A new face will step into the role for the third season of HBO’s hit TV show The Last of Us.Credit: HBO MaxThe world of HBO’s The Last of Us is once again shifting in unexpected ways, and this time the change has nothing to do with infected hordes or moral crossroads. As preparations continue behind the scenes for the show’s third season, a notable casting development has emerged that is already stirring conversation among fans who have been closely following every move the series makes.Danny Ramirez, who portrayed Manny Alvarez in Season 2, will not be returning for Season 3, as reported by NPN. Manny, a member of Abby’s (Kaitlyn Dever) inner circle and a character whose lighter demeanor contrasted sharply with the grim world around him, was expected to have a larger presence as the story moved deeper into the events inspired by “The Last of Us Part II.” Instead, the role is now set to be recast, marking one of the first major behind-the-scenes changes tied to the upcoming season.Credit: Marvel StudiosThe decision is not believed to be driven by creative dissatisfaction or narrative changes. Rather, it appears to be the result of scheduling conflicts that became increasingly difficult to navigate. Ramirez’s profile has risen considerably in recent years, particularly due to his involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Joaquin Torres/Falcon.The actor is slated to appear in Avengers: Doomsday (2026) and, most likely, Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), following his larger role in Julius Onah’s Captain America: Brave New World (2025). With large-scale franchise commitments demanding long production windows, aligning his availability with The Last of Us proved unworkable.What makes the recasting stand out is Manny’s growing importance to the unfolding story. While not a central figure on the level of Joel–played by fellow MCU star Pedro Pascal–or Ellie (Bella Ramsey), Manny plays a key role within Abby’s group, and Season 3 is expected to spend more time exploring that perspective. Replacing the actor is therefore not a minor adjustment, but a practical necessity to keep the story on track as production ramps up.Credit: HBO MaxAs of now, HBO has not announced who will take over the role. Casting is reportedly underway, though the process appears to be unfolding quietly. With filming timelines stretching well into 2026 and a likely release window further down the line, there is no immediate pressure to reveal a replacement, though fans are already speculating about who might step into Manny’s boots.This casting shift arrives alongside a broader transition within the show’s creative leadership. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the series and a central figure in adapting the original games for television, is stepping back from day-to-day involvement in Season 3. While he remains attached as an executive producer, the hands-on creative reins will now rest primarily with Craig Mazin. For longtime fans, that change, combined with the recasting, has added to the sense that the series is entering a slightly different phase.Credit: HBO MaxNone of this necessarily signals trouble for the show. Large-scale productions often face these kinds of logistical challenges, particularly when actors’ careers expand beyond a single project. Still, The Last of Us is a series that thrives on emotional continuity and character-driven storytelling, so any visible change is bound to draw scrutiny.For now, Manny remains part of the story, even if the face audiences associate with him will change. Season 3 is moving forward, production plans are seemingly in motion, and the show continues its steady march toward the next chapter of its bleak, haunting journey. As always with The Last of Us, the road ahead may be uncertain, but it’s rarely uneventful.How do you feel about this casting change for The Last of Us Season 3? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!The post ‘The Last of Us’ Star Recast for Season 3 of Hit HBO Show appeared first on Inside the Magic.