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| Negan | |
|---|---|
| The Walking Dead character | |
 Negan as he appears in the comic book series (left) and Negan Smith as portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan in the television series (right) | |
| First appearance |
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| Last appearance |
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| Created by | Robert Kirkman Charlie Adlard |
| Adapted by | Scott M. Gimple Matthew Negrete (The Walking Dead) |
| Portrayed by | Jeffrey Dean Morgan |
| Voiced by | Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Tekken 7) |
| In-universe information | |
| Occupation | Gym Teacher Leader of the Saviors Comic: Member of the Militia Television: Worker for the Alexandria Safe-Zone |
| Weapon | Wired bat ("Lucille") |
| Spouses | Lucille (deceased) Television: Annie (second wife) |
| Significant others | Sherry Amber Frankie Tanya (only named in the TV Series) Television: Alpha |
| Children | Television: Joshua Smith |
Negan is a character in the comic book series The Walking Dead, its self-titled television adaptation, and its spin-off series Dead City. The character is fully named Negan Smith in the television series. He was the leader of the Saviors, a group of survivors in the Sanctuary that oppresses other survivor communities and forces them to pay tribute to him. In the comics, the character's appearance is based on Henry Rollins, as confirmed by Charlie Adlard.[1] Jeffrey Dean Morgan portrays Negan in the television series, having first appeared in the sixth-season finale.[2] When offered the role of Negan, Morgan immediately accepted, as he was already a fan of the comic book series.[3]
After Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors agree to begin a trading relationship with the Hilltop Colony, they are ambushed by the Saviors and forced to obey Negan's orders to give the Saviors half of their supplies, as the other communities do. Initially obedient, Rick and the others secretly conspire with other communities in the Washington, D.C. area to prepare for war against the Saviors. After his defeat at the hands of the allied communities led by Rick, he is incarcerated for years until Carol recruits him as a reluctant ally against the Whisperers. After Negan kills the Whisperers' leaders Alpha and later Beta, the other survivors reluctantly accept him as an official member of their community.
Morgan has received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Negan in the television series, earning the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series,[4] MTV Movie Award for Best Villain,[5] and Saturn Award for Best Guest Starring Role on Television.[6] Although the character himself initially received mixed reception as the antagonist of Seasons 7 and 8, his redemption arc in later seasons has caused him to become viewed by many as among the best and most well-developed characters in the series.
In March 2022, it was announced that Morgan would reprise his role as Negan in a spin-off series alongside Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene. Originally titled Isle of the Dead, it was later renamed The Walking Dead: Dead City and is set years after the end of the original series in New York City.
- ^ Johnston, Rich (July 13, 2012). "Talking To The Walking Dead Panel". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (November 10, 2015). "'Walking Dead' Casts Major Comics Villain Negan". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Pruner, Aaron (December 3, 2015). "Jeffrey Dean Morgan's reaction to playing Negan on 'The Walking Dead' is perfect". Screener. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
- ^ Lincoln, Ross A.; Grobar, Matt (December 11, 2016). "2016 Critics' Choice Awards: 'La La Land' Leads With 8 Wins Including Best Picture; Donald Glover Unveils Lando Calrissian 'Stache". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ Davis, Brandon (May 8, 2017). "The Walking Dead's Jeffrey Dean Morgan Wins Best Villain At MTV Awards". Comic Book. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
- ^ Siegel, Lucas (June 29, 2017). "Marvel, Star Wars, The Walking Dead win big at 2017 Saturn Awards". Syfy Wire. Archived from the original on August 9, 2017. Retrieved June 29, 2017.