The Last Of Us Recasts Manny Role For Season 3

Actor Danny Ramirez exits due to scheduling conflicts, replaced by Jorge Lendeborg Jr.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:07am

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The hit HBO series The Last Of Us will be recasting the role of Manny, a key member of the WLF group, for its upcoming third season. Actor Danny Ramirez, who had been set to play Manny, has had to drop out of the show due to scheduling conflicts, likely related to his upcoming role in the Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday. Jorge Lendeborg Jr. will now take over the part of Manny.

Why it matters

Manny is an important character in the WLF storyline that will be a major focus of The Last Of Us season 3, which is expected to primarily feature flashbacks and parallel timelines centered around the WLF. The recasting could impact the portrayal and development of this key character as the show nears its planned conclusion.

The details

Ramirez, who currently plays Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, had to drop out of The Last Of Us due to his busy schedule, which includes not only Avengers: Doomsday but also several other projects in development. The show's producers have tapped Jorge Lendeborg Jr., known for roles in the Spider-Man films, to take over the part of Manny. In the original video game, Manny is killed by Tommy, though his death occurs in the 'present day' timeline, while season 3 will focus more on the character's backstory within the WLF.

  • The Last Of Us season 3 is still years away from production.
  • Avengers: Doomsday, the film that conflicted with Ramirez's The Last Of Us commitment, is set for release this winter.

The players

Craig Mazin

The sole showrunner for The Last Of Us after co-creator Neil Druckmann departed, tasked with concluding the series in season 3.

Danny Ramirez

The actor who was originally cast as Manny in The Last Of Us but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.

Jorge Lendeborg Jr.

The actor who will now be taking over the role of Manny in The Last Of Us season 3.

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What they’re saying

“The Last of Us has gone from an unequivocal success to something that has made fans grumble quite a bit in season 2, namely due to changes from the game, including how Ellie has been written, and much of that has been put on Craig Mazin, where the now-departed Neil Druckmann was instead responsible for season 2's better episodes.”

— Paul Tassi, Forbes Contributor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This recasting highlights the challenges of adapting a beloved video game property for television, as scheduling conflicts and creative decisions can impact key characters and storylines. Fans will be watching closely to see how Lendeborg Jr. handles the role of Manny and whether the show can stick the landing in its planned third and final season.