‘The Walking Dead’ Season 4: ‘Rise of the Governor’ Character to Become Series Regular?

Earlier today we caught our best look yet at 'The Walking Dead' season 4 when AMC shambled out a herd of new photos from season 4 premiere "30 Days Without an Accident" and beyond, but now it seems the network may go even deeper into the source material for its latest addition. Actress Alanna Masterson has joined the AMC hit in a potentially regular role, rumored to be that of a Robert Kirkman novel 'Rise of the Governor' character that may offer insight into the villain's whereabouts this season.

Deadline first reported the news of Masterson's casting, specifically that the actress would join toward the middle of season 4 in a recurring part speculated to be that of 'Rise of the Governor' character Tara Chalmers, with an option to turn series regular in season 5. AMC reportedly wouldn't confirm the character identity, though worth noting is that Chalmers had a figurative and literally large part to play in series creator Robert Kirkman's villainous origin novel, suggesting that Masterson's character might tie into the Governor's arc over the coming season.

AMC has continued to keep David Morrissey's series regular return as Woodbury Governor "Philip" heavily under wraps, keeping the character out of any and all promotional materials for season 4. The recent episode descriptions of season 4's first four installments suggest very little about the Governor's potential return, which might corroborate that Masterson's appearance later in the season could take place on the Governor's side of the story, whenever we pick up with the character.

While we await the latest details from ‘The Walking Dead’ season 4, the next run of the AMC horror-drama will introduce ‘The Wire’ star Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. as comic character Bob Stookey, ‘Twilight‘ vet Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa, and upgrade actors Chad Coleman, Sonequa Martin-Green and Emily Kinney to series regulars.

Well, what say you? Do you think 'The Walking Dead' season 4's latest addition has anything to do with the Governor's mysterious new role? What canon characters would you like to see brought to life when the series returns on October 13? Watch the latest preview below, and give us your picks in the comments!