The living Dead star Chandler Riggs reflects on how he left the show. When the zombie drama first premiered on AMC in 2010, Riggs was one of the main stars of the show playing Carl Grimes, son of Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies). Riggs would eventually leave the show during its eighth season in 2018, a surprise at the time as the Carl character survives in the original comic series.
In a new interview with ComicBookMovie.com, Riggs opened up about leaving the show nearly six years ago. In the end, the former child star is happy with how things turned out. Are Walking dead exit may have been a shock at the time, but it opened the door for other opportunities to come along. That also applies to the voice of Superman in the new animated film Justice League X RWBYas Riggs explains:
“It’s crazy to think that it’s been almost six years now since I left the show. It’s been an incredible experience and I’m so lucky to have been on it for so long. I’m so thankful for everything it’s given me gave during the year. I wouldn’t have played Superman if it hadn’t happened. It was pretty bittersweet.”
There was more to tell with Carl
Riggs remains happy and grateful for his time spent in the Walking dead universe, but that doesn’t mean he still didn’t see lost potential in getting his character killed off. The actor goes on to say that he felt there was more to tell with Carl Grimes, but he makes it clear that he’s not “bitter” about his departure at all, with nothing but fond memories and a deep appreciation for the show .
“I knew there was a lot more left in Carl’s story that I couldn’t tell, but at the same time it was fun because I got to do other projects and movies and shows that I couldn’t have done on The Walking Dead. I got other being able to play characters and really feel like I’m becoming a mature actor. It was really cool and I’m not bitter about it at all.”
The living Dead ended last year after an 11-season run on AMC, but the franchise lives on with several upcoming spinoffs. Notably, Riggs had a cameo in the final episode, but as a background character and not Carl Grimes. Still, that opportunity allowed him to say goodbye to the show as it came to a close, even after his character was killed off years earlier.
Justice League x RWBY: Superheroes and Fighters Part One will be released on April 25 on Digital, 4k Ultra HD and Blu-ray.