Proving that these things can be as much a result of personal connection as they can be the result of casting director’s opinions, Maria Bello has revealed that she will be appearing in season 8 of The Walking Dead – because her friend produces it, and she loves the show.
“I am obsessed with the show. I have a friend who’s a producer on it, and I’ve asked them to write me a part, which apparently they are for next season. Even if I just play a zombie, I said, ‘I’ll just come out and play a zombie for an episode, I don’t care!’ But it is my favourite show.”
Evidently, the team behind The Walking Dead are writing her a part, but it is not yet clear what that part will be. Realistically, it would be very disappointing if the role were actually restricted to that of a zombie, since Maria Bello is a Golden Globe nominated actress. She also has experience in the horror genre – albeit in feature films – having delivered roles in 2005’s The Dark, 2015’s Demonic, and 2016’s Lights Out.
Rather, it would be of huge benefit to the show to have Bello join the cast as a recurring character, since it would come after a full season of post-cliffhanger Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). The Walking Dead has featured a number of notable performers in its run so far, outside of the main cast – including David Morrissey, Michael Rooker, Merritt Weaver, Xander Berkeley, Alicia Witt, and Aldis Hodge. This tradition of having highly talented, recognizable actors transit through the episodic drama ensures that the narrative remains fresh and engaging – which is very important for such bleak subject matter.
So, we can look forward to Maria Bello appearing in the eighth season of The Walking Dead, and we can only hope that the team behind the show keep her involved for a number of episodes, in a substantial role. Anything less than that would surely be a wasted opportunity.
