‘THE WALKING DEAD’: Steven Yeun Reflects On His Difficult Decision To Exit the Hit Show

Steven Yeun’s departure from AMC’s wildly successful series, The Walking Dead, was a significant turning point in his career. Known for his portrayal of the beloved character Glenn Rhee, Yeun’s exit from the show was met with mixed emotions, both from fans and the actor himself. While he has since found considerable success in various projects, the decision to leave the zombie apocalypse drama wasn’t made lightly and was fraught with doubts about his future.

Yeun joined The Walking Dead in 2010, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Glenn’s evolution from a resourceful pizza delivery guy to a brave and integral member of the group resonated deeply with viewers. However, as the show progressed and the narrative demanded increasingly intense and brutal plot twists, Yeun’s journey on the series came to a dramatic and heart-wrenching end in 2016 during the seventh season.

Reflecting on his departure, Yeun admitted he experienced significant angst. “I had some angst about leaving The Walking Dead,” he confessed. The actor grappled with the fear that his relevance in the industry might wane without the visibility and fan base that the show provided. This anxiety is understandable, considering The Walking Dead was not only a critical success but also one of the most profitable shows on television, boasting millions of viewers each week and a dedicated global following.

I had some angst about leaving The Walking Dead. I got to experience the extreme ups as well as what it’s like when you might not be relevant anymore

Yeun’s worries about his post-Walking Dead career were compounded by the potential paths he could take. One opportunity he outright rejected was a Glenn origin movie. “The idea revolted me,” Yeun stated. While such a film could have provided more screen time for Glenn and possibly satiated fans’ longing for the character, Yeun felt it was not the right direction for him. He believed that Glenn’s story, as depicted on the show, was complete and that revisiting it in a standalone film would not do justice to the character’s journey or his own career aspirations.

Despite his initial doubts, Yeun’s post-Walking Dead career has flourished. He has taken on a variety of roles that showcase his range as an actor. Notably, his performance in the critically acclaimed film Minari earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, making him the first Asian American to achieve this milestone. Plus his voice role as Markus Sebastian “Mark” Grayson / Invincible on the hit Amazon Prime series. His work in films like Okja and Burning has further solidified his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.

Yeun’s success extends beyond film. He has also made significant strides in voice acting, with prominent roles in animated series such as Voltron: Legendary Defender and Tuca & Bertie. His ability to navigate different genres and mediums underscores his adaptability and resilience in an ever-evolving industry.

Looking back, Yeun’s decision to leave The Walking Dead can be seen as a pivotal moment that allowed him to explore new opportunities and expand his horizons. While the angst and doubts he experienced were real, they ultimately pushed him to pursue a diverse array of projects that have enriched his career and demonstrated his exceptional talent.

In summary, Steven Yeun’s departure from The Walking Dead was a complex and emotionally charged decision. The fear of fading into obscurity was palpable, yet his resolve to seek out meaningful and varied roles has led to a remarkable and successful career. Yeun’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of taking risks and staying true to one’s artistic vision.