The Last of Us Season 3 Update: Danny Ramirez Steps Down as Manny
Posted by In Game News - January 5, 2026 - Gaming News
Hold onto your bricks, Survivors! Just when we thought we had our emotional shields up for The Last of Us Season 3, a bombshell has dropped that’s sent ripples through the fandom. Get ready for a major shake-up: Manny, the loyal WLF soldier we met in the highly anticipated second season, is being recast!
A Sudden Departure: Danny Ramirez Steps Down as Manny
In news that’s sure to catch many by surprise, actor Danny Ramirez will no longer portray Manny in the upcoming third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed adaptation. The news, first broken by nexuspointnews, cites inevitable scheduling conflicts as the reason for Ramirez’s departure. While details on who will step into Manny’s shoes are still under wraps, the search is officially on for a new actor to bring this pivotal character to life.
Ramirez, known to many as Joaquin Torres/Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – and soon to be seen in Avengers: Doomsday and the Jean-Michel Basquiat biopic Samo Lives – clearly has a packed schedule. It’s a tough break, especially after fans were so excited to see him join the fold. His portrayal was eagerly anticipated, and his absence leaves a noticeable void that the showrunners will need to expertly fill.
Who is Manny, and Why This Recast Matters
For those unfamiliar with the character's deeper lore, Manny is more than just another WLF soldier. When Danny Ramirez was first announced, the showrunners beautifully described him as "a loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear that he will fail his friends when they need him most." This description perfectly encapsulates the complex, often heartbreaking journey Manny undertakes in the source material.
His role is significant, deeply intertwined with the arcs of other key characters like Abby. Finding an actor who can capture that blend of loyalty, resilience, and underlying vulnerability will be crucial for maintaining the emotional integrity of Season 3. Fans of the game know just how critical Manny's presence is to the narrative, making this recast a high-stakes decision.
A Season of New Faces – And Now, a New Manny
Season 2 saw an explosion of fresh talent joining the established duo of Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie). Manny was just one piece of an impressive ensemble tasked with expanding The Last of Us universe. Ramirez joined a fantastic lineup of newcomers, making this departure feel even more impactful amidst such a vibrant new cast:
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
- Tati Gabrielle as Nora
- Ariela Barer as Mel
- Spencer Lord as Owen
- Young Mazino as Jesse
- Catherine O'Hara as Gail
- Isabela Merced as Dina
This list alone underscores the sheer talent being poured into the show, and the pressure on the casting team to find someone equally compelling for Manny is immense.
Another Major Shake-Up: Neil Druckmann Steps Back
This isn't the only high-profile shift impacting the series. Last year, Neil Druckmann, a driving force behind both the game and its adaptation, announced he would be stepping back from the series after Season 2. His focus has returned to Naughty Dog’s gaming output, including the highly anticipated Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Druckmann had been an integral part of the show’s success, serving as a co-showrunner, director, writer, and producer.
While he’s fully back in the world of game development, Druckmann has offered a reassuring note to fans, stating he will remain involved with the adaptation at a "very high level" to ensure it stays "as deeply faithful" as the groundbreaking first season. His continued, albeit more distant, oversight will surely be a comfort to those worried about the show's direction.
The departure of Danny Ramirez and the recasting of Manny, coupled with Neil Druckmann's shift in focus, signal that The Last of Us Season 3 is already gearing up to be a season of significant change. These shifts, while unsettling, also present fascinating opportunities for the creative team to re-evaluate and adapt. What remains constant is the unwavering commitment to delivering a faithful, emotionally resonant story that continues to captivate millions. Who will be the new Manny? Only time will tell, but you can bet we'll be watching every development closely!
FAQ
Will Manny's character be cut from Season 3 entirely?
No, the report explicitly states that the role is being recast, indicating Manny will still be a part of the upcoming season's narrative. The search for a new actor is currently underway.
What's next for Danny Ramirez after The Last of Us?
Danny Ramirez has a busy slate ahead! He is due to appear as Joaquin Torres/Falcon in Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday, and will also star in the upcoming Jean-Michel Basquiat biopic, Samo Lives.
What Naughty Dog game is Neil Druckmann currently focusing on?
Neil Druckmann has returned to Naughty Dog's gaming development to focus on their upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, among other projects.