For years, The Walking Dead fans everywhere were waiting for Negan to arrive on the scene. One of the most iconic villains from the comics, the character's shocking introduction made him unlike any of other antagonists that Rick and his crew had faced before. So far, Jeffrey Dean Morgan's interpretation of the character has lived up to the hype.

Ever since his (full) introduction in the season 7 premiere, Morgan has maintained a strong presence on the show, from his first trip to Alexandria to his treatment of Daryl as his prisoner. While the character's overall future in the series is still unknown, including exactly how long his reign of terror will last, it doesn't look like Negan will be going anywhere any time soon.

During a recent appearance on The Howard Stern Show (via Comicbook.com), Morgan confirmed that he will be returning as Negan in the show's eighth season. He also added that Negan will have a large role in the next two episodes before the midseason break, after the character's recent absence from the last two episodes:

"I know I will be on board for Season 8. We've finished [Season 7] a week ago."

"The next two, I'm really big in. I'm f---ing heavy in those."

Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan - The Walking Dead _ Season 7, Episode 4

When you consider how the comics have dealt with Negan and his prolonged role in the story, it's not surprising to hear that his main storyline won't be done by the time season 7 comes to an end. His visits to Alexandria only just recently began, and there's still quite a bit of story to get through in the immediate future.

Though this can only mean bad things for the show's main heroes, the fact that fans will get to see more of Morgan's charismatic, scenery-chewing turn as the character should come as good news. While Negan's control over the series has been brutal and unforgiving, there's also no denying the excitement that will likely be felt when that control begins to be tested in some more effective ways. The Walking Dead has been slowly introducing the building blocks that will allow the other survivors to rise up against Negan and his Saviors, so while the bat-wielding villain will be around for the foreseeable future, there is a strong chance that his role will go through some dramatic changes during that time.

The Walking Dead continues next Sunday with ‘Sing Me a Song’ @9pm on AMC.

Source: Howard Stern