Heath Might Be Coming Back To The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead’s Heath might just be making a comeback.

After disappearing in Episode 7×06 (Swear), the character played by Corey Hawkins was never seen again. Of course, this disappearance wasn’t exactly a surprise when it was revealed the actor landed a role at the front of Fox’s new 24 series, 24: Legacy.

The 24: Legacy series was cancelled this week, prompting speculation regarding Hawkins’ return to the AMC series.

While Hawkins’ and Heath’s return remains possible as many outlets and fans are pointing out, it also remains unlikely. Here’s why…

Hawkins landed the role on The Walking Dead prior to the release of Straight Outta Compton, having only portrayed small roles elsewhere. It was Straight Outta Compton which propelled the actor into leading man status. The story of rap group N.W.A. saw Hawkins masterfully portraying Dr. Dre.

Following the release of Straight Outta Compton, the film would go on to receive Oscar nominations. One came for Best Writing but the other is part of what propelled Hawkins’ career: Best Ensemble. Hawkins and his co-stars were not only nominated for their impressive performances but took home the Academy Award.

While Hawkins likely has the option to return to The Walking Dead, it’s more likely he will try his luck in the form of film or leading on television. Since leaving the AMC series, he took a considerable role in Kong: Skull Island which is already set for a sequel and crossover with Godzilla, in addition to the leading man on 24: Legacy.

To top it all off, if Hawkins was returning to The Walking Dead, he likely would already be doing it. 24: Legacy wrapped production months ago and The Walking Dead is several weeks into production of its eighth season.

Heath in the Comics

In The Walking Dead comics, Heath plays a role similar to that which he did on the AMC series. 

Heath is a supporting character who never played a major part in the book’s All Out War story line (other than surviving a brutal explosion with permanent damage to his body). The character serves as a supply runner and walker herder outside the community.

Still, the character is alive in the most recent issues of Robert Kirkman’s novels, which is more than can be said for some characters on the AMC series such as Morgan and Carol who bowed out well before the war began. 

The question which arises with Heath’s disappearance is which character will get their leg blown off by a Savior explosion during the war, assuming the TV series wants to feature the iconic moment.

More Walking Dead

MORE WALKING DEAD: Season 8 Trailer Details Revealed / Did FTWD Introduce A Mutant Super Zombie? / Steven Yeun Breaks Silence Since Leaving TWD / Is Jadis Going To A Whisperer? / FTWD: Who Killed Spoiler Revealed / Ross Marquand Promises A Massive TWD Season 8

Fear the Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on AMC. The Walking Dead will return for its eighth season in October of 2017. The first trailer is expected to arrive at San Diego Comic Con in July. For complete coverage and insider info all off-season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.