Tom Payne Joins ‘The Walking Dead’ as Paul ‘Jesus’ Monroe

The Walking Dead cast just keeps growing (which could mean a lot more deaths are headed our way), with Tom Payne being the latest addition as key comic book character Paul Monroe aka Jesus.

Payne’s addition to the cast was announced today, but rumors about Jesus’ casting began spreading last week when photos of the actor in costume surfaced, like the one below:

The actor will recur during the upcoming sixth season, with an option for season seven.

For those of you who don’t know Jesus’ significance, his character first appeared in The Walking Dead #91. He got the holy nickname based on his long hair and beard as well as his predisposition for saving the lives of others. According toThe Hollywood Reporter:

“He is a resident at the Alexandria Safe-Zone who moved to the community from another group called the Hilltop Colony. The character is a rare logical man and skilled adviser with a strong sense of morals and values who is well-adapted to the new world.”

The character, still alive in the comics, becomes a key member of the group in the comics ahead of the war against The Savors and major villain Negan.

The British actor’s credits include Luck, Waterloo Road, The Physician and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.

The Walking Dead returns to AMC on Oct. 11th.

Are you excited to see more key comic book characters introduced into the plot? Aside from Negan, who else would you like to see get a TV counterpart?

Photo Credit:Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com/ ET/Image Comics