As if the confirmation of multiple character deaths in the season 7 pilot of AMC's "The Walking Dead" wasn't heartbreaking enough for loyal fans of the show, showrunner Scott Gimple is hinting that this could change the dynamics of the show.

While previous deaths were tragic, this time around, the killings will be even more emotional for fans because it will be done deliberately to emphasize Negan's (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) power over Rick's (Andrew Lincoln) "family."

"This isn't somebody being attacked by a walker. It isn't random. It's purposeful. It's extremely purposeful. Negan said in the finale that this is him showing them what the consequences are if they won't do what he says. Not only do they have this terrible loss, but they lose their autonomy. They're under someone's thumb now, in every way," Gimple said.

The deaths will not only manage to do that, but it will also make Rick's group realize that they are not invincible, especially faced with the odds Negan's group's numbers and ruthlessness. Morgan has earlier confirmed that his character will be killing not just one character in the season opener, and this has caused a frenzy of rumors among fans of the show.

Comic Book has hinted that it could be Glenn (Steven Yeun) since the character was the one killed by Negan in the comic books. In one of his interviews, Yeun addressed a question about the possibility of saying goodbye to the cast which seemed noncommittal.

'It's always a bummer. I'll leave it at that," he said.

As for the double or triple death, the article hinted that the death of Maggie (Lauren Cohan) alongside her husband could be one of the most tragic things that could happen on the show as the couple is well loved by the fans.

It can also be recalled that Cohan recently became emotional at the New York Comic Con. Could it be a hint that she's saying goodbye to the fans soon?

"I'm in such rough shape now. You guys have all been on such a huge journey with us.Thank you for caring about our show and for being mad when you don't know things. ... I don't remember your question, Chris. This is larger than our lives. This is larger than our show. This is such a privilege," she said.

For now, fans have to wait until "The Walking Dead" returns to AMC on Sunday, Oct. 23 and FOX UK on Monday, Oct. 24 to find out who gets their skulls bashed in.