In a twist from an iconic moment in the comics, Henry (Lintz) was among the biggest character deaths on Sunday's episode. It was a bit unexpected since his adopted father, Ezekiel (Khary Payton), receives his death in the comics.
Lintz is the third member of his family to appear on AMC's "TWD." His sister, Madison, played Carol's daughter, Sophia, on seasons one and two, and his brother Macsen played a younger version of his character Henry. INSIDER spoke via email with Lintz about when he found out his time in the zombie apocalypse was coming to an end, how his relationship with Lydia compares to the ill-fated one from "Titanic," and how he wants to see a Carol and Alpha showdown.
Lintz didnt know he was getting killed off the show for sure until he was filming last Sundays episode.
Acuna: How long did you know Henry was going to be one of 10 people to be put on the pikes by Alpha? When did you find out and what was that conversation like?
Lintz: It was about 2 to 3 weeks before, maybe? I found out right around the beginning of filming [season nine] episode 14. I'm not sure exactly what the conversation was like! Since I am still a minor, they called my parents.
Acuna: Did you need to get a head mold done at all for the pike with [makeup supervisor] Greg Nicotero? Im wondering how that came together.
Lintz: I did, yes! I knew what to expect because of my sister. It's rather claustrophobic.They told me stories of grown men who have ripped the plaster off their faces during the process. I'm happy to say I made it through bravely. Haha
How did Alpha kidnap Henry? Maybe Beta was involved!
Acuna: On Sunday's episode, its not made clear how exactly Alpha tricks or coerces Henry into coming with her. I feel like Henry is smart enough to not run off with someone else, especially when he told Lydia he was going to be right back. Do you know how Alpha led Henrys character away from the Kingdom? Was there ever more there that wasnt shown on screen perhaps? It's one of the things I wished we saw more of.
Lintz: I dont know actually. All I can say is that he was without his stick for once because he was busy fixing the pipes again and I'm sure that it the only reason he was overpowered. Im thinking it took Beta to do the job properly.
Acuna: I'm not sure if youre a big fan of the comics, but in Robert Kirkmans series it's King Ezekiel not Henry who gets the big pike death in the comic. There is no Henry. Were you surprised Ezekiel wasnt killed instead of you or alongside you? Do you think it may have been too brutal to take Carols entire family away from her?
Lintz: Its a brutal show. Its a brutal world. I think thats what makes the show compelling. No one is safe.
Henry doesnt have regrets over his decision to help Lydia and hes ready for an Alpha and Carol showdown
Acuna: We never get to see Henrys final thoughts before he was killed. What do you think they were? Do you think he blamed himself for everyones deaths maybe asked for Alpha to just hold him responsible? If he never went after Lydia again all of those people probably wouldnt have been killed.
Lintz: This is true, but I dont think those are the thoughts that were going through his head at the time.And I dont think he regretted his decision.It was merely an unfortunate outcome to an act he felt he had to do. In the end, he dies for her, which I think is fitting.
Acuna: How do you think the loss of Henry will affect Lydia? He seemed to be a really good role model for her. How may it affect Ezekiel and Carol?
Lintz: I think she will always be grateful. I think she will always remember him. She has the "H" necklace that I think she will always wear. But similar to, say, Jack and Rose in Titanic, they didnt know each other for more than a few days so I also think you will see her move on at some point. As far as Carol goes, Im curious to see how the writers handle it. Whether she crumbles completely, or if it will cause her to head into revenge mode.
Acuna: Weve seen what Carol would do for Henry if he was in danger. She slaughtered the rest of the Saviors. It feels like were setting up a Carol vs. Alpha fight. Is that something youd like to see?
Lintz: Without question. Everyone wants to see this.
He noticed his characters death scene mirrored his sisters from season two
AMC, composite by Kirsten Acuna/INSIDER
Acuna: Your death reveal on the show kind of mirrored that of your [real life] sisters all the way back on season two. Daryl held Carol back from running toward Sophia. This time around, Daryl runs to prevent Carol from seeing Henrys head on the pike. I'm not sure if thats something you thought about or if that was discussed at all (If not, I recommend watching the two side by side). What do you make of that moment mirroring an early iconic scene from the show? It kind of really brings Daryl and Carols friendship full circle, too.
Lintz: We did notice that in the script right away because [Daryl] actually says the same exact line again. "Dont look. Don't look."
Lintz looks back on his familys time on "The Walking Dead" and whats next
Acuna: What's next for you? What are you excited for?
Lintz: Actors are used to jobs coming to an end and having to find the next one.I have been taking a [break] since I finished The Walking Dead to take a breath and enjoy my junior year of high school. Well see!
Acuna: Is there anything else you want to add I didn't ask?
Lintz: Just a thank you for the fans from my entire family actually. We dont take lightly the opportunity we were given to have three of us be a part of this show.We hope we are remembered fondly, and we are grateful to have been a part of it all.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
