The world of The Walking Dead is one of those truly iconic series. It had such an amazing impact, even though it might leave viewers with lots of questions about how the world ends! This gripping zombie series changed forever when Andrew Lincoln left his role as Rick Grimes, back in season 9 of the long-running show!
Rick Grimes' Departure
This show, based on the incredible comic book series written by Robert Kirkman was brought to life by the talent of Andrew Lincoln. Rick Grimes was at the heart of The Walking Dead, making him an important figure from the first season to the series end. Everyone knew his role would continue, and audiences seemed shocked when Lincoln announced he'd be exiting The Walking Dead in season 9.
This show, which showed the unpredictable nature of death during a zombie apocalypse, surprised many people who knew that eventually everyone would be bitten! What came out, was that Lincoln's departure from The Walking Dead was completely unlike other exits, as Rick Grimes actually was not killed but ended his run with this incredible series!
Why Andrew Lincoln Left The Walking Dead
There's no surprise, many believed Rick Grimes would stay for the whole series. Alongside Norman Reedus ( Daryl Dixon ), they became two important figures of The Walking Dead, giving fans so much to follow, along with a whole cast that changed a lot, including death!
It seems his character is pretty important to the whole show and as a lot of the Walking Dead viEWers already knew what happened with the original series. Lincoln was thought to be able to remain and the fans assumed this as well, However, this all came to a crashing halt.
Lincoln really needed to go back home. He has two young kids! They lived in the UK, far away from Atlanta which was the primary location for The Walking Dead's filming and had a shoot for several months. It really took him away from his kids!
Ultimately, Lincoln said that going home to be with his kids became very essential for the actor. Lincoln explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:
- “I have two young children, and I live in a different country, and they become less portable as they get older...”
- “It was that simple. It was time for me to come home.”
For The Walking Dead fans, Rick's departure changed the show, and in a really cool, surprising way that only fans of the series were happy about! The team was left without their core figure. The producers, writers and viewers saw it in a great light. With Rick's departure they took advantage, bringing things together in a really fantastic way and helped to tell a new compelling storyline!
Rick Grimes' Return
A heroic, powerful storyline for Rick was planned. What may have surprised The Walking Dead fans is that this iconic hero actually didn't die but found himself with the Civic Republic Military (CRM)! Rick went away but then the most interesting moments showed that he might just be back! In one of the most exciting moments that shocked fans Rick Grimes showed up again in The Walking Dead's finale. His big return showed his continuing quest to protect his family and his efforts continue as Rick sent a note in a bottle.
What happened? His arrival by helicopter even was shown in a memorable scene! The fact that his arrival with the CRM helped create some additional tension but was actually essential as a cliffhanger scene! His reappearance meant The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live which featured Rick and Michonne's ( Danai Gurira ) love story continued to amaze fans who felt the need for additional closure!
Andrew Lincoln's Post-TWD Projects
Fans of Andrew Lincoln probably expected to see this iconic actor back on our screens with some other series!
Rick Grimes was a huge role and made such a massive impact, there were big expectations, however, he didn't step out and immediately take on a new huge acting gig, there were lots of interesting opportunities and moments from this talented actor that have continued his amazing story even beyond The Walking Dead!
Some really compelling moments as a movie debut back in 2020 where he showed up in the Australian drama, Penguin Bloom and played the role of Cameron Bloom ( alongside Naomi Watts)! In the same year he surprised a few people by returning to theater, portraying Ebenezer Scrooge, one of the greatest roles! Lincoln has his time to take a chance with a fresh and exciting opportunity in the UK where he will play the main character of the show Cold Water.
- Lincoln took a chance with other roles, some really awesome parts, one being on Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities
For fans, Andrew Lincoln will forever be seen as Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead, and for now he has other options! Although The Ones Who Live was originally conceived as a short mini series. For fans of The Walking Dead the chance of another reunion might be something for fans of the The Walking Dead. There may be many unexpected twists and what's ahead for this beloved zombie universe! It will certainly leave fans curious.
