The ninth season of The Walking Dead, an American post-apocalyptic horror television series on AMC premiered on October 7, 2018, and concluded on March 31, 2019, consisting of 16 episodes. Developed for television by Frank Darabont, the series is based on the eponymous series of comic books by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The executive producers are Kirkman, David Alpert, Scott M. Gimple, Angela Kang, Greg Nicotero, Tom Luse, Denise Huth, and Gale Anne Hurd, with Kang taking over the role of showrunner from Gimple after his promotion to chief content officer for the franchise.

This season adapts material from issues #127–144 of the comic book series and focuses on the aftermath of All Out War. Eighteen months after the defeat of Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) under an alliance of communities spearheaded by Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), the season focuses on the united communities as they face obstacles and dangers both outside and inside their alliance, with the threat of the mysterious Whisperers looming.

The ninth season is the final season for lead actor Andrew Lincoln, who has portrayed Rick Grimes since the series' first season. Lauren Cohan appeared as Maggie Greene in a diminished role and only appeared in the first five episodes of this season due to other commitments; Cohan returned as a series regular in season 10.

Cast

Main cast

The ninth season features nineteen series regulars overall. For this season, Katelyn Nacon and Tom Payne were added to the opening credits, along with Khary Payton as of the season's sixth episode, after previously being credited as "also starring". Callan McAuliffe and Avi Nash were promoted to series regular status, after previously having recurring roles. Samantha Morton joined the cast as a series regular and was added to the opening credits beginning with episode ten.

Starring Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, the protagonist of the series. Rick is a former sheriff's deputy from King County, Georgia, and the former leader of the rebuilt Alexandria. He is coping with the recent death of his son Carl, while raising his daughter Judith with his romantic partner Michonne. Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, Rick's right-hand man. Daryl is a skilled hunter and a former recruiter for Alexandria. He had been running the Sanctuary since the downfall of Negan but later steps out of the position. Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene, Glenn's widow, a mother figure to Enid and the former leader of the Hilltop. She is mother to her and Glenn's child, Hershel. She is at odds with Rick over sparing the life of Negan, the former leader of the Saviors. Danai Gurira as Michonne, a katana-wielding warrior and Rick's romantic partner. She is also a mother figure to Judith and mother to her and Rick's child. Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier, a survivor who has overcome several traumas, is a skilled and ingenious fighter, and now resides at the Kingdom with her husband Ezekiel. Alanna Masterson as Tara Chambler, a supply runner of Alexandria who served as a liaison to Oceanside, is now at peace with the former Saviors, and resides at the Hilltop. Josh McDermitt as Eugene Porter, a cowardly but intelligent survivor who was instrumental in defeating the Saviors and won back the group's trust. He also secretly has feelings for Rosita. Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa, a pragmatic member of the group who was the former partner of the now-deceased Abraham. Seth Gilliam as Gabriel Stokes, a priest who has reconciled his beliefs with what needs to be done to survive. Ross Marquand as Aaron, a recruiter from Alexandria who lost his boyfriend Eric during the war, and now raises his adoptive daughter, Gracie. Katelyn Nacon as Enid, a survivor of the Hilltop and a daughter figure to Maggie who was learning medicine from Siddiq. Tom Payne as Paul "Jesus" Rovia, a Hilltop recruiter and Maggie's right-hand man who serves as her voice of reason. Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan, the former leader of the Saviors and previous antagonist, who is incarcerated following his defeat in the previous season. Khary Payton as Ezekiel, the charismatic leader of the Kingdom who helped Rick defeat Negan and his Saviors. He is married to Carol. Samantha Morton as Alpha, the leader of the Whisperers, a mysterious group of survivors who wear the skins of walkers to mask their presence, and the main antagonist of the second half of the season.

Also starring Xander Berkeley as Gregory, the arrogant, selfish, and treacherous former leader of the Hilltop who is adjusting under Maggie's leadership. Pollyanna McIntosh as Anne, the former leader of the Scavengers (previously known as "Jadis") who has since integrated into Alexandria. Callan McAuliffe as Alden, a former member of the Saviors who had defected to Maggie's group during the war against Negan. Avi Nash as Siddiq, a former vagabond and doctor who was rescued by Carl before his death.

Supporting cast

Alexandria Safe-Zone Kenric Green as Scott, a supply runner in Alexandria. Mandi Christine Kerr as Barbara, a resident of Alexandria. Tamara Austin as Nora, a resident of Alexandria and Michonne's friend. Jennifer Riker as Mrs. Robinson, a resident and gardener of Alexandria. Lindsley Register as Laura, a former lieutenant of the Saviors and former gardener of the Sanctuary. She defected to Alexandria after the events of the bridge rebuilding. Matt Mangum as D.J., a former hostile lieutenant of the Saviors and former guardian of the Sanctuary. He also defected to Alexandria after the events of the bridge rebuilding. Chloe Garcia-Frizzi and Cailey Fleming as Judith Grimes, the daughter of Lori Grimes and Shane Walsh and adopted daughter of Rick and Michonne. Anabelle Holloway as Gracie, the daughter of a Savior who was killed by Rick during a fight; she is adopted by Aaron. Elyse Dufour as Frankie, one of Negan's former "wives" and current resident of Alexandria. Antony Azor as Rick "R.J." Grimes Jr., the son of Rick and Michonne.

