The Walking Dead: Michael James Shaw Cast as Comic Book Fan-Favorite Character, Mercer

Published on March 3rd, 2021 | Updated on March 3rd, 2021 | By FanFest

As The Walking Dead begins dropping its Season 10 bonus episodes, we have our first casting for the AMC drama’s 11th and final season.

According to Deadline, Blood & Treasure‘s Michael James Shaw has been made a series regular as Mercer, a former Marine who, in Robert Kirkman’s comic books, is the leader of the Commonwealth military and, ultimately, Princess’ boo. If the exceptionally grim Reapers introduced in Sunday’s Season 10C premiere last the season, the badass could be key to eliminating the threat they pose.

Shaw is, of course, better known to moviegoers as the nefarious Corvus Glaive in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame.

BREAKING: Michael James Shaw has been officially cast as major comic character Mercer for #TWD Season 11! pic.twitter.com/3eFBJgeQ07

— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) March 1, 2021

Mercer is part of the Commonwealth, which is a network of communities in Ohio, and they’re one of the most advanced communities — aside from the Civic Republic on The Walking Dead: World Beyond. A woman by the name of Pamela Milton rules over the Commonwealth, while the soldiers, typically dressed in white armor and carrying rifles, enforce the laws.

Eugene’s radio conversation lead his group straight to these Commonwealth soldiers, which we saw in the Season 10 special event back in October of last year.

Mercer is the chief officer of the Commonwealth soldiers, he dresses in red armor. It’s a rank he received due to his military background in the United States Marine Corps. In the comics, he’s also the personal bodyguard of Pamela and her son. Another thing to note is Mercer has a relationship with Juanita Sanchez, a.k.a. Princess in the comics.

It’s unclear if Shaw’s Mercer will pop up sooner in the six added episodes to The Walking Dead‘s 10th season, which started airing last Sunday. We may have to wait until February 21st, when – going by the episode descriptions – we expect to see the Commonwealth soldiers once again. And, possibly Mercer.

Let us know what you think about the actor and character’s arrival in the comics below!