The Spoiling Dead forum tracks The Walking Dead production every year and it has been pretty accurate with its show leaks so far, including character death reports from undisclosed sources close to the production. The forum also receives many photos from curious fans that poke around The Walking Dead set. Recently, they shared an unconfirmed report of Carl’s end to the show. This is what the alleged spoiler-filled reddit post claimed:
“We received various pieces of information from separate sources beginning way back in early September telling us they believe Carl will die in the mid-season finale. We know the MSF will involve a huge battle at Alexandria with multiple fires, explosions and gunfire. There is plenty of photo evidence and eyewitness accounts of this. Separate sources also tell us that they believe Carl’s death was shot at the studio with corresponding scenes being shot at Alexandria near the gates. It is believed that he dies in the MSF with possibly his body being discovered and/or the aftermath of his death occurring in episode 9. So far there has been no corroboration in exactly how he dies; however, more than once we were told that he struggles with someone and is possibly stabbed.”
Carl has nine lives on the show. He survived two gunshot wounds, including one that directly penetrated his skull. He also lost an eye, but still survived and he’s been virtually untouchable ever since. Now just because he’s possibly stabbed, it doesn’t mean he dies. It’s no secret Chandler Riggs currently attends Auburn University in Alabama—his filming dates were likely scheduled around his classes. The last we saw Riggs was late August, according to The Spoiling Dead, which is likely around the time his semester began. Carl isn’t as big of a character as he used to be, but he still plays an important role in the show.
Right around this time in the comics, Carl distances himself from Rick. He doesn’t want to live in Alexandria anymore and tells his father he wants to become a blacksmith apprentice at The Hilltop. Maggie watches over Carl and he spends some time apart from his father. Rick doesn’t like that Carl wants to leave him, but it’s necessary. The time apart will let Carl grow into his own person. Carl’s possible injury in the mid-season finale may also be used to afford him less screen time.
Unfortunately, Carl plays a bigger role in the All Out War in the comic book than he does in the show. In the comics, Carl becomes close to Negan and even talks to him when the war ends. Carl also plays a big part in the introduction of the Whisperers, the next group that will threaten Alexandria.
If Carl dies, it could mean the show is near its end. Rick’s motivation to keep going comes from his need to protect Carl and Judith. He doesn’t want to lead the group. He doesn’t want to constantly be on the defence. He just wants to create a better life for his kids. Carl is more than just a kid on the show.
But the show has remixed many deaths. In the comics, Carol has been long dead and her daughter Sophia survives. Andrea is also alive and become Rick’s girlfriend, not Michonne. Abraham didn’t die in the first encounter with Negan, but was shot with an arrow in the head by Dwight.
Carl’s death will break Rick, and we just got him back to being functional. Rick knows Judith isn’t his biological daughter; losing his only son could be more than Rick could bear.
What do you think about Carl’s death rumors? Will the show actually go through with it? Let us know in the comments below. The Walking Dead midseason finale airs Sunday, Dec. 10 at 9 p.m.
