Andrew Lincoln Reportedly Leaving The Walking Dead Next Season

Rick Grimes’ days may just be numbered. Andrew Lincoln is set to leave The Walking Dead during the upcoming season, per a new report from Collider. The site reports that Lincoln will only appear in six episodes in the ninth season before leaving the series, with AMC planning to offer Norman Reedus “substantial compensation” to stay on as Daryl and become the new lead role. AMC has declined requests to comment on the story.

The news comes after it was reported that Lauren Cohan, who plays Maggie on the show, will be back for six episodes as well due to her commitment to the new ABC drama Whiskey Cavalier. The show lost one of its mainstays last season in Chandler Riggs’ Carl.