Alycia Debnam-Carey did not conceal her reasons for departing Fear The Walking Dead in 2022. Alongside Colman Domingo’s Victor Strand and Rubén Blades’ Daniel Salazar, Alycia Debnam-Carey’s character, Alicia Clark, stood as one of the few remaining original characters in Fear The Walking Dead’s seventh season. While Victor and Daniel continued into the eighth and final season, Alicia chose to leave the group. Falsely believing she was on the brink of death, Alicia separated from the primary Fear The Walking Dead cast out of concern for potentially harming them. Despite surviving, Alicia embarked on a solo mission into the unknown.
Although Alycia Debnam-Carey was notably absent for the majority of the zombie spinoff’s ultimate season, Alicia Clark did make a return for the conclusion of Fear The Walking Dead. Reuniting with her mother, Madison, and forming an alliance with Troy Otto’s young daughter, Alicia decided not to disclose her survival to the group but committed to continuing acts of benevolence in the desolate, post-apocalyptic world. Even though Alycia Debnam-Carey did make herself available for a final farewell, her absence during Fear The Walking Dead Season 8 was noteworthy, albeit not without explanation.
Alycia Debnam-Carey Departed FTWD to Explore New Career Avenues
Alycia Debnam-Carey clarified that her departure from Fear The Walking Dead after seven years primarily stemmed from her desire to explore new acting opportunities. In a social media post, Debnam-Carey expressed, “As is the nature of our jobs, I needed to seek out new challenges, new opportunities, and carve out a new chapter for myself.” The actor also highlighted that having joined the zombie franchise at the age of 21, she felt the need to pursue other ambitions as she entered her 30s. The demanding nature of battling zombies, coupled with the rigorous schedule of the Walking Dead Universe, can restrict an actor’s availability for additional TV and movie projects.
Debnam-Carey undeniably fulfilled her promise. Since her departure from Fear The Walking Dead, the actress has taken on lead roles in Saint X and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Additionally, Debnam-Carey is involved in two upcoming film projects, Liked and It’s What’s Inside. Both Saint X and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart steered the actor away from the horror-infused action of Fear The Walking Dead, offering introspective drama, layered characters, and an opportunity for Alycia Debnam-Carey to showcase her versatility by breaking away from the apocalyptic heroine mold created by her two most prominent roles—Alicia Clark and The 100’s Lexa.
Potential Return of Alicia in The Walking Dead Franchise
Crucially, Alicia Clark was still alive when Fear The Walking Dead concluded. With the broader Walking Dead franchise gaining momentum and discussions of a potential crossover being endorsed by franchise-runner Scott M. Gimple at NYCC 2023, the door for Alycia Debnam-Carey’s return to the Walking Dead remains wide open. Although her character, along with Madison and Tracy Otto, was headed towards California as the spinoff concluded, her connection to Morgan Jones establishes a link to the main Walking Dead cast. Bringing Alicia Clark back for a Walking Dead crossover undoubtedly presents an enticing proposition for both producers and audiences.
Alicia not only stands out as one of the more familiar figures originating outside the primary Walking Dead TV show, but her mission to aid strangers aligns seamlessly with the escalating threat posed by the Civic Republic Military. As Rick Grimes gears up to confront his most formidable adversary, and with Morgan actively searching for Rick following his departure from Fear The Walking Dead, Alicia Clark might be inclined to assist her old friend in toppling a villain they cannot overcome individually. Alycia Debnam-Carey’s return in Fear The Walking Dead Season 8 demonstrates the actor’s openness to revisiting the zombie apocalypse if the narrative is compelling, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her character’s future.