'The Walking Dead' season 8 spoilers: Maria Bello to play a major role?

Maria Bello as Jacqueline "Jackie" Sloane in "NCIS." CBS

It was confirmed last year that Maria Bello will be joining "The Walking Dead" season 8 in an unspecified role. To date, that role has not been confirmed yet, but rumor has it that she could be playing a major character from the comics.

According to Express, the "NCIS" star might take on the role of Magna. First encountered in issue 127 of the comic book series, she is the leader of a small breakout group from Richmond who sought refuge with Rick's (Andrew Lincoln) group after an ambush.

Her group was discovered by Paul "Jesus" Monroe (Tom Payne's Paul "Jesus" Rovia" on television) outside of the Washington, D.C. area before they went on to become residents of the Alexandria Safe-Zone.

News of Bello's involvement in "The Walking Dead" season 8 surfaced October last year. She told PEOPLE in an interview that she was "obsessed" with the show and was interested in playing a part next season. With the help of a producer friend, Bello said she would indeed have a part.

"'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 favorite show," Bello revealed. Fans have been on the lookout ever since.

Unfortunately, this is just a mere speculation for now. There is still no word about her role and how often she will be seen, so fans should take this with a grain of salt. Regardless, it seems unlikely for her to play a one-off zombie given her resume.

Bello, for those who do not know her, is best known for her work on "ER." She portrayed Dr. Anna Del Amico on the NBC drama from 1997 to 1998 before she starred in the Kiefer Sutherland-led Fox series "Touch." Most recently, the actress appeared in the coming-of-age "In Search of Fellini" alongside Mary Lynn Rajskub and Ksenia Solo. The film had a limited release on Sept. 15.

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