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The Walking Dead: Old Man Rick in s8 trailer explained

Photo credit: AMC
Photo credit: AMC

From Digital Spy

Warning: This article contains spoilers from the comics series.

The Walking Dead stormed Comic-Con with a first-look trailer for its eighth season.

But it wasn't the explosions or badass Daryl that left the biggest impression on fans. It was the plot twist shown at the end of the trailer – showing... Old Man Rick?

If you need a refresher, or just want another excuse to watch the whole thing again, here's the new footage debuted at Comic-Con:

Related: The Walking Dead season 8 – everything you need to know

Not surprisingly, there are a lot of excitedly confused people out there.

We're going to be delving into what we think is going to happen based on the events of the comics – specifically the climax of the All-Out War and the aftermath – so if you want to avoid potential spoilers, you should turn back now.

You've now been suitably warned.

Photo credit: AMC
Photo credit: AMC

Related: What's next for The Walking Dead? Here's how season 8 could go down

Alright.

After a brutal war, the conclusion takes place at Hilltop, where Negan is celebrating after thinking he has killed Rick (the Saviors use weapons coated in infected walker residue). But it turns out Rick wasn't wounded by an infected weapon (thanks to Dwight), and steps out to slash Negan's throat.

Negan and Rick engage in a brutal fight, which ends with Rick winning but not before Negan breaks one of his legs.

Rick spares Negan's life and takes him prisoner instead, as the story cuts to a few years later, with all of the communities – Alexandria, Hilltop, The Kingdom, and The Sanctuary – having rebuilt civilisation and flourishing together as part of a network.

That shot in the trailer of Rick all aged and bearded likely happens in the timeline after that particular time jump. For one, showrunner Scott Gimple has already hinted at it. But there is also one extra reason we think it's going to happen.

Before we see Rick lying in bed, there is a notable shot of a cane, possibly Rick's cane.

Photo credit: AMC
Photo credit: AMC

Why would Rick need a cane? Unless he couldn't walk properly after having his leg broken by Negan...

The Walking Dead launches its eighth season on October 22 on AMC in the US. It will air on FOX in the UK.


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