The survivors of The Walking Dead spent most of season 7 under the heel of domineering villain Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and his extortionist army, but with the Alexandria, Hilltop and Kingdom communities united, our heroes are going to be giving some hell back. Katelyn Nacon, who plays Alexandria / Hilltop member Enid, spoke with EW about the upcoming season, saying Team Family's situation won't be as dreary and hopeless as last season.

"Well, it's still going to be sad," Nacon said when asked how season 8 will differ from last season. "This is a pretty sad show, but I feel like there's a lot more courage and hope just because going into this fight where we left off in season 7. They're going to war, but I feel like there's a lot more courage and a lot more hope that shows up in each character. They're wanting to win this. They're wanting to get over this, and I feel like each character is stronger in a way this season."

The cast spent the summer teasing a more action-packed season — season 8 kicks off the "All Out War" arc, with Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) leading a gun-ho charge against Negan beginning with the explosive season premiere — and Enid will be getting in on the warfare.

"Those are like the biggest days and they're the craziest, but it's definitely a lot of fun, especially because usually all the cast is there so you get to see everyone, which doesn't really happen all the time," Nacon says of the action. "Those are always my favorite days when everyone's there. It's f—ing crazy, but it's always super fun."

Nacon recently spoke with ComicBook.com, detailing what's ahead for the young survivor who continues to evolve from outsider to a bigger part of the community.

The Walking Dead returns to AMC Sunday, October 22, for its season 8 premiere. The season starter, "Mercy," doubles as the series' landmark 100th episode.

The Walking DeadSunday at 9PM EST on AMC

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