An original key character in The Walking Dead comics who appeared to be absent when Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and co. arrived in the Alexandria safe zone during the show's last season will be present in season 6.  

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the character, Heath, has been cast and will be portrayed by Corey Hawkins when the series picks up again in October. The character was first introduced in the comics in issue 69, and became an eventual supply runner for the community, a close friend to Glenn (Steven Yuen) and a love interest for Denise  (who has not made an appearance on the show as of yet).  

Hawkins is the first confirmed addition to the show's cast for the upcoming season, joining other recent Alexandria additions Deanna (Tovah Feldshuh), Jessie (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Aaron (Ross Marquand).  

Season five left off with Morgan (Lennie James) finally reuniting with his friend Rick at Alexandria immediately after witnessing him execute Pete (Corey Brill) after he accidentally killed Deanna's husband Reg (Steve Coulter). 

While certain elements of the comics have played out on screen, others have been changed throughout the show's history, meaning Heath's arc could change when he is on-screen. In the comics he was an ally to Rick's group. However, his later introduction into the series could mean he is still skeptical of the gang, much like the rest of the community's residents. In the comics, his character is still alive. 

Tags: The Walking Dead AMC television