookmarked cause it was so poignant. I had a friend that was going through lupus and she really felt heard.

[@heyitsheidijay]

Absolutely loved Isabela's portions of Let It Snow, and to echo a bunch of previous comments she really is the Aza I pictured the first time I read the book 🥺🥺🥺

[@megs.9915]

Isabela seems wiser than I could ever hope to be. The way she and John relate to each other in this video is so sweet!

[@nviscallin3702]

I just saw the film, loved it. Isabel was amazing. I first saw her in instant family

[@DocDreable]

Jesus! That bit where John says he wanted to turn the lights on and make sure your everyone was okay?!?! I just bawled.

[@nikitajain2092]

Yeah I'm already in love with the movie.

[@zcmini000]

Love that she watched your video with Cree!!!

[@shwethasb8703]

I can't stop staring at Isabela...She's soo beautiful..just like the way John had picturised in his book💓❤️

[@Norman834]

This was SO cute. I love that we get these uploads with all of your movies

[@twitchgiggles]

She's so young and yet so wise and intelligent and aware and she is AMAZING. I CANT WAIT TO SEE THIS MOVIE

[@timmallette1888]

You guys seem like you really get along great, like two people who really *get* each other.

[@Wordsnwood]

Favourite Colour: Sunset on clouds over water. brilliant fiery oranges with shadows.

[@derstytutorials]

John’s hair looks so good. This video made me even more excited for the film!

[@juicesnap]

I recently started going to therapy as an adult and I just want to say you talking about mental health in way that you have in your videos was just one of the many things that helped me get over my stigma and go get help. For a long time I thought I was my anxiety and I was the panic attacks but it turns out I'm not that. So to anyone reading this get help, it is scary (it took me 7 years after realizing I had a problem to step foot into a doctor's office or even tell anyone in life that I needed help ) but you can do it, you are stronger than you think.

[@Franklinplatt64]

That was a delight and incredibly moving and real. But overall just a delight. Thank you.

[@sangerine]

Oooown that waa so cute! Nice to meet you Isabela 🥲💛

[@katbh]

This was a beautiful conversation to share with us - thank you!

[@enderwiggins8248]

I don’t know why but the lighting makes you look like Hank!

[@Anilikedifranco]

cannot Wait for the gritty film adaptation of AART, in which every character is played by hank in a wig

[@khadijanadeem8559]

My favourite book is turning in to movie. i am excited and nervous!

[@brianmorton9419]

I had never heard of her before. I really like her.

[@saikogrrl]

"I have 'Dad who's been in therapy since the age of 13' energy" 😂❤❤❤❤ I adored this video

[@atenatesla]

She has such interesting inputs and answers, I wish I was that smart and good at quick thinking as you both are :) Also, can't wait to read the book even more now! This summer I promise

[@maurakesterson9814]

I met Bon Bon when y’all were filming on my campus and I have been her biggest fan!!! She’s so sweet, had no idea she was Isabella’s dog!

[@thedanalcantara]

I finished reading the book a couple weeks ago and it was so beautiful. I found it more personally affecting than TFIOS or Paper Towns (and I LOVED Paper Towns). I don’t have OCD but I do sometimes experience thought spirals that feel like they get tighter and tighter. Thank you for giving me the words to describe how I find myself feeling sometimes.

[@jenny9898jenny]

So incredibly excited to see her bring this story to life! Sending love from Cincinnati ❤️

[@thewinterizzy]

I remember having to put the book down and breathe for a few beats during the hand sanitizer scene. It’s SUCH a raw visual to something that’s so internal. 😭❤️‍🩹

[@ButchWilson]

This was SO sweet. Thank you for sharing it.

[@juanlikesmusicnstuff446]

I’m so excited for this movie

[@riversongsmelody]

So excited for this movie!! So much talent!!

[@ryanp.2907]

She seems so lovely! I can't wait to see it!

[@bobbykeniston7240]

She seems a perfect choice for the part. I remember thinking how talented she was for someone so young in a movie called "Instant Family".

[@arthill2310]

This is now my favorite Hank Green interview.

[@laoliviadaniela]

This is awesome! I’m currently reading all of your books, John, and Turtles all the way down is next!

[@neesh5208]

I'm so increddibly excited and terrified for the Turtles All The Way Down movie!!! It has long been one of my favorite reads that I find myself continually picking up to read again and again. Yet after going through a horrific car accident last year thats left me badly injured and recovering for the better part of the next 2 years, I can't help but feel dread for that scene... Seeing so much of myself in Aza however is enough reason to risk the trigger for me, I think. Although I may have to wait to watch at home so i can skip that part.

[@jadefalcon001]

Well that was super wholesome and charming. Really needed that today. Thank you both.

[@CG-tx2io]

I love your guys banter - cant wait to see both your parts when the movie comes out!!!

[@b.o4788]

I cant wait for the movie!!!