Beloved characters of the AMC series "The Walking Dead" will have no choice but deal with the death of a friend in the upcoming Season 7 premiere. Recently, showrunner Robert Kirkman discussed storyline speculations pointing to two deaths and the negative feedback over Negan's frustrating cliffhanger scene involving Glenn (Steven Yeun) and Michonne (Danai Gurira), among others.
"The Walking Dead" Season 7 will introduce a bigger world with ruthless characters such as the charismatic yet villainous Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). The said character's introduction marked an iconic moment in the AMC zombie apocalyptic series. However, it also managed to frustrate many fans given the showrunners' decision to withhold the identity of Negan's head-bashing victim during the show's Season 6 finale.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kirkman acknowledged the viewers' disappointment over the said scene. Despite the backlash, he remained confident that their decision to end Season 6 with a cliffhanger was an ideal strategy that will impact the AMC series positively.
"The modern audience isn't too happy with cliffhangers," the showrunner stated. "But we know the payoff is going to be worth the wait and that the premiere is going to be really great."
Negan's iconic introduction to the AMC show and his brutal head-bashing spree also yielded several story speculations that included the death of multiple characters. However, Kirkman clarified that only one character will die in the new season's first episode.
"The Walking Dead" Season 7 premiere will feature the death of one person that will change the lives of beloved characters especially Rick (Andrew Lincoln). Described as a "gut-wrenching" episode, Kirkman explained that the said death will "set the stage" for the show's new storyline.
Meanwhile, the AMC series' Gale Anne Hurd made a similar statement during an interview with Time where she commented on how Negan and his victim will serve as a catalyst for the show. Regardless of how fans may react to a character's death, the said scenario will still happen especially if it is needed to remain true to the story, according to the executive producer.
"The Walking Dead" Season 7 will premiere on Oct. 23, Sunday on AMC. Watch the teaser below: