'Walking Dead' third season teased at Comic-Con

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The trailer for the upcoming season of "The Walking Dead" was released from custody Friday at Comic-Con.

Footage from the AMC zombie drama's third season focused on the survivors working together to clear the undead from that ominous prison glimpsed at the end of the last season.

"The intensity level is incredible," executive producer Gale Ann Hurd said of the third season. "We've got our cast inoculated now. The new people realize just what they're in for and the level that we expect. They've become just as passionate about 'The Walking Dead' as we all are."

The footage also showcased katana-wielding new character Michonne (played by Danai Gurira) slicing through zombies and teaming up with Laurie Holden's Andrea. In one scene, the pair came across a crashed Army helicopter before being taken to an ominous survivalist commune called Woodbury that's run by a shady character known as the Governor (David Morrisey).

"It's a very different season for Andrea," said Holden. "She's separated from the group. She's met this alpha female, and they become very good friends. It's great storytelling, as they're battling the elements in this post-apocalyptic world."

The trailer ended with a shot of Michael Rooker's scumbag Merle, who escaped from a pair of handcuffs by slicing off his appendage back in the first season. In the third season footage, Merle sports a knife for a right arm.

The next season of "The Walking Dead" premieres Oct. 14.

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Online:

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