The casting for the third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series, The Last of Us, continues to evolve. Following the departure of Danny Ramirez from the role of Manny, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. Has been cast to take over the part. Lendeborg Jr., known for his work within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will portray the skilled marksman and companion to Abby, a key character whose storyline will be significantly expanded in the upcoming season.
This casting announcement comes alongside the news that Clea DuVall has also joined the cast as a Seraphite. The addition of these actors signals a deepening of the narrative as the series prepares to delve further into the complexities of the world established in the original video game.
Interestingly, Lendeborg Jr.’s connection to the superhero genre mirrors that of his predecessor. Like Ramirez, who is now playing Falcon in the MCU, Lendeborg Jr. Has appeared in Spider-Man films, specifically Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: Far From Home. While a scene featuring Lendeborg Jr. Was ultimately cut from Spider-Man: No Way Home, his prior involvement highlights a trend of actors crossing over between the post-apocalyptic drama and the blockbuster superhero landscape.
Manny’s role is expected to be considerably more prominent in the third season than it was in the second. The character’s expanded presence is directly tied to the focus on Abby’s story, which will be fully explored in the upcoming episodes. While Manny had a limited role in the second season, his relationship with Abby is central to her arc in the source material.
The casting news arrives amidst speculation regarding the show’s long-term future. Recent reports suggest the series may conclude after the third season, despite initial plans for at least four seasons. Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have consistently maintained that adapting the entirety of the story would require additional seasons, but the current trajectory remains uncertain.
Druckmann has indicated that the third season will be “epic” in scope, promising a continuation of the narrative with significant developments for key characters. He has also hinted at surprises for viewers familiar with the game, suggesting that the adaptation will not be a direct, scene-for-scene recreation. Mazin added that viewers haven’t “seen the last” of characters like Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), and Isabela Merced, even those who have died in the story.
In a separate, but related note, The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal recently paid tribute to Catherine O’Hara following her passing. Pascal shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the acclaimed actress.
