‘The Walking Dead’ Season 9 Air Date, Spoilers: Teaser Photo Suggests Rick Grimes’s Heartbreaking Exit; Cast Portraits Released

“The Walking Dead” season 9 is coming soon and fans already have some idea of what to expect as AMC has released many still photos and video teasers. Although viewers are excited about the series’s return, there is sadness as well because of Rick Grimes’s impending departure.

Previously, Andrew Lincoln, who plays the lead character in “The Walking Dead” series, already confirmed that he is leaving the show to be with his family. “But I do have a real family and it is time for me to go home,” the actor said during the “TWD” comic-con panel that was held in San Diego in July.

In any case, one of the new still photos shows Rick Grimes and Michonne (Danai Gurira) on a field. Their daughter, Judith, is also with them and they look happy at that moment.

Now, this image, though a happy scene, only suggest that Rick’s departure will be a tragic one. The happy family would be broken and forced to live without the father and this will surely break the viewers' hearts.

What’s more, since it is yet to be seen how Rick will depart in “The Walking Dead” season 9, will he die? Will he turn into a walker, or perhaps be forced to go far away for some mission or new adventure? Whatever the case, leaving his family with a young child will be a sad goodbye.

Plot

According to the press release that was posted on AMC, “The Walking Dead” season 9 takes place a year and a half after the end of the war against the Saviors and their leader, Negan. By this time, under Rick’s leadership, the community in Alexandria is rebuilding civilization.

Moreover, part of the synopsis reads: “As time passes, the communities confront unexpected obstacles, danger, and of course, walkers, but nothing quite prepares them for the formidable force they are about to encounter, which threatens the very idea of civilization that our survivors have worked so hard to build.”

Cast

Based on the official portraits that were released today, most of the cast members are back, including Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) who has been confirmed to leave the show. The other names are Norman Reedus (Daryl Deexus), Danai Gurira (Michonne), Lauren Cohan (Maggie), Melissa McBride (Carol), Ross Marquand (Aaron), Callan McAuliffe (Alden), Katelyn Nacon (Enid), Josh McDermitt (Eugene), Khary Payton (Ezekiel), Seth Gilliam (Father Gabriel), Pollyanna McIntosh (Jadis), Cooper Andrews (Jerry), Tom Payne (Jesus), Christian Serratos (Rosita), Avi Nash (Siddiq) and Alanna Masterson (Tara).

As per Metro, two new characters that were lifted from the comic book were added to the lineup and they are Tammy and Earl. For the role, Brett Butler and John Finn, respectively, were recruited for “The Walking Dead” season 9.

It was noted that the couple, especially Tammy, does not sit well with Maggie so this spells more trouble for her. Tammy is part of the Hilltop Colony while her husband is the group’s blacksmith and they have a son called Brandon.

“The Walking Dead” season 9 returns on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 9 p.m. on AMC.