'Walking Dead' season 6 cast: key comic book character Heath to be introduced

Heath, portrayed by Corey Hawkins, in the new season of The Walking Dead.AMC

A new character will be introduced when "The Walking Dead" returns on AMC. 

The Hollywood Reporter exclusively announced that the network tapped "Straight Outta Compton" star Corey Hawkins to portray the role of Alexandria Safe Zone resident Heath. The character is described in the comic book as a supply runner for the Safe Zone and is a friend of Glenn (Steven Yeun). He is also the love interest of another comic book character named Denise. 

In the comic books, Heath is "a twenty-something African-American cynic (who) is left so dumbfounded by displays of stupidity that it's nearly impossible for him to admit that he thinks, down deep, people are, or at least can be decent. Even if they're idiots." 

If the new season will take Heath's character directly from the comic books written by series producer Robert Kirkman, he will owe Rick Grimes' (Andrew Lincoln) group after accepting him as an ally. But since Heath was not introduced earlier in the series when the group was still new in Alexandria, he could be one of the safe zone residents who are not comfortable with Rick's style of leadership in the gated community.  

However, Heath is still described as a good guy who is a little bit rough. 

Hawkins is the latest cast addition in the critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic TV series for the upcoming season. If the series will follow the comic book's plot, fans can also expect to hear another casting announcement for Heath's best friend Scott. 

Meanwhile, "TWD" fans are already excited to see the sixth season of the suspense thriller series, especially after series showrunner Scott Gimple indicated in one of the episodes of the "Talking Dead" aftershow at the end of season 5 that the upcoming season will be the show's biggest one yet. 

"Season 6 for a good while now, humans have been the bigger threat. At the start of our next season, that will change," Gimple stated. 

"The Walking Dead" season 6 is expected to air on AMC this fall.