Who Is Danny Ramirez Playing in The Last of Us Season 2? Meet Manny Alvarez

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us Part II and potential spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2.

If you’re wondering, “Who is Danny Ramirez playing in The Last of Us Season 2?” you’re not alone. HBO’s highly anticipated second season, set to premiere on April 13, 2025, introduces Danny Ramirez as Manny Alvarez, a complex and polarizing character from The Last of Us Part II.

This loyal soldier of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) brings depth to the show’s gritty post-apocalyptic world, and Ramirez’s rising star power makes him a perfect fit. Let’s dive into Manny’s character, explore Ramirez’s background, and unpack why this role is generating so much buzz.

Who Is Manny Alvarez in The Last of Us Season 2?

Manny Alvarez is a supporting character in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, described as “a loyal soldier whose sunny outlook belies the pain of old wounds and a fear that he will fail his friends when they need him most.”

A former Firefly, Manny now serves with the WLF, a militia group in Seattle fighting against the Seraphites. He’s a skilled marksman and hand-to-hand combatant, often seen alongside his close friend Abby Anderson, played by Kaitlyn Dever. His jovial demeanor masks deeper struggles, making him a multifaceted figure in the story.

Manny’s role is pivotal in the WLF’s dynamics. He’s not just muscle; he’s a trusted confidant who supports Abby through her personal vendettas. His loyalty to his allies contrasts with his merciless approach to enemies, creating a character who’s both relatable and divisive. Fans of the game know Manny’s arc includes intense moments that could shake up the show’s narrative.

What Makes Manny a Polarizing Character?

Manny’s polarizing nature stems from his actions and alliances in The Last of Us Part II. To his friends, he’s kind and dependable, often lightening tense moments with humor.

Yet, as a WLF soldier, he’s complicit in brutal acts, showing no mercy to infected or rival factions like the Seraphites. This duality—charm paired with ruthlessness—sparks debate among fans. Is Manny a hero to his crew or a villain in the broader conflict?

His relationship with Abby adds another layer. As her steadfast ally, Manny backs her decisions, even when they lead to morally gray territory.

Without spoiling too much, his choices in the game tie into the story’s themes of revenge and loyalty, which Season 2 is expected to explore deeply. Ramirez himself has teased that the season will “mess people up,” hinting at Manny’s emotional impact.

Who Is Danny Ramirez, the Actor Behind Manny?

Danny Ramirez, born September 17, 1992, in Miami, Florida, is a rising talent of Colombian and Mexican descent. Before landing the role of Manny, he gained recognition for roles like Lt. Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Joaquin Torres/Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) and Captain America: Brave New World (2025).

His versatility shines in projects like Netflix’s Look Both Ways (2022) and an episode of Tales of the Walking Dead (2022).

Ramirez’s casting as Manny, announced by HBO on March 1, 2024, excited fans due to his ability to portray layered characters. His athletic build and charisma align with Manny’s soldierly confidence, while his knack for emotional depth suits the character’s hidden vulnerabilities.

Ramirez’s experience in action-heavy roles prepares him for Manny’s combat scenes, and his growing fanbase adds hype to Season 2.

How Does Manny Fit into Season 2’s Story?

Based on The Last of Us Part II, Season 2 will follow Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) five years after Season 1, with a focus on revenge and fractured relationships. Manny, as part of Abby’s crew, plays a key role in the WLF’s conflict-ridden world.

Promotional images confirm his ties to Abby, suggesting he’ll be central to her arc. The show’s creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, have hinted at staying faithful to the game’s dark tone while tweaking pacing for TV, so Manny’s story may unfold differently but retain its intensity.

Ramirez’s comments to Empire magazine about seeing footage during ADR sessions—“It’s gonna f*ck people up”—imply Manny’s scenes will pack a punch. Whether it’s his camaraderie with Abby or his brutal efficiency in battle, Manny’s presence will likely amplify the season’s emotional stakes.

Why Is Manny’s Casting So Exciting for Fans?

The casting of Ramirez as Manny has sparked enthusiasm for several reasons. First, his rising profile in Hollywood brings fresh energy to the show. Fans of Top Gun: Maverick and the MCU are eager to see him tackle a grittier role. Second, his heritage resonates with Manny’s game portrayal (voiced by Alejandro Edda), adding authenticity.

Finally, Ramirez’s tease of “powerful scenes” during ADR suggests Manny will leave a lasting impression, whether through loyalty, conflict, or tragedy.

The Last of Us Season 2’s ensemble, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Isabela Merced as Dina, already promises stellar performances. Ramirez’s Manny adds to this mix, blending charm, toughness, and vulnerability in a way that could steal scenes.

Some Closing Thoughts on Manny and Danny Ramirez

Manny Alvarez is more than a soldier in The Last of Us Season 2—he’s a character who embodies the contradictions of loyalty and survival in a broken world. Danny Ramirez’s casting brings this complex figure to life, blending his proven action chops with emotional nuance.

As we await the April 13, 2025, premiere, the question “Who is Danny Ramirez playing in The Last of Us Season 2?” has a thrilling answer: a character who’ll captivate and challenge viewers.

Get ready to see Ramirez's Manny leave his mark on HBO’s post-apocalyptic epic.