Bizarre flash-forward scene shows Rick walking with a stick and sporting a big grey beard, while Michonne remains youthful – plus fans saw a hint Grimes may become a zombie

FANS of The Walking Dead were rocked by the series eight opener tonight – as it included mysterious “flash-forward” scenes showing Rick Grimes as an old man with a grey beard.

The scene showed the former sheriff, played by Andrew Lincoln, waking up in a peaceful zombie-free haven as an alarm clock played Queen song Another One Bites The Dust.

Rick Grimes was seen as an old man in a strange scene from the future

Fans are wondering whether this scene was in fact a dream or alternate reality
He then walked into a living room where his girlfriend Michonne was waiting – as well as his daughter Judith, who was about four or five years old.

Old Rick was then led outside and shown a happy, green, self-sufficient world he and his friends have been dreaming of – but all viewers saw after that was Rick’s bloodshot eyes as he cried bitterly.

Some fans suggesting the redness of his eyes might be a hint that Rick is going to turn into a Walker, too.

And, more obviously, fans also noted that neither Michonne nor Carl seemed to have aged at all in this “future” vision.

Rick was shown a vision of a beautiful happy future
Considering that, as well as the rather unsubtle clue in the Queen song lyrics – plus the fact that both Lincoln and Walking Dead creator have said Rick will soon die – and a less-than-hopeful picture forms.

To top it all, Rick was heard uttering the final, head-scratching line of the episode: “My mercy prevails over my wrath.”

Fans have been debating about the strange scenes, saying they could be a “dream” or a vision suggesting that Michonne will die because she didn’t age.

But Rick’s crying bloodshot eyes were seen looking at the scene – was he becoming a zombie?
Lincoln himself has actually commented on the scene already, and seems to think it is a genuine vision of his character’s future – adding that he simply won’t age well.

Asked how far forward the scene is set, the actor said: “It looks to be four to five years.

“The problem is, Rick seems to have aged in dog years. He’s had the rough ride of it.

Rick was seen looking elderly while Michonne was her youthful self
“He hasn’t aged as well as Michonne, shall we say. One might say, ‘He aged on behalf of Michonne.’

“Who knows? The years haven’t been favourable to Mr. Grimes!” Lincoln added.

And Rick’s daughter Judith seemed to be growing up very much alive

As with many TV mysteries, sharp fans will have to try and work out whether Lincoln is speaking in riddles or merely telling it how it is.

For now, the Twitter emotions are heavy to say the least.