Negan Almost Played by Scream Star

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Summary

  • Matthew Lillard almost played Negan on The Walking Dead.
  • Lillard auditioned for the role, but Jeffrey Dean Morgan got it.
  • Robert Kirkman liked Lillard for Negan, but Morgan was chosen.

Through its 11 seasons, viewers have seen that the world depicted in The Walking Dead is merciless, with tough characters constantly fighting for survival. Interestingly, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who portrays Negan, one of TV’s most formidable villains, wasn’t initially intended to play the ruthless leader of the Saviors armed with a bat, wielding brutal power.

Three years post its ending, “The Walking Dead” continues to be a beloved staple among zombie enthusiasts’ TV lineups, despite some viewers feeling that the series wasn’t as potent in its later seasons. Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that the show boasted an impressive ensemble of talents such as Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Danai Gurira, and Lauren Cohan, who breathed authenticity into the post-apocalyptic setting and made the storyline not just exciting but profoundly impactful. Each “Walking Dead” fan has their preferred villain from the series, but Negan, with his charming and humorous demeanor, is often a top pick due to his sarcastic nature and quick intellect. It’s hard for TWD fans to envision anyone else wearing Negan’s boots, yet it was almost the case for an actor from the “Scream” series.

Matthew Lillard almost played Negan on The Walking Dead

Matthew Lillard, well-known for his roles in six Scream films and appearing again in Scream 7, almost landed a part in The Walking Dead Season 6 as the character Negan, known for his sarcasm and brutality. Fans may recall Lillard from his performance as Stu Macher in the first Scream movie and one of the original Ghostface killers. At the Scream panel during Atlanta’s Walker Stalker Con in 2022, Lillard shared his experience with The Walking Dead casting, despite being unfamiliar with the show at the time.

I received a call with exciting news – I was offered an audition for ‘The Walking Dead’. It’s a significant role. My initial reaction was, ‘Alright, that sounds good.’ Admittedly, I haven’t watched the show. Afterward, I went in to try out and they were impressed. They said, ‘Wow, we really liked it, you’re in contention for this part.’ To which I replied, ‘That’s fantastic. It typically means someone else will get it.’

In another audition, Lillard was informed that he was up against Jeffery Dean Morgan for the role of Negan. Although he wasn’t chosen for the part, Morgan reportedly delivered a more intense performance. It remains unclear if Lillard was in contention for the role of Morgan due to his character in “Scream,” but it could be plausible given their shared characteristics as a sarcastic leader.

It appears that Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, was fond of the idea of Scream actor Tyler Lillard playing the role of Negan. However, after seeing merchandise featuring Morgan’s face for the series, Kirkman still felt that Lillard would have been more fitting for the part. In all likelihood, fans would concur that Morgan delivers a fantastic portrayal of Negan, although had Lillard taken on the role, he too would have given an equally impressive performance. Nevertheless, in the eyes of many, Morgan has truly embodied the character of Negan.

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2025-04-14 17:24