The Walking Dead: Dead City star Jeffrey Dean Morgan has opened up about Negan in season 2 at San Diego Comic-Con, explaining what to expect from his character now that he has Lucille back. Dead City season 1 ended with the Dama forcing Negan to work with her to conquer more areas of New York City, threatening Hershel’s life if he doesn’t comply. The latest trailer for the upcoming episodes has hinted at what to expect from his new role, including a new Lucille that he’ll be using in the season.

Screen Rant was in attendance at The Walking Dead: Dead City panel at San Diego Comic-Con, where Morgan explained what to expect from Negan going into season 2 of the spinoff. The actor revealed how some of the old Negan will return in the upcoming season, symbolized by his decision to recreate Lucille. Check out what Morgan had to say below:

Negan has told people many a time that, when he was leading the Sanctuary, he was putting on a show as Negan. And that was kind of his deal…that’s how he got people to fall in line. I think at this point, 10 years later – it’s been almost 10 years since I’ve been on the show now…. Certainly, we’ve seen some different shades. But I think Negan has found out that he screwed up, that he made mistakes back then, and I think he has made an earnest effort to move forward. That being said, the circumstances of this season brings a lot of the old Negan back, including Lucille. I know, I was really excited too! There was something about that sweet girl that…I love, and it really kind of indicates Negan. It makes me turn into Negan holding that damn bat, that sweet girl.

What Negan’s New Role Means For Dead City Season 2

Will Negan Revert To His Old Ways For Good?

Dead City season 2’s trailer showed just how important Negan now is to the Dama’s plans, dressed in an outfit reminiscent of when he was leader of the Saviors. While it’s unclear if his smile to a crowd of people shows he’s enjoying being back to his old self, it’s a front that might make it even more difficult for him to escape, even if he wants to. Despite this, however, Maggie appears to be teaming up with Pearlie to save her former enemy, something that could grow complicated depending on what he decides to do.

Although it’s unclear where the story of Dead City season 2 will take Negan, his reversion back to his old ways seems like it might just be a ploy to survive. However, that could also simply be a starting point, with his senior role in the Burazi making him more inclined to become his old self when he realizes the benefits it would bring him. If this is the case, then Maggie might not just have to save him physically, but mentally as well.

Given how much progress Negan has made over the last few years, though, it seems unlikely Dead City would permanently shift his character back into a villain role. Instead, his new position can be used to further explore his true desires, bringing him to understand himself more and further his continued redemption arc. With the dangers ahead potentially forcing him to change, though, it should prove interesting to see how much closer to his old self he’ll get because of the Dama’s power over him.