By now, viewers should realize that in the zombie-infested world of ‘The Walking Dead,’ that it’s not the reanimated that are the true threat, but the survivors.  And we’re not just talking Rick and company, although if you live in a peaceful, zombie-free settlement and see this ragtag group approaching, just kill them and save yourself the trouble of them taking over and flushing everything straight down the toilet.

With The Governor dispatched, fans are probably wondering what Big Bad will come along and make life even more difficult for the cast.  Deanna and company have proven to be no real threat, but trailers have shown that the upcoming Season Six will, at least in the beginning, focus on a conflict between the newly-reunited Rick and Morgan.  That should provide a good amount of tension, at least in part because at this point, Morgan (played by Lennie James) has become a fan-favorite.  And of course, Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is the show’s focal point.

But it seems that one of the comic’s most popular characters may make his entrance on the show a bit earlier than expected.  The potty-mouthed Negan certainly made a splash… well, splatter upon his introduction, leading into one of the comic’s most epic storylines, ‘All Out War’ that saw the introduction to many new characters and locations.  Oh and of course the tragic deaths of several beloved characters.  (Sorry!)  Then again, the show’s creators love to deviate to keep jaded comic readers on their toes.

Showrunner Scott M. Gimple commented on the possible sooner-than-later entrance of the off-kilter killer by saying:

“It’s absolutely a possibility. 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.”

So, it’s possible, but not guaranteed that Negan, whose explicit dialogue is reportedly inspired by comic creator Robert Kirkman’s own way of speaking, may arrive in some capacity toward the end of the season, which will air a loooooong time from now, in the spring of next year, after the first half ends this fall/winter.  If the show remains true to form, should Negan pop up, expect it to be a vague tease a la Michonne’s Season Two intro.

Considering the major role Negan plays and the, ahem, impact he has, expect the creators to handle him with care.

Kirkman explained:

“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. 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.”

Considering that the show’s creators have already teased Negan on the talk show ‘Talking Dead,’ it’s pretty safe to assume that the character is on his way.  It’s just a matter of finding the best way to incorporate him and not jump the gun.

Interestingly, Kirkman brought up another popular character, Paul Monroe, more commonly called Jesus because of his long hair and grizzly beard.  (And yes, it’s Gee-Zuss not Hay-Zeus.) This stealthy kung fu fighter, like Michonne, arrived as something of an enigma before becoming one of the most popular additions to the comic since… well, since Michonne!  Jesus joined the cast around the same time as Negan, so if plans are in place to bring that villain in, expect Jesus around that same time as well.

Are you anxious to see Negan and maybe Jesus come to life on the TV show?  Or if you haven’t read the comics, are you intrigued by all the buzz you may have heard about them?

Source: Cinema Blend