The Walking Dead is no stranger to introducing us to new characters. Negan, the Governor, the list goes on and on. This week we were introduced to an even newer group in the episode ever-so-aptly titled “New Best Friends.” TVLine recently released an interview with the leader of the new group, Pollyanna McIntosh, and how she’s embracing her new character.
McIntosh plays Jadis, who is seen as mostly silent and mysterious at the moment. However the mystery may be a draw to the character, as McIntosh revels in her character’s inability to be put in a box. The actress also revealed that the casting call for Jadis was open to both sexes, which “thrilled” McIntosh: “I loved that open-mindedness and knowing that traditional femininity was not an issue here. And yet she was not to act particularly masculine, either. Whether a woman or a man, she was a leader, and that was that.”
And as viewers saw on Sunday, Jadis is undoubtedly a leader. According to the article, McIntosh “decided it was about her making the group more cohesive, so they have something in common that’s not just that they dress similarly and even wear their hair similarly. Also, it gives them a bit of mystery and is a power play. It kind of intimidates outsiders speaking that way. You get your point across, get what you need and keep this sort of division between ‘them’ and ‘us.’”
So what’s in store for this new group? While Jadis’ impressive fighting skills may still be open to debate, McIntosh hints that there may be an alliance forming between the collective and Alexandria. But like with all power plays, there’s always a struggle to be the top dog, and Jadis is a fierce competitor: “There’s also that lovely moment with the handshake and her not wanting to touch his bloody hand,” McIntosh remarks. “She makes sure that he knows who’s still on top.”
The Walking Dead airs Sunday nights on AMC.