AMC’s The Walking Dead has become a household topic, with the series’ popularity remaining high as it prepares to unveil its eighth season, premiering with its 100th episode, later this month. Geeks of Doom had the opportunity to participate in a press conference and Q&A this weekend with the show’s cast members and producers at New York Comic-Con 2017.

In attendance were stars Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Melissa McBride, Lennie James, Tom Payne, Katelyn Nacon, and Austin Amelio alongside executive producer, director, and special effects makeup supervisor Greg Nicotero and executive producers Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert.

Geeks of Doom was able to exclusively ask Lincoln a question, and he had a lot to say.

Sarah Pfeffer, Geeks Of Doom: Can you talk about Rick’s journey as a leader? Once the fight is over, do you think he will be ready to step down from that role?

Andrew Lincoln: Yes, he is ready… he’s not a politician, he’s a general. Maggie is respected and principled and I think Rick is very much, he just wants it done. I just want it done and then people can take over. He keeps doing that, you know, “˜Okay, one last time,’ and it’s kind of a great trope, isn’t it? I mean, it’s that kind of feeling with him. But I do think he wants peace. He wants a future. He got a taste of it and then this goddamned Negan guy showed up…I hate Negan! [laughter]… I love Jeffrey [Dean Morgan]. But yeah, I think he can [step down from leadership]. He’s not duplicitous. He means it when he says it. That’s one of the great things about Rick. He’s a true man. He’s a maniac; don’t get me wrong, but he means it.

There were several other comments worth mentioning:

– A journalist stated that 100 episodes is a lot before asking a question (the first episode of the 8th season will be the 100th), and Kirkman interjected: “I think it’s only the beginning, but go ahead.”

– Nicotero said that he directed the 100th episode and that it was the 20th episode he has directed for TWD. He mentioned the episode would pull out some stops both visually and in the storytelling.

– James noted his character’s one regret: “…that Morgan didn’t put a bullet in his wife’s head. The whole dilemma of Morgan’s life is pulling that trigger or not pulling that trigger. And his boy would be alive now, and he’d be a little happier.”

– Reedus and McBride said their characters would be fueled by revenge this season, with Reedus saying: “There’s a little bit of going rogue here and there.” He also said a regret of Daryl’s might have been blowing up the bikers with a bazooka, but also explained that these mistakes make the characters human.

– When asked what advice McBride would give to the season 1 version of Carol, she said: “There’s really nothing that the early Carol didn’t know that Carol now knows. It’s just she may not have had the faith to get there.”

– Morgan said coming into The Walking Dead was like joining a “family” and that “fans have been remarkably generous with me and Negan. People love to hate Negan. I think you’ll find out more and more about him this season.”

– Of actors who played the beloved characters who have been killed off the show, Hurd said: “It’s not that they ever really left; it’s just you don’t get to see them as much.” She also added that the #TWDFamily includes fans and people involved with the making of the show: “It brings a diverse group of people together. It’s one of the only shows that is equally popular in red and blue states.” Hurd also addressed why she likes the horror genre, as she will now be producing Amazon’s Lore as well. “I think that we live in fearful times and I think this is a safe way to get some kind of catharsis. In horror, you can get that kind of adrenaline jolt, but then you realize you are safe at your computer.”

– Reedus added: “This is a huge season coming up. It’s very ambitious. Every single episode is full on. It’s exhausting. You’ll love it.”

Here’s AMC’s official tease for Season 8 The Walking Dead, which premieres with the show’s 100th episode on Sunday, October 22 at 9pm ET/PT.

“This year, Rick brings “All Out War” to Negan and his forces…As with any battle, there will be losses. Casualties. But with Rick leading the Alexandrian forces, Maggie leading the Hilltop, and King Ezekiel leading the Kingdom – Negan and the Saviors’ grip on this world may finally be coming to an end.”

Watch the trailers from Season 8 here below:

Teaser Trailer

Trailer

Photo Gallery

[Images by Sarah Pfeffer for Geeks Of Doom.]

Keep it here at Geeks Of Doom all weekend for our on-site coverage of NYCC 2017 and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.