We all know Andrew Lincoln for portraying Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead, the iconic character whose transformation from small-town lawman to battle-hardened survivor became one of the most compelling character journeys in modern television.
From the very first episode, we became deeply invested in every facet of Rick’s story. We witnessed him confront impossible choices, devastating losses, and moral dilemmas that constantly tested his humanity. Sure, the writing played a huge part in what made the Rick character such a fan-favorite, but it was Lincoln’s portrayal that truly brought him to life.
That's why it's hard to imagine the series without him, or to picture anyone else stepping into Rick's shoes. But what if there had been another path? What if Lincoln had taken on a different role in the sprawling zombie universe? In a recent interview, Lincoln revealed the role he would have liked to play in The Walking Dead if he hadn't snagged the role of Rick, and you might be shocked to learn who that mystery character is.
Andrew Lincoln would have wanted to play Shane in The Walking Dead
If you guessed Shane Walsh, you'd be correct! After stating that Shane would be the character he would've liked to portray, Lincoln gave a cheeky explanation for why. He told the interviewer that he would've wanted to play Shane because then he'd get to "actually sleep with his wife." If you recall from the hit zombie series, Shane ended up having an affair with Rick's wife, Lori, after believing that Rick would die in the hospital.
Although Rick does eventually sleep with Lori after he reunites with her and their son, this comment was more of a humorous, tongue-in-cheek remark. It was Lincoln's way of poking fun at one of the series’ most tense storylines. But now it's made me personally think about how differently the show would've looked with Lincoln as Shane instead of Rick.
While I believe Lincoln could play any character he takes on, it would've sucked knowing that we wouldn't get to see him for long. Shane’s story, though intense and pivotal, was ultimately shorter-lived than Rick’s epic journey. Rick is forced to kill Shane in the second season after he becomes increasingly unstable and dangerous, putting their entire group at risk. So, imagining Lincoln in that role makes you realize just how fleeting his presence would have been. It was already hard having to say goodbye to Jon Bernthal, who actually played the Shane character.
Overall, the casting department made the right decision by casting Lincoln as Rick because otherwise we’d have missed out on years of him growing, evolving, and absolutely carrying the series!