With AMC's The Walking Dead heading toward season 9, creator Robert Kirman teases that (for now, Baby) Judith could take over when Rick Grimes eventually departs as leader of the TV show.
In recent months, Rick Grimes isn't going to live forever and his time will eventually draw to a close.
Related: Robert Kirkman Defends Killing Carl On The Walking Dead
Like Jack from Lost or Michael from Prison Break, everyone needs a leader, but Kirkman is remaining tight-lipped on who will take over from Rick. Speaking at 2018's Walker Stalker Cruise (via NME), Kirman was asked who is next in line to be The Walking Dead's main character:
“Well, that’s a question, right? Who knows? Maybe it’s a character that hasn’t been introduced yet. Maybe it’ll be Judith, who knows.”
Although the character of Judith has been around since season 3's 'Killer Within', she is only technically one year old and the various changing baby actors mean that we have barely got to know Lil' Asskicker apart from the odd sound of crying or montage cutaway. That being said, the idea of Rick's last-remaining child taking over his legacy is an interesting one indeed.
The midseason finale of season 8 saw the shock twist that Rick's son Judith wouldn't be making it out of season 8 alive, so there could be some justice in her picking up where Carl left off.
Of course, with Judith still resembling a baby in season 8, Walking Dead would need to pull a could be the perfect way to reinvigorate ratings. However, in the immediate aftermath of Rick's death, there are any number of characters who could fill his role. Fan-favorites like Daryl, Maggie, or Carol have all shown they have what it takes to tackle the apocalypse, or like Kirman says, could it be someone new?
The his comfy new season 9 deal, and we don't see Rick going anywhere any time soon. When he does leave though, expect Judith to swap that rattle for a rifle and see where we go from there.
More: Robert Kirkman Addressses Madison/Alpha Theory
The Walking Dead returns Sunday, February 25 on AMC.
Source: NME