Negan, one of the most notorious villains in Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" comic books, could finally be coming to the television show.
A new casting call notice has sought actors to play the role of a man who is both a "leader of men and a killer of men," and speculations are rife that it could be Negan.
The Facebook page of The Spoiling Dead Fans noted that casting directors have left it open for Negan to be of any ethnicity, but in the comic series he is described as Caucasian-American.
Here's a truncated version of the casting call:
THE WALKING DEAD, Episode #616
Location: Atlanta Area
Dates: 11/9-11/19
[ORIN] 30s to mid 40s. A physically imposing, charismatic, brutal, smart, ferocious, frightening, hilarious, inappropriate, oddly friendly, fun loving sociopath that is both a leader of men and a killer of men. He has both a practical and emotional intelligence, he's a brilliant strategist, he's pure, dangerous, murderous, often gleeful id, that still has both discipline and a code. And he has a temper that can vaporize people. He's truly one of the strongest personalities ever...
Source: Spoil the Dead
It was earlier rumoured that Negan is set to make a short appearance in the season 6 finale of the zombie apocalypse. However, the casting call indicates a 10-day filming period, and this means his role in season 6 could be substantial.
If the series adheres to the books, then Negan's appearance will lead to Glenn's departure from the show. As fans of the series know, Rick's gang will soon encounter a new group known as the Saviors, and their leader is Negan, who is a sociopath. Negan murders Glenn in issue 100 by beating him to death with his baseball bat, which he affectionately calls Lucille.
"The Walking Dead" returns to AMC for season 6 on 11 October. The first episode of the season is entitled "First Time Again" and according to the synopsis, "Rick and the group are still having trouble assimilating into Alexandria." They will also encounter a new threat, which might bring them closer.