The Hilltop Brett Butler as Tammy Rose Sutton, a resident of the Hilltop and wife to Earl. John Finn as Earl Sutton, the Hilltop's blacksmith and husband to Tammy. AJ Achinger as Kenneth "Ken" Sutton, a resident of the Hilltop, son of Earl and Tammy. Karen Ceesay as Bertie, a resident of the Hilltop who later becomes the teacher at the community. James Chen as Kal, a protector and guardian of the Hilltop. Anthony Lopez as Oscar, a resident of the Hilltop. Gustavo Gomez as Marco, a supply runner of the Hilltop. C. Thomas Howell as Roy, a resident of the Hilltop. Kelley Mack as Adeline, a resident of the Hilltop who has feelings for Henry. Jackson Pace as Gage, a resident of the Hilltop and Henry's friend. Joe Ando-Hirsh as Rodney, a resident of the Hilltop and Gage's friend.

The Sanctuary Traci Dinwiddie as Regina, a former lieutenant of the Saviors, and member of a group of rebel Saviors. Jon Eyez as Potter, a former worker for the Saviors who supports Rick's decision to imprison Negan. Elizabeth Ludlow as Arat, a former lieutenant of the Saviors who has made peace with Rick's group. Aaron Farb as Norris, a member of the Saviors and D.J.'s friend who allies himself with Jed. Chloe Aktas as Tanya, a resident of the Sanctuary and one of Negan's former "wives". Zach McGowan as Justin, a hostile Savior not interested in working together with the other communities and loyal to the order of Negan's leadership. Rhys Coiro as Jed, a rebellious member of the Saviors who also wants to go back to Negan's ideology and the main antagonist of the first half of the season.

The Kingdom Cooper Andrews as Jerry, a resident of the Kingdom and Ezekiel's right-hand man who is in a relationship with Nabila. Kerry Cahill as Dianne, one of Ezekiel's top soldiers and a skilled archer. Matt Lintz as Henry, a resident of the Kingdom and the younger brother of the deceased Benjamin. He is also adopted son of Carol and Ezekiel. Macsen Lintz as young Henry Nadine Marissa as Nabila, a resident and gardener of the Kingdom and Jerry's wife.

Oceanside Sydney Park as Cyndie, a young woman who has become the leader of the Oceanside community following the death of her grandmother, Natania. Briana Venskus as Beatrice, one of Oceanside's top soldiers and Cyndie's right-hand, who resents the Saviors. Nicole Barré as Kathy, one of Oceanside's top soldiers. Avianna Mynhier as Rachel Ward, an aggressive young member of Oceanside. Mimi Kirkland as young Rachel Ward

Magna's group Nadia Hilker as Magna, the feisty leader of a small group of roaming survivors. Eleanor Matsuura as Yumiko, Magna's girlfriend. Dan Fogler as Luke, a former music teacher who has come to appreciate safety in numbers. Lauren Ridloff as Connie, a deaf member of Magna's group. Angel Theory as Kelly, Connie's protective sister and a member of Magna's group.

The Whisperers Cassady McClincy as Lydia, Alpha's daughter and Henry's love interest. Scarlett Blum as young Lydia Ryan Hurst as Beta, the second-in-command of the Whisperers.

The Highwaymen Angus Sampson as Ozzy, the leader of the Highwaymen, a group of raiders occupying the Kingdom's surrounding areas following the fall of the Sanctuary. Jason Kirkpatrick as Alek, Ozzy's right-hand man.

Miscellaneous Jon Bernthal as Shane Walsh, Rick's best friend and fellow police officer, who was previously killed by Rick in the second season, appears in one of Rick's hallucinations. Sonequa Martin-Green as Sasha Williams, a former survivor of Rick's group, who sacrificed herself to help Rick and his survivors against Negan during the seventh season, appears in one of Rick's hallucinations. Scott Wilson as Hershel Greene, Maggie's father, who was previously killed by The Governor in the fourth season, appears in one of Rick's hallucinations. Rutina Wesley as Jocelyn, an old friend of Michonne and the leader of a group of orphaned children. Steve Kazee as Frank, Lydia's father and Alpha's husband, appears in Lydia's flashback.

Episodes

Production The series was renewed for a ninth season in January 2018. Along with the renewal, it was announced that showrunner Scott M. Gimple would be promoted to chief content officer for both The Walking Dead and its spin-off show Fear the Walking Dead, while writer and co-executive producer Angela Kang would take Gimple's role for The Walking Dead.

Filming for the ninth season began on April 30, 2018, with Greg Nicotero directing the first episode of the season. Michael Cudlitz, who played Abraham Ford, directed the seventh episode of the season.

The ninth season features a redesigned opening credits sequence. The animated title sequence, which is graphic novel inspired, features familiar imagery such as Daryl's motorcycle and crossbow, and Michonne's katana. Kang spoke of the inspiration for the new sequence, "The feel of the season has elements of the Western genre. We're paying homage to some of the iconic moments from the graphic novel. Life is coming out of death. Nature's taking over, while other things are crumbling."

Casting

Most of the cast's contracts had to be renewed for the ninth season and beyond; most of the cast re-signed; the notable exception was Lauren Cohan who plays Maggie Greene. Cohan had sought a pay increase from AMC given her high demand from other networks; while she had signed on to star in a new series, Whiskey Cavalier, for the ABC network, this contract would enable her to participate on The Walking Dead in a limited role. In April, Cohan confirmed she signed on for the ninth season and appeared in the first five episodes.