The Walking Dead: Andrew Lincoln plans to return in season 10 to direct
By Sonya Iryna
The Walking Dead has become so much a part of Andrew Lincoln’s life that he can’t totally let it go. He plans to return to direct an episode in season 10.
Andrew Lincoln can’t quit The Walking Dead. At least, not completely. He told EW recently that he has plans to come back to the show’s locations in Senoia, GA next year to shadow a director and then direct an episode himself.
Fans were devastated when Andrew Lincoln announced at SDCC this past July that he was hanging up Rick’s Stetson and stepping out of those battered boots to leave The Walking Dead after just a few episodes in season 9. But while in most cases leaving The Walking Dead means getting killed off that’s not necessarily a requirement.
Now that AMC has announced their plans to keep The Walking Dead universe alive for at least ten years it’s entirely possible that Rick Grimes’ storyline will take a turn but not come to an end. Leaving Rick’s story open ended would allow Andrew Lincoln to return for cameo appearances, a limited episode arc, or even a The Walking Dead film or appearance on a spinoff.
When talking with EW about returning to The Walking Dead to direct an episode next season Andrew Lincoln said:
"“I can’t be that far away because I can’t bear it. That’s how much I am invested in the show and the continuation of the story. I’m going back. I’m going back to shadow a director, and my intention is to direct next year.”"
A Whole New Beginning For The Walking Dead
Excitement is growing for The Walking Dead season 9 premiere which is less than two weeks away now. At first fans were anxious about the return of the show after a hiatus that felt exceptionally long and was rocked by the new of Andrew Lincoln’s departure, Lauren Cohan’s departure, and other disappointments.
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But after seeing photos, teaser trailers, and the first few minutes of the premiere over the last couple of weeks fans are getting excited again for the return of Rick Grimes, Michonne, Maggie, Carol, Daryl and the rest of the squad.
Seeing Maggie with baby Hershel will be a bittersweet moment for fans, as will seeing Judith’s artwork that features her big brother Carl. But it looks like new showrunner Angela Kang has done a masterful job blending the emotional intensity that made fans fall in love with these characters and the heart pounding, edge of your seat action that makes the apocalypse drama so unnerving and chaotic.
The Walking Dead is entering a new story arc and a new chapter, but Rick Grimes’ legacy will loom large whether Andrew Lincoln is in front of the camera or behind it. Do not miss The Walking Dead season 9 premiere on Sunday, October 7th and follow us @SonyaIryna and @UndeadWalkingFS on Twitter for live tweets from the premiere and updates.