'The Walking Dead' Season 7 episode 1 spoilers: Filming update on Negan's cliffhanger ending

"The Walking Dead" creator Robert Kirkman has something to say to fans who were left fuming and disappointed over the show's Season 6 finale. The cliffhanger ending was disliked by many, who thought the makers did not do justice to Negan's defining scene from the comic books.

In the Letter Hacks section of the latest issue of "The Walking Dead" comic, the series writer and creator took a moment to address the disgruntled fanbase. Here's what Kirkman had to say: (via ComicBook)

"Okay, the season 6 finale has certainly caused a fervor online. Some people love it. Some people are indifferent. Some people HATE it. We weren't trying to game the audience, we weren't trying to FORCE you to come back for season 7... we hope you were always planning on doing that and still plan on doing that. We did want you talk. And talk you are. [sic]

"The speculation, the frustration, the possibilities, the theories... honestly, in my mind... that stuff is FUN. I honestly feel like that's something fun for the fans to do during the break. Was it Spencer? Could it have been Morgan? What about Carol? Did Negan kill Jesus?! (Note, none of them were there... I'm not giving ANYTHING away.) I know people are angry over this, but that wasn't our intent. The idea was that after 6 seasons of the show, we wanted to stay on your mind and give you somethin to talk about. [sic]

"For some of you, that effort backfired and you're angry. And for that I'm sorry. The only thing I can PROMISE you is that the season 7 premiere is going to be awesome. And when viewed as a two-part episode, it's going to be a pretty awesome ride. And every minute of the season 6 finale was important and was setting something up that you probably won't see coming. [sic]"

Kirkman ended his message by teasing: "It's a cool episode... and remember... there's a LOT more for Negan to do. Be afraid... be very afraid. And excited! [sic]"

Meanwhile, filming for Season 7 of "TWD" is already underway and there's a huge possibility that they might be finishing that cliffhanger ending on Thursday, May 5, according to an update by The Spoiling Dead Fans Facebook page.

The latest post reads: "Filming is at the studio tonight. They do not allow people to wait outside the studio. Word is that they may be finishing up that pesky cliffhanger. Yes, that means a beloved character could be filming their death tonight. Moment of silence for the wonderful talent that will be greatly missed, whoever it turns out to be. [sic]"

"The Walking Dead" Season 7 is slated to premiere in October this year.