The Negan by The Walking Dead was almost played by a fan favorite scorcho-doo star

As one of the best villains of television (and worst when you look at all of your deeds) as soon as he appeared The changing deadNegan was the kind of character that made it clear what he was there. To date, it is reminded as a powerful presence, although after the end of the series he was entering a redemption sheet in addition to Maggie in the spinoff The Walking Dead: Dead City. And yes, Jeffrey Dean Morgan was the perfect choice. It is difficult to think of Negan without imagining yourself immediately. However, he had a strong competitor, and it was so short to be another actor who wore the legacy of one of one of him The changing dead‘S famous antagonists.

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Morgan was not exactly the choice from the start. In fact, the actor, who had the role almost in 1996, had already made a name for himself – and as soon as you know who it is, it makes a lot of sense.

Matthew Lillard is a fan favorite actor who is known for roles like the fun-loving Shaggy in the live action Scooby-thoo Films, the scary Steve Raglan/William Afton in Five nights at Freddy’sAnd of course the unhindered killer Stu maker in Scream. There is no official confirmation for this The changing dead The creator Robert Kirkmans and the attention of production, but it would not be surprising. After all, Negan and Stu have a threatening energy. How did that almost happen – and why did the role ultimately went to Morgan?

When casting started for the 7th season, the production team needed someone who was able to completely embody the intensity of Negan – a character that combined brutality, charism and a distorted feeling of morality. Then Lillard’s name came into the conversation among other competitors such as Timothy Olyphant, Garret Dillahunt and Matt Dillon. He spoke and delivered a performance that showed an impressive range – changed from the playful tone for which he is known, to the darker and more threatening energy required for Negan.

(RELATED: The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 trailer shocks with old negan, new villains)

While A Scream Panel in Atlanta’s Walker Stalker Con in 2022 he spoke more about experience.

“So I got a call. You said you want you to audition for you The changing dead. It is a large part. I like ‘okay, cool.’ I haven’t seen the show, sorry. So I went to the audition and they loved it. They said: “Wow, they really loved it, you are in the race for this part.” I want: ‘Oh, that’s great. Usually it means that someone else, “said Lillard. But although he was not very confident about the result, he was called back for a second round – this time to make a more dramatic reading. Then he was told that the role of him and another actor had come.

According to the actor, his performance really surprised the casting team. After further discussions and reviews, the producers Morgan ultimately offered the part, which brought violent energy, its own presence and a representation that covered the complexity of Negan’s moral ambiguity. If the audience was able to both fascinated and to be afraid of the villain, this was largely thanks to the Nuance Morgan. Nevertheless, the idea of ​​Lillard accumulates curiosity in this position – it could have taken a big turning point in his career.

Interesting, The changing deadThe Creator really seemed enthusiastic about the idea that Shaggy’s actor took on the role. At the same event, Lillard announced that Kirkman had spoken to him personally – and later admitted that when he saw Morgan’s face in the goods of the show, he felt that it should be Lillards. Kirkman was clearly rooted for him, but in the end it was just not enough.

Nevertheless, the role of the role of Lillard did not hold back. His career continued in a variety of genres, and this versatility is a big reason why the audience still admires him so much. It is fascinating to know that it was seriously considered for such a complex character, but at the same time it was not so bad to avoid the disadvantages of playing someone like Negan. Morgan himself announced that even years after the notorious episode, in which a beloved character was killed by Lucille, he still faces the fans who did about what his character did. Someone who is as deeply malicious as Negan can be unforgettable – but it’s definitely free.

The changing dead is available to stream on Netflix.