AMC has released the first official photo of Andrew Lincoln in the new series The Walking Dead, which will debut sometime this fall. Click on the image below of Lincoln as Rick Grimes and take a look below the image for a brief statement by one of the show's executive producers.

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead

This new photo was also accompanied by a brief statement by Robert Kirkman, the author of the comic book series this show is based on and an executive producer on the series. Here's what he had to say about Andrew Lincoln portraying Rick Grimes.

"Writing this book for the past seven years I've gotten very close to the character of Rick. Andrew Lincoln embodies every aspect of the character that fans know and love. After seeing this photo I don't think that there will be a doubt in anyone's mind that he's perfect for the role."

Frank Darabont's new series The Walking Dead will air its first six-episode season later this fall. The series is based off the comic book series by Robert Kirkman. The series stars Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey DeMunn, Sarah Wayne Callies, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun and Michael Rooker. Here's the full synopsis for the series below.

The Walking Dead tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive.