Andrew Lincoln Reveals Whether Rick Will Lose His Hand On The Walking Dead

04/04/2017 01:32 pm EDT

Having only one hand for over 100 issues of The Walking Dead comics has become one of many defining characteristics of Rick Grimes. The Governor cut it off at the wrist and, still, Rick managed to restore a certain order to the world and rally people in times of war, in addition to finding ways to survive in itself.

On AMC's adaptation of Robert Kirkman's comics, Rick still has both hands attached to his wrists. The live action take on the zombie apocalypse insists on constantly teasing Rick losing his hand (as recently as the Season 7 finale having Negan threaten to take both) while the honor has only ever been bestowed upon Michael Rooker's Merle Dixon character.

Rick actor Andrew Lincoln has been a huge advocate for the iconic comic book moment to be realized on television, begging VFX guru Greg Nicotero to make it happen, but seven years in they still haven't...

...and they're not going to.

UP NEXT: When Does TWD Season 8 Start?

Speaking to Lincoln in an exclusive interview following The Walking Dead's season 7 finale, ComicBook.com asked the actor if there was any updates on the subject or whether or not he still wants to see it happen.

"They'll never let me!" Lincoln said. "I think that, the moment I start getting a little bit of a heat stroke and I start going mad and then start talking about, 'It's time. You're gonna take my hand off!' Then, you know, the special effects department start to loathe it and just start nodding and just go, 'No, no, no, no, no. You have no idea how expensive that would be.' And, then also, I remember there's - with Michael Rooker and all of that rubber and how sweaty and stinky his arm became. It depends. It depends. When it gets to fall, I like the sound of it. But mid-summer, not so much."

While Rick losing his hand would require extra effort from the effects department, keep in mind that the series has executed Shiva the tiger pretty well. How hard can making the leading man have only one hand be?

MORE WALKING DEAD: Surprising Character Returns In Season 7 Finale / When Does TWD Season 8 Premiere? / Jadis Actress Live On After The Dead / Why TWD Changed An Iconic Comic Death For Finale / Watch The Talked About Scene From The Finale

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

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