THE WALKING DEAD Casts Tom Payne as Paul Monroe, aka Jesus

2015/09/23 20:48:36 +00:00 | Derek Anderson

One of the most beloved characters from Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead comic book series has now been cast in AMC's TV series adaptation.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Payne (Luck, The Physician) has been cast as Paul Monroe, aka Jesus (known as such due to his similar appearance to the biblical figure), in The Walking Dead. Payne will make his first appearance as the character sometime in season six.

For those unfamiliar with the comic book series, Jesus is revered by readers for many reasons [spoilers ahead]. Artist Charlie Adlard first brought Jesus to life in issue #91. A skilled hand-to-hand fighter and resourceful survivor, Jesus hearkens from the Hilltop Colony and helps maintain relationships between his home and other communities. Below, you can view an image of Jesus from the comics.

Payne joins a growing season six cast that recently added Xander Berkeley in an unknown role (that could very well be Hilltop leader Gregory) and also includes Corey Hawkins (as Heath), Merritt Wever (as Dr. Denise Cloyd), and Ethan Embry (as Carter).

“...The Walking Dead” season six will premiere Sunday, October 11th at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT with an extended 90-minute episode. As in previous seasons, the show’s sixth season of 16 episodes will air in two parts, with the first eight episodes kicking off October 11th and the final eight returning February 2016....

...Internationally, “The Walking Dead” will return to audiences in 125+ FOX International Channels (FIC) markets within 24 hours of the U.S. premiere, as part of FIC’s continued commitment to broadcast the series near day-and-date globally."

"Season 5 of The Walking Dead saw Rick's group being formed into consummate survivors by the world around them... nearly making some of the survivors into villains. To make it as far as they have, to have made it through all of their heartbreaking challenges, they have evolved into incredibly powerful people. But who have they become?

The last five episodes of Season 5 answered that question, with Rick accepting an approach of full brutality in murdering Pete, a fellow Alexandrian.

Season 6 starts with Alexandria's safety shattered by multiple threats. To make it, the people of Alexandria will need to catch up with our survivors’ hardness while many of our survivors will need to take a step back from the violence and pragmatism they've needed to embrace. These reversals of roles won't happen easily. Or without conflict.

But now our group is fighting for something more than survival... They're fighting for their home, and they will defend that at any cost, against any threat.

Even if that threat comes from within."

Be on the lookout for The Walking Dead Season 6 interviews, reviews, clips, and contests as we get closer to the October premiere. To catch up on our recent coverage of The Walking Dead Season 6, visit:

Image via Charlie Adlard / Image Comics:

Source: THR