Andrew Lincoln might be returning to 'The Walking Dead' to direct

Andrew Lincoln stars as Rick Grimes in AMC's "The Walking Dead." (© AMC Film Holdings LLC. All Rights Reserved.)

Andrew Lincoln just can't stay away.

"The Walking Dead" star shocked fans when he confirmed his upcoming departure from the series at San Diego Comic-Con in July. But while we've been preparing to say goodbye to Rick Grimes in season nine, it looks like Lincoln might stick around for a while.

“I’m going back,” Lincoln recently told Entertainment Weekly. “I’m going back to shadow a director, and my intention is to direct next year.”

“I can’t be that far away because I can’t bear it,” he added with a laugh. “That’s how much I am invested in the show and the continuation of the story.”

'The Walking Dead' Star Norman Reedus Says He's 'Bummed' About 'BFF' Andrew Lincoln's Exit (Exclusive)

Lincoln isn't the first "Walking Dead" star to step into the director's chair.

Michael Cudlitz (whose character, Abraham, was brutally killed off in the season seven premiere), returned to direct the upcoming seventh episode of season nine, "Stradivarius," which is set to air on Nov. 18. And "Fear the Walking Dead's" Colman Domingo (who plays Strand on the series), directed the 12th episode of season four on that show, titled "Weak."

Andrew Lincoln Emotionally Reveals His 'Walking Dead' Exit at Comic-Con

While speaking with ET at Comic-Con, Lincoln's "TWD" co-stars opened up about his upcoming exit. "I mean, he's my BFF forever. I'm bummed," Norman Reedus -- who is rumored to be taking over as the show's lead -- confessed.

'The Walking Dead' Star Andrew Lincoln Reportedly Leaving After Season 9

"He's been the leader of this show, and he's definitely the quarterback of this team, always will be," he continued. "His shoes cannot be replaced, and they never will be."