The Walking Dead has achieved phenomenal success on television by capturing global attention with its intense storytelling and deep exploration of human survival in an apocalypse. Since its debut in 2010, the series has cultivated a devoted fan base that follows the lives of the survivors, facing not only the threats of the undead but also the moral and emotional challenges in a desolate world.
In the series The Walking Dead, Glenn’s death (Steven Yeun) in 2016 still resonates strongly among the show’s followers. Glenn was considered one of the most beloved characters, and his loss left an indelible mark on the fan community. Andrew Lincoln, who has played Rick Grimes since the beginning of the series, recently shared how this event deeply affected everyone on set and beyond.
Glenn was known for his ability to survive in a post-apocalyptic world full of walkers, as well as for his relationship with Maggie (Lauren Cohan). The emotional connection between Glenn and Maggie made his death especially heartbreaking for viewers who had followed their love story throughout the seasons.
The pivotal moment of Glenn’s death occurred when Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) brutally killed him in front of Rick and the rest of the group with his baseball bat, Lucille. This scene became a turning point in the series, sparking intense debate about the limits of horror on television and the emotional impact on viewers.
Andrew Lincoln recalled the harrowing scene that marked The Walking Dead’s history
“I still think that [Glenn’s death] might have been because we put too many eggs in the omelet.”
In an interview, Andrew Lincoln reflected on filming this scene and admitted it was one of the most intense nights of his career. Lincoln expressed that, at times, he questioned whether the series had gone too far in its depiction of violence, but acknowledged the commitment and skill of Jeffrey Dean Morgan in portraying such a complex character as Negan, and behind the scenes, the actors continued to cry over the scene:
“He had to do this extraordinary monologue on his first day of work, and everyone was on their knees and crying when they weren’t in front of the camera. [Jeffrey] came up to me and asked, ‘Is this normal?’ I replied, ‘Yes, everyone stays like this.’ It was an extraordinary night.”
Despite Andrew Lincoln‘s departure from the main show in season 9, he returned to play Rick Grimes in the spin-off series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. This new series served to explore the consequences of Rick’s absence and his reunion with Michonne (Danai Gurira), adding an extra layer to the legacy of the original series.