Originally published October 1, 2017. Updated April 18, 2018.
While we’ve seen countless shock deaths in The Walking Dead over the years, once character who has always seemed safe is Andrew Lincoln’s Rick Grimes. However, writer Robert Kirkman recently revealed that he doesn’t think Rick will make it to the end of the comic book series, and now it seems the TV adaptation could follow suit.
“I think it could,” Kirkman told EW when asked if the show could survive without its leader. “Andy is the leader of this show and his dedication to the show is absolutely inspiring. Everyone just looks up to him and he’s a huge part of this show. But we have a very strong ensemble, and there’s a lot of characters that could carry the show. The Walking Dead is a story very much about a world and a bunch of people inhabiting that world. [However] I don’t think we have to worry about that any time soon.”
“We’ve just scratched the surface of this world,” added showrunner Scott Gimple. “We don’t want to go on without Rick Grimes, but again, in year 20, in year 30, who knows? We lose terrific actors and terrific characters because that’s part of the narrative and we’re always forced to go on and figure out a way to make the narrative work and to make it the best show possible after losing people. So I don’t think any show is more prepared, sadly, to lose people than The Walking Dead is. As the show goes on and on and on, who knows? But I’m also certain that we will do it in a way that only adds to the narrative and only makes the story richer for losing these incredible people.”
Andrew Lincoln himself also chimed in with his thoughts on the subject, stating that: “You know, there is a sense to me that really needs some… it sounds like I’m in a shrink’s head, but there is a completion thing that I think I deserve for doing it for so long. And also probably the audience would like some completion. There’s only so many ways you can bend and stretch this and that. I’m not saying that the show would ever finish, but I certainly think that there’s an opportunity for the show to change at some point, and I think it should. It’s beautifully set up for that — for the camera to be certainly his story, and then it just shifts off. If ever there was a landscape or an environment to do that, it’s our show. But whether or not that’s this season… well, you have to find out, don’t you?”
Do you think The Walking Dead could continue without Rick Grimes? Can you see the show lasting twenty or thirty years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
SEE ALSO: New promo and images for The Walking Dead season 8, All Out War to be resolved this season
Last year, Rick Grimes and his group of survivors were confronted with their deadliest challenge yet. With the comfort of Alexandria, they let their guard down, only to be reminded how brutal the world they live in can be. The introduction of Negan and the Saviors broke our group.
Feeling powerless under Negan’s rules and demands, Rick advocated the group play along. But seeing that Negan couldn’t be reasoned with, Rick began rallying together other communities affected by the Saviors. And with the support of the Hilltop and Kingdom, they finally have enough fire power to contest the Saviors.
This year, Rick brings “All Out War” to Negan and his forces. The Saviors are larger, better-equipped, and ruthless — but Rick and the unified communities are fighting for the promise of a brighter future. The battle lines are drawn as they launch into a kinetic, action-packed offensive.
Up until now, survival has been the focus of Rick and our group, but it’s not enough. They have to fight to take back their freedom so that they can live. So that they can rebuild. As with any battle, there will be losses. Casualties. But with Rick leading the Alexandrian forces, Maggie leading the Hilltop, and King Ezekiel leading the Kingdom — Negan and the Saviors’ grip on this world may finally be coming to an end.
The Walking Dead season 8 is set to premiere on October 22nd and stars returning cast members Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes), Chandler Riggs (Carl Grimes), Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon), Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier), Lauren Cohan (Maggie Greene), Lennie James (Morgan Jones), Danai Gurira (Michonne), Alanna Masterson (Tara Chambler), Josh McDermitt (Eugene Porter), Christian Serratos (Rosita Espinosa), Seth Gilliam (Gabriel Stokes), Ross Marquand (Aaron), Katelyn Nacon (Enid), Austin Amelio (Dwight), Tom Payne (Paul ‘Jesus’ Rovia), Xander Berkeley (Gregory), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan), Khary Payton (Ezekiel), and Pollyanna McIntosh (Jadis).
