Key Actor to be Replaced in The Last of Us Season 3

by Marcus Thompson January 5, 2026

written by Marcus Thompson January 5, 2026

Key Takeaways

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Mannys role in The Last of Us Season 3 will be recast due to Danny Ramirezs departure, with Esai Morales being considered for the part.
Scheduling conflicts led to Ramirezs exit, and Manny remains a significant character in the upcoming season.
Craig Mazin is now the sole writer for Season 3, while Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross have departed before planning began.
Druckmann will remain involved in an oversight capacity to ensure the adaptation remains faithful to the source material, despite focusing on Naughty Dog projects after the second season.

New Actor in Contention for Manny Role in The Last of Us Season 3

The third season of HBO’s The Last of Us will recast the role of Manny, a member of the WLF, due to Danny Ramirez’s departure. Nexus Point News reports that scheduling conflicts with other projects led to Ramirez’s exit; the character remains a significant part of Season 3. Esai Morales is reportedly in consideration for the role, potentially bringing significant gravitas. Introduced in the second season, Manny is a loyal soldier defined by his positive attitude, past wounds, and fear of disappointing his comrades. Season 2 also introduced Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), alongside the return of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie. Season 3 will also see a change in its writing team, with Craig Mazin now serving as the sole writer. Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross both departed before planning began for the upcoming season. Druckmann, co-creator of The Last of Us, had previously announced his intention to focus on Naughty Dog projects after the second season, but will remain involved in an oversight capacity to ensure the adaptation remains faithful to the source material.

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