Two new arrivals to The Walking Dead will receive expanded roles in the upcoming ninth season of the AMC drama.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, newcomers Avi Nash and Callan McAuliffe, who play Siqqiq and Alden, respectively, have been promoted to series regulars for the new season, expected to premiere in October.
RELATED: The Walking Dead’s Lauren Cohan Will Return For Season 9
Nash’s Siddiq is a physician saved from walkers by Carl (Chandler Riggs), who was infected in the process. McAuliffe’s Alden was a member of the Saviors who surrendered to Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and has begun to cooperate in the Hilltop’s efforts against Negan.
A formal return date for the AMC hit will be announced in July at Comic-Con International in San Diego. The ninth season will mark a transition for The Walking Dead, with co-producer Angela Kang promoted to showrunner, succeeding Scott M. Gimple, who was named chief content officer for the franchise.
RELATED: Rick Was Right to Spare Negan On The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead stars Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, Lauren Cohan as Maggie Rhee, Danai Gurira as Michonne, Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier, Lennie James as Morgan Jones, Alanna Masterson as Tara Chambler, Josh McDermitt as Eugene Porter, Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan.