Jesus Is Finally Coming to The Walking Dead—Find Out Who's Playing the Fan-Fave Character

Season six of the AMC hit will introduce one of its source material's more pivotal characters

Jesus walks. Well, more likely, runs. As fast as he can.

That's right, The Walking Dead fans: Paul Monroe, aka "Jesus," will make his leap from the comics to the TV screen when the AMC hit returns for season six now that the network has found the right man for the role. E! News has confirmed that Luck actor Tom Payne will recur in the upcoming season.

For those not in the know, Jesus first appeared in issue 91 of the comics as a former member of the Hilltop Colony. Openly gay, he eventually becomes a trusted adviser to Rick (played by Andrew Lincoln in the TV series) in Alexandria. And God knows Rick needs all of those he can get.

The arrival of Jesus may signal a major clue for where the series is headed. In the comics, Jesus becomes a key member of the group as they wage war against the Saviors and their dastardly leader, Negan. If and when Negan arrives on the scene, fans of Glenn (Steven Yeun) might want to worry because—SPOILER ALERT—in the comics, the popular character meets his maker at the hands of Negan's baseball bat, Lucille. While the series has deviated from its source material before, Yeun's said he's ready for the arrival of the dangerous villain.

"Well, we'll see what happens when he shows up," he told E! News at the season five premiere. "I'm ready, I've been doing squats. So I can kick real hard. I'll be alright. I'm just gonna kick him. Yeah, squat kicks all day."

Payne joins a swelling cast in season six that also includes new addition Corey Hawkins as comic character Heath, as well as newly promoted series regulars Lennie James (Morgan), Tovah Feldshuh (Deanna Monroe), Alexandra Breckinridge (Jessie Anderson), and Austin Nichols (Spencer Monroe).

The Wrap first reported Payne's casting news.

The Walking Dead returns for season six on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. on AMC.