The Walking Dead: Andrew Lincoln On Rick’s Arc And The “Fun” Coming In Season 8

Unless you’re name is Jeffrey Dean Morgan, chances are: The Walking Dead Season 7 wasn’t exactly fun. The most recent 16-episode batch from the AMC series saw its lead characters being oppressed, bullied, and murdered by Morgan’s Negan and his band of Saviors. When Season 8 rolls around, Rick’s group will be singing a different tune.

What started in the Season 7 finale was a rally of Rick’s group and surrounding communities against Negan, his Saviors, and the Scavengers. While this will carry over into Season 8 (whenever it might finally arrive), it was a long and heartbreaking journey to Rick ‘s rally in Alexandria.

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For Rick actor Andrew Lincoln, Season 7 was like no other. His talents were pushed to corners of acting emotion like never before. Speaking to ComicBook.com in an exclusive interview, Lincoln opened up about the journey that was The Walking Dead‘s seventh season.

“I mean, the thing that I’ve always been so thrilled about playing this role is the writers and the gang at AMC have always been very keen on pushing it in different directions and exploring different areas of who Rick Grimes is, which has been one of the great thrills,” Lincoln said. “This has been one of the more unpleasant aspects of his psyche, this submissive version, but certainly the first eight would be not a pleasant experience but it was a great challenge. A good acting challenge. And certainly I enjoyed having a bit more bite, bit more grit in my belly, sharing scenes with Jeffrey Dean Morgan.”

As fun as a challenge might be, it sound like Lincoln is looking forward to filming the new episodes which will see him fighting the villain rather than backing down to him.

“I think it’s going to be a lot more fun season eight, pitted against him with a bit more push back,” Lincoln said.

MORE WALKING DEAD: TWD Actor Teases Epic Return From Season 1 / Five Comic Book Moments Coming In Season 8 / Did Eugene Betray The Group In Season 6? / FTWD Renewed For Season 4 / Three Actors Promoted To Series Regulars / TWD Showrunner Joins FTWD

The Walking Dead will return for its eighth season in October of 2017. The first trailer is expected to arrive at San Diego Comic Con in July. For complete coverage and insider info all off-season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.