'Walking Dead' Adds New Regulars for Second Part Of Season 5

Relative newcomer Ross Marquand will join the zombie drama based on Robert Kirkman’s long-running comics, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Marquand’s character will be introduced in the second half of the show’s fifth season and will be a series regular — with the likelihood to serve in the same capacity in the already announced sixth season.

While details on which character Marquand is playing are being kept under wraps, Kirkman previously noted on Talking Dead that a “prominent” gay character from his comics would be introduced in the second half of season five. Considering where AMC’sWalking Dead is in relation to the comics, all signs point to the character of Aaron being introduced, as the series could explore the Alexandria storyline next now that the group is reunited and back on the road looking for a new home. Aaron is a resident of the Alexandria Safe-Zone, the longest-running location that the comics has yet to feature. Aaron is first introduced in issue 67 of the comics and serves as a recruiter — with his work partner and boyfriend, Eric. He first crosses paths with Rick’s group while they are on the road to Washington.

Marquand, meanwhile, counts Down and Dangerous, A Lonely Place for Dying and The Congregation among his credits. On the TV side, he has episodes of Mad Men and Phineas and Ferb — where he voiced Han Solo in its Star Wars episode — on his résumé. He’s repped by UTA, Leslie Allan-Rice Management and Myman Greenspan.

Marquand marks the latest addition to the series, which this season has already killed off three series regulars: Andrew J. West (Gareth), Lawrence Gilliard (Bob) and Emily Kinney (Beth). The joins new addition Alexandra Breckenridge as a new face for season five. Her character, whose details also are being kept under wraps, will be introduced in the back half of the season with an option to be promoted to regular in season six. (Casting breakdowns have indicated she may be playing Samantha, a character that isn’t in the comics but who may be a fake name.)

~hollywoodreporter.com/lesleygoldberg