‘The Walking Dead’ Star Andrew Lincoln Talks Negan, Plus Who Is The Most Likely To Die In The Season 7 Premiere?

While fans are understandably worried about who Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is going to kill in the Season 7 premiere of The Walking Dead, some of the stars of AMC’s hit zombie drama have nothing but good things to say about the show’s newest villain.

During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes on the show, even went so far as saying The Walking Dead needed Negan to move the main story forward.

“It’s such a great part and it’s so beautifully written,” Lincoln shared in the interview. “And he’s such an important part of the show, this character, that we needed an actor that could step up and take the bull by the horns and drag it forward, and make it his own. And certainly, that’s what we have this season.”

Season 7 will begin with Negan beating one member (or two?) of Rick’s group to death with a barbed baseball bat.

Despite Negan’s bloody start, Lincoln hinted that there’s more depth to the character than fans realize.

“I think everybody got a sense of what this actor is capable of in the last episode,” he stated. “But rest assured that that’s really just the beginning of what Jeffrey is creating. It’s very impressive and it’s great fun to work with him.”

Lincoln went on to name Negan the worst villain the show has ever dealt with in its seven-season run. That’s saying a lot, especially after villains like The Governor created so much turmoil and change within the group.

“Without the baddest of the bad guys, it wouldn’t be the same show,” Lincoln added. “And I think it’s breathed a new terrifying life into the show, and at no better time. What an extraordinary thing, to wait seven seasons to reveal the baddest of the bad guys.”

#TheWalkingDead: Andrew Lincoln says Negan has 'breathed terrifying life' into Season 7 https://t.co/O1CCuRhwER

— TWD Support Group (@TWDSupportGroup) September 29, 2016

The biggest question that remains is which character Negan is going to kill in the season opener.

According to Cinema Blend, both Rick and Carl are the least likely to die on The Walking Dead.

Rick is the main character on the show and it wouldn’t be the same without him. Also, Negan needs Rick to lead the group and do his bidding, so there’s little chance that he kills Rick anytime soon.

Carl is also safe because Negan can be heard telling the group that he will take Carl’s other eye if anyone moves after he beats the unknown person to death.

Speaking of safe characters, Maggie probably won’t die at the hands of Negan. Maggie has an important story arc that has yet to be completed and she’s pregnant.

Negan is evil, but he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would beat a pregnant woman to death.

That leaves us with four potential targets: Eugene, Daryl, Abraham, and Glenn.

While nobody wants to see Daryl leave, characters have been shown wearing his attire and riding his motorcycle. Daryl’s death would be a major move, however, and would definitely incite a lot of anger with fans.

Eugene’s fate is less clear. He has made a lot of strides over the past two seasons and it seems like he still has a few things to offer the group, which makes his death less likely.

Abraham is another fan favorite, though his fearlessness in front of Negan could cost him. Killing Abraham would also send a big message to Rick and everyone else in the group.

Lastly, Glenn is probably the most likely to meet his end next season.

Who did #Negan NOT kill? Process of elimination guys… #TheWalkingDead https://t.co/Ut3KpoCf6z

— Hidden Remote (@HiddenRemote) September 27, 2016

Not only has the show teased his death multiple times, but Negan kills him in the comics.

Of course, the show had departed from the comics in the past, so it wouldn’t be surprising is Glenn is spared yet again.

Whatever happens, Comic Book is reporting that Aaron (Ross Marquand) will forever be changed by Negan’s actions.

“I think so many people put their faith and their trust in Rick and his ability to lead both his group and the Alexandrians through a place of prosperity and peace,” Marquand stated. “If Aaron survives [he is] going to have to see where their allegiances lie.”

Season 7 of The Walking Dead premieres on AMC on Oct. 23, check out a preview below.

[Featured Image via AMC]