While "The Walking Dead" has already killed off many favorite characters in the past, it's introducing a new personality in the upcoming season. It's one character that fans already love from the comic books.
According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), the show has found the actor who will be playing the role of Paul Monroe, who is also known as "Jesus," and it's none other than British actor Tom Payne.
Payne's work includes TV shows like "Luck," "Skins" and "Waterloo Road" in the U.K. and the 2013 movie the "Physician." "The Walking Dead" will be his first work in an American series with a large following.
The character of Paul Monroe first appeared in the comic series in its 91st issue as a resident of Alexandria. He was formerly associated with the Hilltop Colony. Described as logical and calm, Jesus becomes one of the most trusted allies of Rick Grimes (played by Andrew Lincoln), according to Screen Rant. He's also still alive in the comic series.
But what's really making fans very excited about this casting news is the possibility of the appearance of the villain Negan and the arrival of The Saviors, whom Jesus will face off with in a major way. While not yet confirmed, there are already rumors Xander Berkeley will be playing Negan. AMC has kept mum about his character, but his casting was already announced last week, according to Variety.
As much as this face-off is something to watch for, fans of the show and the character Glenn (Steven Yeung) may have cause to worry, though. Unfortunately, Glenn dies in the comic books via Negan's bat, Lucille, according to E! Online and the TV show may or may not stay true to the source material.
"Well, we'll see what happens when he shows up," said Yeung when he last spoke with E! Online in a separate interview. "I'm ready, I've been doing squats. So I can kick real hard. I'll be alright. I'm just gonna kick him. Yeah, squat kicks all day."
Meanwhile, the show's producer, Scott M. Gimple, said that the introduction of Negan is going to be a big challenge for them. The only thing he can confirm about all the assumptions is, "we know where we're going, we have some opportunities to play around with it and put some things in that will lead up to [Negan and Alexandria] in different ways yet fulfill the story Robert told to the Nth degree by utilizing some slightly different approaches," he told THR.
