HBO’s The Last of Us is heading into Season 3 with a noticeable cast change. Danny Ramirez, who joined the series in Season 2, will not return in the same role due to scheduling conflicts, leading the makers to recast his character for the upcoming season.
What’s Changing in Season 3
Ramirez played Manny, a key supporting character introduced in Season 2. When his casting was announced in 2024, Manny was described as a loyal soldier with an upbeat exterior, hiding deep emotional scars and a fear of letting his people down when it matters most.
The character is a former Firefly, closely tied to Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), and plays an important role in her quest for revenge against Joel (Pedro Pascal) following the Firefly hospital massacre that saved Ellie (Bella Ramsay).
With Ramirez unable to continue, HBO will now bring in a new actor to carry Manny forward into Season 3.
Why Danny Ramirez Is Stepping Away
The decision reportedly comes down to scheduling conflicts, not creative differences. Ramirez’s career has picked up major momentum over the past few years, especially in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
He is best known for playing Joaquin Torres / Falcon, appearing in:
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
- Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
- The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday
He’s also set to appear in Samo Lives, a biopic centred on legendary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Where The Last of Us Stands Now
The Last of Us is set in a world where modern civilisation collapsed two decades earlier. The series follows Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl whose journey across the U.S. becomes both brutal and deeply emotional.
Season 2 took a major time jump, unfolding five years after the first season, as Joel and Ellie face fractured trust and a far more dangerous world than before.
The show is based on the iconic video game by Neil Druckmann, who co-created the series with Craig Mazin. While both were heavily involved as writers and directors in Season 2, Druckmann has stepped back from creative duties ahead of Season 3 to focus on other projects.
What This Means Going Forward
Recasting is never easy, especially in a series with a passionate fanbase, but HBO appears committed to keeping Manny’s arc intact. How audiences respond to a new face in the role will likely depend on how seamlessly the transition is handled.
Final Words
Danny Ramirez’s exit from The Last of Us highlights just how in-demand he has become — even if it means stepping away from one of television’s biggest dramas. As Season 3 moves forward with a recast Manny and a shifting creative team, all eyes will be on how the story continues to evolve.
