The Walking Dead season 8: Corey Hawkins likely not returning — for now

If you’re still interested in seeing Corey Hawkins as Heath on The Walking Dead, we understand. You just need a lot of patience at this point.

According to a new report from Entertainment Weekly, you shouldn’t hold your breath to see Heath this season, with showrunner Scott M. Gimple saying the following as a form of explanation for the move:

“[There’s not a huge chance Heath will be back this season.] But we definitely have not seen the last of Heath, period. I will say that. I don’t mean to disappoint the Heathies. He will be on the show. He will be within The Walking Dead again.”

The path to getting more Heath on the show is certainly complicated, one that began with Corey Hawkins being a part of 24: Legacy, which dominated much of his time during season 7. Now, he’s taking on some other work, and we’re not sure when the schedules are going to properly align for everyone. We do think he’ll be back given that this show helped him to make a name for himself, and we’re curious what that will be like and what his relationship will be with Tara given that the two of them had some story together at the time in which he vanished from the show.

It’s hardly as though Heath falling off the map is this unprecedented move when it comes to The Walking Dead as a whole. Just remember how many times we’ve seen this in some shape or form already! The most notable example of someone being gone for years only to later return is Morgan (Lennie James), who was off wandering alone for years before finding his way back to the show. He’s now firmly entrenched again as a part of Rick’s group, and we’re slightly terrified of what is going to become of him now that he’s killed again. Who knows what all of this alone time could do for Heath, provided that he is actually alone? Maybe we’ll start to get a better sense on the other side of the All Out War storyline. Given the number of characters who are a part of this show, there are logical reasons to revisit him later when there are some fewer characters to focus on.

Are you going to miss Corey Hawkins and Heath on The Walking Dead this season?

Have any theories regarding what he could be up to at the moment? Be sure to share in the comments below, and be sure to visit the link here in the event you do want to get some more preview news regarding the upcoming eighth season and Carol’s motivation. (Who doesn’t love Carol?) (Photo: AMC.)