Three actors promoted to series regulars for The Walking Dead season 8

Season 7 of The Walking Dead ended only a few weeks ago, but we have our first hints at what’s to come in season 8.

Season 7 of The Walking Dead might have only gone dark just a few short weeks ago, but season 8 already appears to be up and rolling with the promotions of three guest stars from season 7 to series regulars according to Variety.

Steven Ogg (Simon), Katelyn Nacon (Enid), and Pollyanna McIntosh (Jadis) have each been promoted to series regulars. Which of course means all three will have much-expanded roles in season 8.

Season 7 of The Walking Dead saw the departure (a nice way of saying they died) of three series regulars Steven Yeun (Glenn), Michael Cudlitz (Abraham) and Sonequa Martin-Green (Sasha) so there is a bit of symmetry to promoting three others to series regulars. But does it mean for each of the new series regulars?

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Steven Ogg takes part in a panel on day two of the ‘Walker Stalker’ convention at London Olympia on March 5, 2017, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Getty Images)

With Negan declaring war on Alexandria, the Hilltop, and The Kingdom, Simon’s role as right-hand henchman to Negan will likely be more important than ever. Likewise for Jadis, after we saw her dumpster scavenger community turn on Rick and Alexandria in the season 7 finale.

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As leader of the scavengers, Jadis will take on a larger role as her alliance with Negan attempts to take down Rick and crew.

Enid receiving an expanded role is perhaps the most intriguing. Enid had a pretty heavy role in season 6, moving from the moody and potentially suicidal teenager to a love interest for Carl. Enid was not absent from season 7, serving as a bit of an adviser to Maggie, but certainly had a much-reduced role from previous seasons.

Could an actual romance with Carl be on the table? Or will her advising role be expanded? Our guess would be the former, as a romance with Carl would lead more screen time. Hopefully, the young lovers are not another doomed Walking Dead romance.

Season 8 returns to AMC this October.