The Walking Dead: Jeffrey Dean Morgan Thinks Negan Could Be Around for Years

12/12/2016 09:04 am EST

The Walking Dead season 7 has arguably been 'The Negan Show.' Jeffrey Dean Morgan's live-action version of Negan has been gruesomely violent and sardonically funny, stealing every scene he's in out from under his co-stars. In fact, The Walking Dead season 7 has seen a decline in both ratings and fan appreciation whenever episodes haven't featured Negan.

Those rooting for Rick Grimes and is survivor to conquer and/or kill Negan and his Saviors may want to see the sadistic leader meet the bad end of Lucille by season's end (a fitting circle back to the horrific kills of the premiere); however, Negan actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan thinks that Negan's arc could to much longer to finish.

Warning! Walking Dead comic book SPOILERS follow!

Talking about his role on The Walking Dead with the BUILD series, Morgan said:

"I think like, why wouldn't you? Much to the cast chagrin, like 'Oh no!' We'll see how long Negan is around for. You know in the comics, he's still alive and kicking, and I want to say in the comic books they're around #160 - anybody know? - right around #157, #158? Yeah, #156.

In the show I want to say we're at 104, 105 - something like that? So you can see now, if we do that math, that technically Negan would be around for at least another four years, if the show were to go that long. Yeah, half of you are like 'Oh no! How many more monologues do I gotta hear this guy say? [Laughs]"

One of the bigger comic book surprises of the "All Out War" between Rick Grimes and Negan was that Rick let Negan live as his prisoner. As the threat of the Whisperers arose, Negan actually joined the fight alongside Rick and Co.

Given the comic book lore, it would be an interesting transition to see Morgan's Negan go from where he currently is as a hated (and loved) villain, to being a regular member of Rick's survivor group. The character interactions alone would be worth seeing, as all the people Negan crossed now had to share space with him. It would also give The Walking Dead a fresh central character to follow into a new chapter of story.

NEXT: Why The Walking Dead Season 8 Should Be a Reboot

Based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, The Walking Dead reigns as television's most watched drama for adults 18-49 and tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse, and follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home.

The series stars Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Steven Yeun as Glenn, Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, Chandler Riggs as Carl, Lauren Cohan as Maggie, Danai Gurira as Michonne, Melissa McBride as Carol, Sonequa-Martin Green as Sasha, Michael Cudlitz as Abraham, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan.

The Walking Dead is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, Greg Nicotero and Tom Luse.

MORE WALKING DEAD: Who Is Creeping On ASZ? / Did The Whisperers Arrive? / Midseason Finale Recap / Internet Reacts To Midseason Finale / Gallery Of Negan's Kills

The Walking Dead will return Sunday, February 12.

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