The actor behind Rick Grimes shares his thoughts on the show’s most shocking death, suggesting it may have crossed a line in graphic content

Andrew Lincoln, known for his role as Rick Grimes in the long-running zombie apocalypse series “The Walking Dead,” has recently shared his thoughts on one of the show’s most infamous moments. In an interview with Empire Magazine, Lincoln suggested that the brutal death of Glenn, portrayed by Steven Yeun, may have pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable for viewers.

The scene in question, which occurred in the opening episode of the show’s seventh season, depicted the violent demise of Glenn at the hands of the villainous Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Negan’s use of a barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat to bludgeon Glenn to death was a moment that shocked audiences and sparked widespread controversy.

Lincoln reflected on the scene, stating, “I do still think [Glenn’s death] might have been when we over-egged the omelette. Maybe it was lingering too much.” This comment suggests that even the show’s lead actor felt the graphic nature and extended focus on the aftermath of Glenn’s death may have been excessive.

Despite his reservations about the scene’s intensity, Lincoln praised the filming experience, calling it one of the “most intense nights of shooting” he’d ever been part of. He particularly commended Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s performance, noting that Morgan had to deliver “an extraordinary monologue on his first day at work.”

The actor’s comments provide insight into the challenges of balancing dramatic storytelling with audience sensitivities in a show known for its graphic content. It also highlights a turning point for “The Walking Dead,” as the controversy surrounding Glenn’s death led to a reevaluation of the show’s approach to violent scenes in subsequent seasons.

While “The Walking Dead” main series has concluded, the franchise continues to expand with various spin-offs, including “Dead City,” “Daryl Dixon,” and “The Ones Who Live,” the latter featuring Lincoln’s return as Rick Grimes. These new series aim to explore fresh narratives within the zombie-infested world while potentially being mindful of the lessons learned from past controversies.