New Dead City season 3 set photos hint at a major Walking Dead comeback

The Walking Dead franchise is easily one of the most successful and long-running genre franchises in television history. Although the original series may have ended years ago, the franchise has expanded into multiple spinoffs that continue to explore new stories, revisit familiar characters, and keep the apocalypse alive for fans around the world.

While many spinoffs have already wrapped up, there are two still standing. One is The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and the other is The Walking Dead: Dead City. Daryl Dixon is currently on its fourth and final season, while Dead City is on its third. Production on Daryl Dixon season 4 finished completely last November. Meanwhile, Dead City season 3 is still filming.

Although the official Walking Dead social media accounts haven't been sharing any filming updates for Dead City season 3, fans have spotted the cast and crew on set multiple times. Most recently, new set photos have surfaced that are already sparking speculation among fans. Based on these pictures, it looks like we might be seeing the return of a familiar face from the original series in the upcoming third season. We're talking one that fans never thought they’d see again.

Walking Dead star Emily Kinney is rumored to return for Dead City season 3

Surely, you remember Emily Kinney. She played the role of Beth Greene, a brave and beloved survivor whose story left a lasting mark on fans of the original series. She was introduced in the second season of The Walking Dead when Rick and his group arrived at Hershel's farm. Sadly, Beth’s journey came to a tragic end in the fifth season, when she was held captive by the hospital group and ultimately killed during a tense standoff.

But now, years later, it appears Beth may be stepping back into the post-apocalyptic world. On Jan. 14, Lauren Cohan (Maggie) and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan) were seen by fans shooting Dead City season 3 in New York City. That's normal, right? Sure, seeing Cohan and Morgan on set is normal. But here’s what’s got fans talking. There are also newly released photos of Kinney spotted on set with Cohan on the same day. We shared some of those pictures below via a Walking Dead fan page on X.

Now, keep in mind that Kinney's return has not been officially announced by AMC or the show's creative team. It looks like they might have wanted to keep things under wraps, but crafty fans were quick to notice. Perhaps an official announcement may be coming soon, now that these photos are circulating all over social media.

So, what is Beth doing in New York City? Isn't she supposed to be dead? Well, there's a popular fan theory going around. Fans believe that she might be included in a dream sequence for Dead City season 3. Maybe Maggie finds herself struggling with the challenges of surviving in the city, and Beth appears in a dream or vision to offer guidance, support, or even a warning. But we doubt the show would resurrect her in the present timeline, as that would contradict the original series.

Whatever she's doing in New York, her appearance is sure to have a major emotional impact on the characters and fans alike. The possibility of Beth returning, even briefly, has already set the Walking Dead community buzzing, and Dead City season 3 could be shaping up to deliver one of the most memorable comebacks in the franchise’s history.

Stay tuned to Undead Walking for more news and coverage on the Walking Dead franchise!