The Walking Dead star Chandler Riggs is reflecting on how he left the show. When the zombie drama first premiered on AMC in 2010, Riggs was one of the show's main stars with his role as Carl Grimes, son of Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies). Riggs would ultimately leave the show during its eighth season in 2018, a surprise at the time as the Carl character survives in the original comic book series.
In a new interview with ComicBookMovie.com, Riggs opened up about leaving the show almost six years ago. Ultimately, the former child star is happy with how things turned out. His Walking Dead exit may have been a shocker at the time, but it opened the door for other opportunities to come along. That includes voicing Superman in the new animated film Justice League X RWBY, as Riggs explains:
"It’s crazy to think it was almost six years ago now that I left the show. It was an incredible experience and I’m so lucky to have been on it for so long. I’m so grateful for everything it gave me over the years. I wouldn’t have been playing Superman if it wasn’t for that. It was pretty bittersweet."
There Was More Story Left to Tell With Carl
Riggs remains happy and grateful for his time spent in the Walking Dead universe, but that doesn't mean he didn't still see lost potential in having his character killed off. The actor goes on to say how he felt there was still more story left to tell with Carl Grimes, but he makes it clear that he's not "bitter" about his exit whatsoever, having nothing but fond memories and a great appreciation for the show.
"I knew there was a lot more left in Carl’s story that I was not able to tell, but at the same time, it was nice because I could do other projects and films and shows I couldn’t have done on The Walking Dead. I’ve been able to play other characters and really feel like I’m stepping into being an adult actor. It was really cool and I’m not bitter about it at all."
The Walking Dead ended after an eleven season run on AMC last year, but the franchise lives on with various upcoming spinoffs. Riggs notably had a cameo in the series finale, but as a background character and not Carl Grimes. Even so, that opportunity allowed him to say goodbye to the show as it came to an end, even with his character having been killed off years prior.
Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One will be released on Digital, 4k Ultra HD, and Blu-ray on April 25.