Rumors of Steven Yeun returning to The Walking Dead have intensified after franchise leader Scott Gimple shared comments hinting at a possible Glenn comeback. This ongoing discussion keeps fans hopeful that Yeun could once again bring Glenn Rhee back to life in a future installment, despite the character’s tragic exit.
Speculation Grows Around Glenn’s Future in The Walking Dead Universe
Glenn Rhee, played by Steven Yeun, remains a fan favorite among The Walking Dead cast, prompting continual speculation about a potential return. Scott Gimple, a prominent figure in developing the series and its offshoots, recently addressed the burning question of whether Yeun could reprise his iconic role. Gimple revealed the idea is never far from their minds and acknowledged the strong enthusiasm among both the creative team and fans for Glenn’s possible comeback. However, Gimple emphasized Yeun’s demanding schedule as a factor, noting,
“I think it comes to mind all the time. In some ways, it’s a pretty obvious way to go. But it would obviously be enjoyable for all of us. Steven is a remarkably busy dude, though – not to say that these folks aren’t. You never know, I guess I’d say, but we never went that far with it.”
—Scott Gimple, Franchise Chief
Glenn was integral from the early episodes of The Walking Dead, forming significant relationships, especially with Maggie Greene, portrayed by Lauren Cohan, and Negan Smith, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. His emotional storyline, which included a deep romance with Maggie, left a lasting impression on viewers. The brutal death of Glenn at the hands of Negan in the gripping premiere of season seven,
“The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be,”
shook the audience and the show’s internal dynamics.
The Lasting Impact of Glenn’s Death
Glenn’s demise not only altered the trajectory of key characters but also affected the fandom’s connection to the series. Actor Ross Marquand observed,
“we lost a lot of fans”
after Glenn’s departure—a testament to the emotional intensity of that moment. Despite the series’ reputation for violence and heartbreak, Glenn’s loss stands out as particularly devastating, underscoring the importance of his character to the narrative and to fan investment. Yeun himself reflected on Glenn’s final episode, describing his exit as “just a natural end.” He said,
“Everyone felt it. I wasn’t pining to be off the show. It was just the story, and you service the story. Also, there’s something very beautiful about the end, turning the page and closing the book.”
—Steven Yeun, Actor
Even as the story moved forward, Glenn’s absence and the consequences of his fate were felt by both Maggie and Negan, fueling ongoing plotlines and emotional arcs. The significance of his character remains a touchstone in conversations about The Walking Dead’s most impactful moments.
Steven Yeun’s Career Path Since The Walking Dead
Since his time as Glenn, Steven Yeun has expanded his range across television and film. He earned acclaim for his performances in various high-profile projects, including the Jordan Peele-helmed episode of The Twilight Zone reboot, the sci-fi film Mickey 17 directed by Bong Joon Ho, and as Danny Cho in Netflix’s 2023 series Beef, where he also served as executive producer. Yeun contributed voice work to animated shows such as Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Voltron: Legendary Defender, Final Space, and Tuca & Bertie. On the big screen, he appeared in Peele’s 2022 horror film Nope and is set to star in The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender. These roles have established Yeun as a prominent figure beyond The Walking Dead, yet fans continue to associate him closely with Glenn Rhee and speculate about a return.
The Walking Dead Franchise Continues With New Stories and Characters
Despite the cloud of uncertainty surrounding Glenn’s possible comeback, The Walking Dead universe continues to evolve. Scott Gimple has expressed interest in reviving certain shows within the franchise, while spinoffs like The Walking Dead: Dead City offer fresh narrative ground. Dead City, which premiered on June 18, 2023, stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan Smith and Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene, with supporting actors including Logan Kim, Lisa Emery, Željko Ivanek, Gaius Charles, Keir Gilchrist, and Dascha Polanco. The continued popularity of Negan—who still wields his infamous bat Lucille—alongside complex stories keeps the franchise relevant. The season two finale of Dead City aired on June 22, 2025. As of now, no official word exists about a third season, but the show’s dedicated following suggests further episodes could be announced.
The connections between characters like Maggie, Negan, and the memory of Glenn continue to drive major storylines, reflecting the show’s enduring appeal to longtime viewers. As fans reminisce about the Glenn era, they hold out hope that Steven Yeun returning to The Walking Dead might someday become reality, ensuring the emotional resonance of Glenn Rhee remains as strong as ever throughout the expanding series universe.
