The first trailer for The Walking Dead season 9 has been released.
AMC's flagship series is returning later this year for a brand new run that will see the departure of lead actor Andrew Lincoln who has confirmed he'll be exiting after appearing in just six episodes.
The extensive trailer takes on ya worrying tone in light of this news, with captured adversary Negan (a returning Jeffrey Dean Morgan) warning him: "You think you've got this all on lock" suggesting that things aren't quite as under his control as he believes.
We also see Michonne (Danai Gurira) having a discourse with Maggie, explaining how the new communities need some fresh rules - is she aware of the latter's concern surrounding Rick? Probably not. How this factors into the eventual departure of Lauren Cohan who will also be departing during season 9 remains to be seen.
The trailer was dropped during this year's San Diego Comic-Con panel which showed off the first look at the offspring of Maggie and fallen character Glenn who will be introduced following a length time jump as the season begins.
Fans' excitement was renewed following the announcement that longtime write Angela Kang was to take over from Scott Gimple as showrunner.
The Walking Dead will return for its ninth season on AMC and Fox in October with Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) taking over from Grimes as it main character.
