Quick Read
- Danny Ramirez will not return as Manny in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 3; his role will be recast due to scheduling conflicts.
- Ramirez’s commitments to Marvel films and other projects contributed to his exit from the HBO series.
- He is currently making headlines for his relationship with Jessica Alba, who reportedly influences his style and personal life.
In a notable shakeup for HBO’s acclaimed post-apocalyptic series ‘The Last of Us,’ Danny Ramirez will not reprise his role as Manny for the upcoming third season. The news, confirmed by sources including Variety, Cinema Express, and NewsBytes, reveals that Ramirez’s exit is due to scheduling conflicts, with his character set to be recast as production ramps up for the next chapter.
Ramirez joined ‘The Last of Us’ in Season 2, portraying Manny—a former member of the Fireflies militia and a close friend of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Manny’s arc saw him supporting Abby on her mission to avenge Joel (Pedro Pascal), after Joel’s violent rescue of Ellie (Bella Ramsey) led to the death of Abby’s father. Ramirez’s performance earned praise for bringing depth to a character caught between loyalty, pain, and the relentless search for justice in a shattered world.
The recasting news comes as Season 3 enters pre-production, with casting underway for a new actor to step into Manny’s shoes. While HBO has not officially commented beyond confirming the change, multiple outlets suggest Ramirez’s increasingly busy schedule played a pivotal role in his departure. The actor’s commitments to high-profile projects—including Marvel’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ and the anticipated ‘Avengers: Doomsday’—have made it difficult to align with the series’ shooting timeline. As reported by ComicBookMovie.com, while his involvement in ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ remains unconfirmed, Ramirez’s rising profile in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is undeniable.
Ramirez’s Hollywood journey has been marked by versatility and upward mobility. He broke out as Joaquin Torres—later Falcon—in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ (2021), and solidified his MCU credentials with ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025). Looking ahead, he’s set to appear in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and in the Jean-Michel Basquiat biopic ‘Samo Lives,’ further expanding his repertoire. Industry insiders note that Ramirez’s ability to move between blockbuster franchises and character-driven dramas has made him one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young talents.
Beyond professional milestones, Ramirez’s personal life has also attracted attention. His relationship with actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba made headlines in 2025, following Alba’s split from Cash Warren. According to Star Magazine and Reality Tea, Alba has approached her romance with Ramirez with the same determination she brings to her business ventures. Sources describe a dynamic where Alba “calls the shots,” treating the relationship like a startup and encouraging Ramirez to adapt his style and demeanor to match her expectations. Friends reportedly tease Ramirez about the influence Alba wields, but he’s said to embrace the changes, motivated by a desire to make the relationship work.
For ‘The Last of Us,’ Ramirez’s absence signals a transition for the series as it moves into new narrative territory. Season 2 ended with significant upheaval: Joel’s death at Abby’s hands, Ellie’s quest for revenge, and escalating violence among survivors in a devastated Seattle. Season 3 is expected to shift perspective, focusing more on Abby’s journey and the fallout of previous events. With showrunner Neil Druckmann stepping back from directing to concentrate on executive production, and Craig Mazin continuing to steer the project, fans can anticipate both continuity and fresh creative energy.
The recasting of Manny invites speculation about how the character will evolve and how new talent might interpret his role. For viewers, the change underscores the realities of modern television, where ambitious cross-franchise commitments can shape casting decisions as much as storylines. Ramirez’s departure, though bittersweet, reflects the complex intersection of opportunity, timing, and the demands of a global entertainment landscape.
As ‘The Last of Us’ readies for Season 3, the series remains a touchstone for character-driven storytelling, moral ambiguity, and the relentless search for hope amid chaos. Manny’s journey, now in new hands, will continue to challenge audiences—and perhaps surprise them—in ways only this series can.
Ramirez’s move from ‘The Last of Us’ to blockbuster Marvel projects highlights how rising stars must navigate the tension between prestige television and cinematic universes. His exit, though rooted in logistics, may open new creative possibilities for both the series and the actor. It’s a reminder that in Hollywood, evolution is not just inevitable—it’s the engine of every great story.