Callan McAuliffe becomes series regular on The Walking Dead as Alden
The ex-Savior, Alden was made a series regular on The Walking Dead for season 9. Expectations are high that he remains trustworthy and loyal to Maggie.
The Walking Dead continues to introduce new characters to fans, including Alden played by Callan McAuliffe who made his debut during season 8 as one of the captured Saviors held in a makeshift prison yard at The Hilltop.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, McAuliffe has been promoted to a regular for the show’s ninth season, meaning fans will be seeing a lot of the former member of Negan’s group following the end of All-Out War.
Alden immediately tried to cooperate with Maggie after his capture, obeying orders and preventing Jared from his first escape attempt. He refused to flee The Hilltop when the moment presented itself and even remained calm when Henry was aiming a loaded weapon at him.
With the war over, Alden looks like he found a new home at The Hilltop with new people to call his friends and family. However, there is a good reason to be on the fence (pun intended) with Alden.
On the one side, he has proven his loyalty. On the other, it is difficult to be sold on his charming personality.
With most characters on The Walking Dead, there is always an immediate reaction to meeting a character that sticks with fans regardless of any changes in their personality as the seasons pass.
Alden is someone fans shouldn’t be ready to stand behind just yet…and that contradiction might be AMC’s intentions.
After witnessing his first conversation with Maggie, it was easy to notice a hint of attraction. While there are rumblings he could be the AMC show’s version of Dante from the comics, that has yet to be confirmed. Plus, the puppy love Alden feels for Maggie appears to be completely one-sided at the moment.
He seemed all too eager to help her and may have been nearly besotted by her independence and capabilities as the leader of The Hilltop. The relationship between Alden and Maggie could be something explored during upcoming seasons of AMC’s zombie survival drama.
Live Feed
Show Snob
In season 9, it is likely that Alden will remain at The Hilltop, possibly becoming a second in command behind Maggie and taking a position similar to Jesus. However, the jury is out on whether or not he will share Maggie’s hatred for Negan and desire to have the former leader of The Saviors killed.
Alden comes off very forgiving and may actually be the voice of reason Maggie will need to hear to divert her from this spur of the moment, revenge scheme. As Maggie’s trust in Alden grows into a closer bond, his level-headed nature could be a great contrast to her impulsive and emotional ways.
Maggie will not become weaker if she chooses to let down her guard around Alden. She deserves to be happy and smile again for reasons that don’t involve Negan’s demise following the tragic death of Glenn.
Fans of the show should continue to give Alden a chance, watching his every move and interpreting his expressions. He may become a moral compass for Maggie, which if history repeats itself, won’t end well for him. Hopefully, viewers get the opportunity to see him through Maggie’s eyes before his exit if that is what happens.
If fans want to check out some of Callan McAuliffe’s previous work, he can be seen in Flipped, I Am Number Four, The Great Gatsby, The Stanford Prison Experiment, Kite and Beneath the Harvest Sky. Plus, he will be seen in the upcoming feature Summer Night starring Victoria Justice.
Next: Avi Nash promoted to series regular for TWD season 9
What are your thoughts are on Alden becoming a regular for season 9 of The Walking Dead? Do you like him, hate him, or are you unsure of him? And what do you think his character will do in the future? Share your opinion in the comments below!