The Walking Dead: Negan makes 'the greatest entrance ever written'

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It's all come to this.

The shadow haunting the corners of The Walking Dead's sixth season finally reveals itself; as the reviled Negan steps into frame for its finale episode. He's the most menacing presence ever to grace the pages of the comics, and his television debut couldn't possibly be more anticipated unless he popped up with a magically revived, universe-crossing Jon Snow.

With the finale's teaser offering a first glimpse at Negan, and the wire-wrapped bat known only as Lucille, the cast and crew have played their own part in upping the ante. Andrew Lincoln certainly seems excited, teasing to Entertainment Weekly; "Just get ready, man. Just get ready."

The actor also promised that the episode, directed by executive producer Greg Nicotero, is "the best one yet", elaborating on Negan's introduction; "I read the script and I went, 'This is the greatest entrance ever written.'"

"We’ve been talking about this guy for a long time. It’s probably the most important casting since Rick, really," he added. "Everybody needs a hero, but I think they probably need a really good baddie even more. Negan’s incredibly charismatic. In this deranged society, there is a kind of logic to the way that he is running the place. He runs a tight ship, I’ll tell you that much. I’m actually very impressed. I doff my cap to this man!"

Indeed, Negan's strength as a foe lies in both his brutality and in his charm, which in turn make him an absolute gift to any actor who may take him on. In short, Lincoln thinks Jeffrey Dean Morgan is one lucky guy. "All of the guys were going, 'Aw, man. I wish I had gotten this guy!'" he joked. "It’s incredible. Although it’s also kind of unbearable. Norman and I were like, 'Ugh, all the girls on set are gonna love him.'"

"He’s just the coolest guy and everybody loves him," he continued. "Jeffrey’s such a great guy and I’ve been a huge admirer of his since he played the Comedian [in Watchmen] and everything else he’s done. We’re going to have a lot of fun. Honestly, we are so thrilled to have him. We’re lucky people."

One more thing to know about the finale; "It's really dark, man. It's really dark." Negan's arrival is a herald of death, and the series looks like it's about to kill off a major character in the process; with the likes of Daryl, Carol, or Glenn all in the potential firing line.

The Walking Dead's season six finale, titled "Last Day on Earth," will air in the UK 4 April, on FOX at 9 PM.