Lead The Walking Dead character Rick Grimes has thus far survived in both AMC’s television series and the comic series it’s based on, but he’s going to have to meet his maker at some point. At New York Comic Con on Thursday, franchise creator Robert Kirkman warned that when Rick’s time comes, don’t necessarily expect his demise on the show to have much in common with that in the comic.

“I know exactly how Rick Grimes dies in the comic book and it’s possible there will be some difference there,” said Kirkman. “[In the comics] it could happen next issue or it could happen 10 years from now, I could change my mind. I can’t say anything else.”

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The fates of many of the characters have differed from those shown in the comic since the premiere of the television series. With the pending departure of Andrew Lincoln from the series after the upcoming season, Rick’s death might not only be different from the comic, but it might come a lot sooner.

Of course, Lincoln’s departure from the show might not necessarily mean the death of Rick Grimes — especially if the show’s producers harbor any hope for a possible return.

AMC’s The Walking Dead returns for its ninth season on Oct. 7.