When The Walking Dead series began airing in 2010, viewers were introduced to Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), the series’ hero. The pilot episode would also introduce another character who would become vital in the life of Rick and TWD universe, Morgan Jones. Portrayed by actor Lennie James, Morgan took Rick in, cared for his wounds, and schooled him on the new state of the world.
The pair didn’t spend much time together but planned to meet in Atlanta after Morgan teaches his son Duane (Adrian Kali Turner) to shoot. Rick gives him a walkie-talkie and tells him to listen each day at dawn so they can touch base with each other. When Rick discovers Atlanta isn’t safe, he tries to warn Morgan.
“Morgan, I don’t know if you’re out there. I don’t know if you can hear me. Maybe you’re listening right now. I hope so. I found others… My family, if you can believe it. My wife and son, they’re alive. I wanted you to know that. There’s something else you need to know. Atlanta isn’t what we thought. It’s not what they promised. The city is… Do not enter the city. It belongs to the dead now. We’re camped a few miles northwest, up by a big abandoned rock quarry. You can see it on a map. I hope you come find us. But be careful. Last night Walkers came out of the woods. We lost people. Watch yourself, Morgan. Take care of your boy. I’ll try you again tomorrow at dawn.”
During the fourth season of Fear the Walking Dead, Morgan crossed over that storyline. He would be a main character in that series until the eighth and final season. During the midseason finale of season 8, Morgan would make a new call via walkie-talkie, which sounded a bit familiar. (listen below)
On February 25, 2024, AMC will premiere the highly anticipated The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. This spinoff will focus on Rick and Michonne (Danai Gurira), their epic love story, and what has transpired since they’ve been separated.
In Morgan’s last episode, he and his daughter Mo (Zoey Merchant) set out searching for his old friend Rick. Will Morgan appear in The Ones Who Live?
Many fans believe that a reunion between Rick and Morgan is a must. But when James did interviews following his final episode, it made it sound like Morgan’s story was over, and he wouldn’t take on this role again unless the script was something amazing.
“This is it for me. He’s been around long enough. For me to pick up the stick again, it would have to be an amazing storyline. It would have to be a situation where I couldn’t look back on all the episodes that I’ve done so far and go, “No, I did that in episode such and such in Season such and such.” I’m not interested in repeating myself with Morgan at the moment. I think it would kind of slightly tarnish his legacy – Lennie James interview with CBR”
Only time will tell if Morgan will appear in TWDU universe again. James portrayed Morgan from 2010 until his final episode of Fear TWD, “All I See Is Red,” which aired on June 18, 2023. This
Don’t miss The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live on AMC and AMC+ on February 25, 2023.
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