A new face will step into the role for the third season of HBO's hit TV show The Last of Us.
The landscape of HBO’s The Last of Us is changing once again, though not in a way that involves spores or survival tactics. As work continues on Season 3, news of a casting shake-up has emerged, marking a significant behind-the-scenes moment for the prestige drama.
According to NPN, Danny Ramirez will not return as Manny Alvarez for the show’s third season. Introduced in Season 2, Manny was part of Abby’s (Kaitlyn Dever) close-knit group and stood out for his comparatively easygoing personality amid the series’ relentless bleakness. With the storyline moving further into material inspired by “The Last of Us Part II,” the character was positioned to take on greater significance. Instead, HBO is opting to recast the role.
Sources indicate the decision is rooted in scheduling realities rather than creative differences. Ramirez’s rising profile has made him increasingly in demand, particularly following his transition into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Joaquin Torres/Falcon.
His upcoming slate likely includes Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and a likely appearance in Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), building on his expanded role in Captain America: Brave New World (2025), directed by Julius Onah. With Marvel projects often spanning months of production and extensive promotional commitments, finding a workable window to accommodate The Last of Us reportedly became untenable.
The timing of the recast underscores Manny’s importance moving forward. Though he isn’t a lead on the scale of Joel (Pedro Pascal) or Ellie (Bella Ramsey), Manny functions as a connective presence within Abby’s faction. Season 3 is expected to lean more heavily into that viewpoint, making continuity in the role essential as production accelerates.
At present, HBO has not disclosed who will assume the part. The search for a replacement is said to be in progress, but details remain under wraps. With cameras not expected to roll until well into 2026 and the release date still a distant target, the network appears content to keep casting decisions quiet for now.
This casting news coincides with another shift shaping Season 3. Neil Druckmann, the series’ co-creator and a driving force behind adapting the video game franchise for television, is stepping back from hands-on duties. While he remains credited as an executive producer, Craig Mazin will take the lead creatively. Together, these changes suggest the series is entering a transitional period.
There’s no immediate cause for concern. Large productions routinely juggle complex schedules, particularly when actors become attached to multiple high-profile franchises. That said, The Last of Us has earned its audience through carefully maintained character arcs and emotional depth, ensuring that any alteration will be carefully watched.
For now, Manny’s story continues, even if the actor portraying him does not. Season 3 is moving ahead, plans remain intact, and the series is preparing to chart its next stretch.
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