And now, director Greg Nicotero has hinted the end is near for the villain as he revealed the Alexandrians are prepared to take their lives back at "any cost".
Speaking to press including Express.co.uk at the London Stop of The Walking Dead Euro Tour, he noted that momentum is building as Rick Grimes (played by Andrew Lincoln) and his group prepare for war with Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).
"The first half of the season, we watched all of our characters ground into the dirt and the effect that, Glenn and Abraham, and then of course, Spencer and Olivia, their deaths had on everybody," he commented.
"The first half of the season is hard to swallow and it's difficult to watch your hero under the heel of somebody so despicable as Negan.
"But, that was a necessary evil to watch where we're going, which is to see these people with a clear purpose, Rosita's purpose, Daryl's purpose, which is to take their lives back at any cost."
He continued: "The second half of the season has already clearly indicated that path, in that direction and the momentum is building."
With the war between Rick and Negan growing closer, it seems fans should be prepared to say goodbye to a few of their favourite characters.
Showrunner Scott M. Gimple confirmed that there will be multiple deaths in the season finale, telling TVLine: "[Last season's finale] as the noose tightening and things getting darker and darker.
"This season's finale has darkness and light, real horrific moments, betrayal, and real moments of beauty, redemption, love and friendship.
"There are losses. As the stakes get higher and higher… things start to get more intense and heartbreaking, and yet everyone has to sort of band together and keep going."