*Major Spoiler Warning* A recent casting report may have inadvertantly revealed a major spoiler involving a popular cast member of The Walking Dead.

Earlier today, Variety noted that Jon Bernthal is in early talks with TNT to star in Frank Darabont's upcoming L.A. Noir TV series. This type of discussion wouldn't be possible unless Jon Bernthal wasn't returning for season 3 of The Walking Dead.

Season 2 has already wrapped up filming, so we're assuming that Shane will be dead before the start of season 3. Of course, fans of The Walking Dead comic book know that Shane has been living on borrowed time. In the comic series, Shane doesn't even make it to Hershel's farm. However, a recent interview with Robert Kirkman made it sound like Shane might survive season 2 and make it to the prison. Was that misdirection?

Variety is a reputable source, so it is unlikely the casting discussion news is incorrect. With 16 episodes planned for The Walking Dead Season 3, Shane would have to be dead or only make brief appearances to take on another project. Your guess as to what happens to Shane is as good as ours, so feel free to speculate in the comments area below.

The Walking Dead returns from its mid-season break on February 12th.

Source: Variety