Andrew Lincoln says he will only star in the a movie trilogy centered on Rick Grimes.
In the series, Rick is a former sheriff deputy who is known for his strong moral code. He becomes the group's leader as they search for safer territory. Lincoln has played the protagonist since The Walking Dead's premiere in 2010 until 2018 when the fan-favorite character was written off in one of season 9's biggest twists. Lincoln will once again put on Rick's signature cowboy boots as he is set to reprise the role for the highly anticipated movie.
In a recent interview with SFX Magazine, Lincoln revealed that he has signed on for more than one Rick Grimes film. He will also be working behind the scenes as a producer. However, he clarified that he won't be directing the trilogy. Lincoln has previously tried his hand at working behind the camera, having directed two episodes of Teachers, a British comedy-drama series. As for directing a movie that he will star in, Lincoln expressed his hesitation:
I have signed for more than one film. I am a producer on it. I will not be directing, because I don’t like watching myself, so that would be a self-defeating exercise. It would just be the most painful... yeah, it just wouldn’t happen!
Lincoln also disclosed that the first Rick Grimes movie isn't filming yet and has been delayed due to the pandemic lockdowns. He noted that there's a huge pressure on the team to get the first film "absolutely right" so they don't disappoint the franchise's massive fanbase. While Lincoln isn't thrilled with the thought of directing himself, the actor said he can't wait to play the beloved sheriff again and see how the character's future pans out.
The last time fans saw Rick on The Walking Dead, the group leader blasted off a bridge to protect his community from an incoming zombie horde. He is presumed to be dead, but he was secretly rescued by Anne (Pollyanna McIntosh) and was whisked off by a chopper to an unspecified location. The Rick-centered trilogy's plot is still unclear, although fans could guess that it would follow the protagonist's new fight for survival away from his loved ones. It could also include flashbacks to complete the character's origin story and character arc. Ultimately, fans would like to see Rick get a happy ending, however bittersweet that may be in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Source: SFX Magazine
