AMC's "The Walking Dead' is set to introduce Paul Monroe aka Jesus, who will be transformed into a TV character when the hit zombie drama returns for season six.
"Luck' actor Tom Payne is set to play the fan-favorite character and will have a recurring role in the upcoming season.
Jesus was introduced in isseue 91 of the comics as a former member of the Hilltop Colony. An openly gay character, he turns into a trusted adviser for Rick (Andrew Lincoln) in Alexandria. Jesus is also described as a unique and reasonable individual who consistently offers advice for the group's leader because of his strong sense of principles and values.
The arrival of Payne's character on TV could be dropping hints in terms of the direction that the series will take. Looking into the comics, Jesus becomes an important member of the group as they battle it out against the Saviors and their vile leader, Negan.
When Negan is introduced in the TV adaptation, fans of Glenn (Steven Yeun) will have something to worry about owing to the fact that, in the comics, the well-loved character meets his demise at the hands of Negan's baseball bat, Lucille.
According to Lincoln, it would be a surprise for him if Negan will not be featured on the series.
"There are astonishingly brilliant and thrilling characters that I am convinced we would be idiots not to meet in our journey," the British actor said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "I would be very surprised if we don't see Negan on the horizon in the not-too-distant future," Lincoln said in February.
Although the hit zombie series previously made significant changes and deviated from its source material, Yeun assured fans that he is prepared for the arrival of the notorious antagonist.
"Well, we'll see what happens when he shows up,"" the 31-year-old actor said. "I'm ready, I've been doing squats. So I can kick real hard. I'll be alright. I'm just gonna kick him. Yeah, squat kicks all day."
Payne joins an expanding cast in "The Walking Dead' season six, which also includes newcomer Corey Hawkins as Heath. Meanwhile, Lennie James (Morgan), Tovah Feldshuh (Deanna Monroe), Alexandra Breckinridge (Jessie Anderson), and Austin Nichols (Spencer Monroe) have all been promoted to series regulars.
"The Walking Dead' season six is set to premiere on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. on AMC.
