While fans of The Walking Dead avoid spoilers and wait to see the much anticipated fate of Lucille’s first vicim, earlier today it was announced that we would be introduced to two new characters for the upcoming season.
TVLine was the first to announce that The Walking Dead fans could look forward to the addition of two new characters to season 7. Unlike previous additions to the show, where the characters are straight from or based off of a character from The Walking Dead comic book, these two new characters don’t appear to be based off of anyone in particular.
When asked in an interview if he had any information about what’s to come in season 7, Mike Ausiello let out that,
“Episode 6 will introduce two new characters who don’t sound to me like anyone in particular from the comic-book series… Naomi is a grandmotherly type who, having lost so many loved ones, is now willing to do whatever it takes not to have to bury any more. (Maybe she’s being introduced to counsel Carol about the awful necessities of the post-apocalyptic world… ) On the flip side is Jennie, a sunny-side-up kinda teenager — oh, Caaarl! — who sounds a lot like Beth 2.0, “kind, with a world-weary toughness.”
This wouldn’t be the first time that the series has introduced characters outside of Robert Kirkman’s comic book world. Fan favorite Daryl Dixon, played by Norman Reedus, never appeared in the apocalyptic comic and yet he has become one of the most popular characters to date. The bow wielding, redneck archer has enticed fans so much that they have often claimed, “If Daryl dies, we riot.”
Beth Greene also wasn’t featured in the comic series however some claim she is a representation of a part of Maggie.
The show is known for using Kirkman’s comic characters as inspiration for new characters but they have changed significant details to keep the fans expectations at bay. Carol, for instance, died early on in the comics yet still lives (for now) in the show world. Another example, last season we saw Denise die from an arrow to the eye but comic fans know that that arrow was actually meant for Abraham.
Kirkman has given his blessing with the liberties the show has taken from his original story because he too likes to keep fans guessing about the storylines.
While we don’t know exactly what role these characters will play in the upcoming season, we do know they are alive. That’s a lot to be said as rumor has it the Lucille/Negan scene that left fans guessing after the season 6 finale has been filmed 11 times with 11 different characters taking a lethal bat to the head. Although, Glenn is the victim in the comics it’s really anyone’s call as to who really dies in the season 7 opener.
There’s still over four months to wait for The Walking Dead to premiere but with Comic Con weeks away there are bound to be spoilers for fans to drool over or hide from.
Are you excited for the upcoming season? Who do you think will meet Lucille?
Let us know in the comments.