AMC is gearing up for the return of "The Walking Dead" by pranking some unsuspecting New Yorkers, the New York Daily News reports. The cable network recruited 15 extras to dress up in full zombie gear and hide under a subway grate in New York City's Union Square.

As people walked by the snarling zombies popped their hands through the cutouts to scare the living crap out of their victims. Some New Yorkers weren't fazed by the zombies reaching towards them while others almost took off screaming and running. Check out the video below.

Last month, AMC also pranked "Walking Dead" star Norman Reedus (aka Darryl Dixon) by having a Vine star famous for his zombie pranks, scare the actor. The New Jersey teen hid under a table and popped out lunging toward Reedus.

At this point, the actor is probably used to seeing the scary-looking walkers. Reedus didn't let out a scream but was a little startled by the prank.

In other "Walking Dead" news, creator Robert Kirkman recently dished on the new characters who will be introduced when the show returns. It was previously revealed that three new characters would be added - Abraham, Rosita and Eugene.

"These characters are going to be extremely similar to who they were in the comics and I'm really excited about that," he told Entertainment Weekly. "People excited for the introduction of these characters won't have to wait very long."

He didn't say exactly when they will pop up but said it won't be too far into the season.

"They really are going to add a very interesting and very compelling dynamic to the show," he continued. "I think they're going to bring in elements to the show that we've never really explored before and I think that's exciting and something that's going to change the game to a certain extent."

"The Walking Dead" returns Sunday, Feb. 9 on AMC.