Walking Dead S6 could introduce major villain from comic

Things may get extra rough for Rick Grimes and other survivors of The Walking Dead if comic book villain Negan makes his first appearance in Season 6 this fall.

“It’s absolutely a possibility,” showrunner Scott Gimple told EW. “And when I say it’s a possibility, we have a plan in place, but there’s a couple variables for that plan that we’re deciding about. It really depends on a few factors as we move into setting up the last bit of the season story-wise.”

If you're unfamiliar with the original comics, just imagine Governor - but a hundred times more sadistic, uncooperative and psychotic. Rick's crew meet up with him after they meet Jesus, aka Paul Monroe, who informs the gang of an extortion racket enforced by Negan and his unkempt goons. Fans have remained optimistic that Negan would show up, but it's been largely assumed he wouldn't appear for another season or so.

“When it comes to characters like The Governor, Michonne, Abraham, and others like Jesus and Negan who are fan-favorite characters in the comics, it’s always a challenge to get it right because it’s those characters—much like Rick Grimes in the beginning—that fans already have a sense of and expectations for," Robert Kirkman said. "So we’re always careful, and I feel like we’ve done a really good job servicing those fan expectations. Hopefully that trend will continue…if the characters you mention are to appear soon."

Could it be that he's instrumental in the big cliffhanger at the end of season 6? We'll see when The Walking Dead returns to AMC on Sunday October 11.

For more great film and TV news, head to our movie channel or subscribe to SFX.