Say what you like about The Walking Dead, but you can't deny it's got vision – especially when it comes to playing the long-game.
Not long after AMC confirmed its intention to keep the Walking Dead universe going for another "decade", actor Tom Payne – aka Jesus – has had his say on the show's longevity.
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And while some fans might not agree with this, Payne thinks that Andrew Lincoln's impending departure as Rick Grimes could actually work in the series' favour.
Speaking to Digital Spy recently, Tom put forward his prediction for the drama's life-span, and while it's not quite that of a Walker's, the actor is still expecting it to go on for as long as Robert Kirkman continues to write the comic books.
"I would always go by the comic books, and the comic books – I don't think Kirkman is going to finish them for another 80 issues or something," he told us. "He said he's definitely going to 300, and I think they're on 170 or 180 or something."
Of course, Tom knows it's not just about the source material, because it's about the fans and the audience, too. Despite a dip in The Walking Dead's ratings and reception, things are on the up – and they show no signs of stopping in his view.
"I think the show will carry on as long as people want to watch it. I think it's still coming up with great storylines, and this season moves the story into a different direction," he said. "Because it used to be like: Rick's the great hero, and then bad stuff happens, and then they leave and go here, and bad stuff happens.
"Now it's like: everyone is settled in their communities, so now they have something to protect in a different way, and they're really trying to build a society."
Hinting at the impact of Rick's exit, Tom said the loss of Alexandria's leader gives the show "another place to put [a] story in".
Related: The Walking Dead fan theory suggests Rick may not be killed off after all
"With Rick leaving, how does that mess with the power structure? I think there's always stories to tell, and I think, you know, there are soap operas that have been on television for 30 years – not that we're going to be Coronation Street.
"But I think it will carry on for as long as people will keep tuning in."
A Corrie x Walking Dead mash-up? Bring it on.
The Walking Dead: The Complete Eighth Season is available now on Blu-ray and DVD, courtesy of Entertainment One.
The Walking Dead airs on AMC in the US, and on FOX and NOW TV in the UK. Season 9 premieres on October 7 in the US and October 8 in the UK.
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