Lennie James on Andrew Lincoln’s ‘Walking Dead’ Exit: A Profound Effect on Morgan

They might the leads of the Walking Dead franchise on TV, but Lennie James thinks that Andrew Lincoln’s departure from the main AMC show could have “a profound effect on Morgan.” Speaking to ScreenRant, James shared his thoughts about Rick Grimes’ exit after The Walking Dead Season 9.

Rumors about Lincoln’s departure from the show began circulating in May but was only ever confirmed by Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman a few days before the San Diego Comic-Con 2018 last July. Lincoln then explained his reasons for leaving the show, citing more family time as the main thing that made him do so. With all his scenes for season 9 done, it remains to be seen how Rick will be written out of the show.

On the other hand, Morgan, James’ character, is enjoying lots of screentime in Fear the Walking Dead. The actor was named the series lead after former lead Kim Dickens’ Madison Clark was also killed off in Season 4’s midseason finale. In the Season 4B premiere, Morgan revealed that he wants to travel back to Virginia to reunite with Rick and the rest of the core Walking Dead group. But what will happen if Morgan returns and finds out that Rick has long gone?

In the interview with ScreenRant, James addressed the ramifications of Lincoln leaving the show. “I think it will have a profound effect on Morgan. They still remain oldest friends. They are touchstones the way their stories have been told to a greater or lesser extent when their paths crossed. They do act as kind of options of which way to take, you know,” James said. “Should Morgan return to Virginia or should he cross paths with the people of Alexandria, or Hilltop, or the Kingdom, or Oceanside, or the Heaps again, I think him finding out that Rick is not amongst them will be a profound discovery for Morgan – and I’m not absolutely sure the effect that might have on him and what that might push him to do or be. On a personal level, I completely understand the decision that Andy made, and I support him 100%.”

Gene Page/AMC

James’ statement seems to vaguely hint that Morgan may or may not have the opportunity to return to Virginia after all that’s happening with the entire crew of FearTWD. For one thing, there’s a storm that seems to prevent anyone from leaving the place. As for the people of The Walking Dead, there might be some changes that Morgan won’t like if he ever makes his return like, say, Maggie’s revolt, the arrival of the Whisperers, and the introduction of The Commonwealth.

At the very least, it’s a bit heartbreaking to know that Morgan won’t be bonding with Rick even more after all they’ve been through as friends. It’s also important to note that it was Morgan who cared for Rick when he awoke to a zombie-infested Earth.

The fact that Morgan is now the leader of the other show means that he’ll be staying there indefinitely. We don’t know what the showrunners of Fear the Walking Dead are planning for the show (whether it will end and transition to merging with the main series or just drone on and on with different leads every three years), but what most fans are hoping is at least for Rick to say goodbye to Morgan even for one last time.