Recent discussions within The Walking Dead production team have sparked renewed speculation about the Steven Yeun possible return as Glenn, especially following the season 2 finale of The Walking Dead: Dead City. In a recent interview, chief content officer Scott Gimple addressed whether Yeun could reprise his iconic role, providing insights into both creative considerations and real-world constraints that could affect any plans.
Reflections on Glenn’s Legacy and Lingering Impact
From its inception, The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 has heavily featured the aftermath of Glenn’s death, a pivotal event that continues to influence Maggie Rhee’s motivations and her interactions with other characters. Maggie, played by Lauren Cohan, remains haunted by her husband’s brutal end at the hands of Negan, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. This unresolved trauma is reignited in the season finale when Maggie witnesses Negan kill Bruegel, played by Kim Coates, using the same method and weapon—Lucille—that claimed Glenn’s life. Maggie’s ongoing quest for justice is deeply tied to Glenn’s memory, and this undercurrent of loss and vengeance defines her complex alliance with Negan.
The closing episode highlighted Maggie’s struggle to balance revenge with forgiveness. Despite her initial determination to take Negan’s life, her discovery that he had cared for Ginny—who was tragically turned into a zombie—prompted her to spare him, signaling a subtle shift in their strained partnership. While Maggie’s choice does not erase the pain of Glenn’s murder, it opens a possibility for a new dynamic as both characters face shared threats in Manhattan and beyond.
Scott Gimple Weighs In on a Potential Glenn Return
The conversation about whether Glenn could reappear, even in a vision or flashback, has been a recurring one for both fans and the show’s creators. Scott Gimple, who serves as the franchise’s chief content officer, addressed the subject during an interview with ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender, revealing that discussions have taken place but also acknowledging substantial challenges.
“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, Chief Content Officer, The Walking Dead
Gimple explained that while writers and producers have considered bringing Glenn back, possibly through a dream sequence involving Maggie or Hershel (played by Logan Kim), Steven Yeun’s packed schedule makes it challenging to coordinate such an appearance. The possibility is tantalizing but not guaranteed, leaving room for speculation while keeping expectations in check.
Obstacles to Yeun’s Return to The Walking Dead
Despite a strong creative desire to revisit the character, several factors make the Steven Yeun possible return as Glenn unlikely in the immediate future. Yeun’s acting commitments have multiplied; he is slated to provide voice work for Invincible season 4, contribute to The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender, and star in the forthcoming Ben Affleck-led film, Animals. His involvement in various major projects, including the action thriller The Rip—which is set for a Netflix release on January 16, 2026—limits his availability to participate in The Walking Dead franchise at this time.
The Dead City season 2 finale’s dramatic developments have set the stage for a new phase in the relationship between Maggie and Negan and established a strong foundation for season 3. While a dramatic cameo or flashback by Yeun would make for compelling storytelling, current realities suggest that fans will have to wait for such a moment, if it happens at all.
Future Possibilities for Glenn in The Walking Dead Universe
Even with logistical barriers, the narrative climate in The Walking Dead: Dead City seems ideal for a Glenn appearance, particularly as Maggie and Negan are forced into a reluctant partnership to find Hershel and escape the threats that now dominate Manhattan. Thematically, a vision or memory of Glenn has the potential to give Maggie strength and motivation in her most difficult moments.
While Gimple remained cautious about offering guarantees or timelines for any Glenn-centric flashbacks, he acknowledged how meaningful such an event would be for cast, crew, and viewers alike. Yeun’s enduring popularity, combined with the emotional resonance of his character, ensures that the possibility of his return remains compelling—though fans should temper hope with patience, given the realities of TV and film production schedules.
For now, viewers can catch all episodes of The Walking Dead: Dead City streaming on AMC+, while keeping an eye on the broader franchise for any announcement that could hint at Glenn’s reappearance.
As The Walking Dead universe moves forward, questions about unresolved legacies and alternate futures for beloved characters like Glenn continue to animate both creators and audiences. With Steven Yeun’s career thriving across multiple high-profile roles and The Walking Dead’s writers clearly invested in exploring every angle, the door to Glenn’s possible return is not fully closed—but it remains uncertain, tied to both narrative needs and real-world feasibility.
