What made Negan become a fan favourite The Walking Dead character? Reasons explored

The Walking Dead, the long-running television series based on the comic books by Robert Kirkman, is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead. It follows a group of survivors as they fight to stay alive. Along the way, they encounter dangerous enemies, some of whom are even worse than the Walkers. One of the most unforgettable of these characters is Negan.

As the ruthless leader of the Saviors, Negan ruled with fear, violence, and manipulation. At first, he seemed like a one-dimensional villain, written only to shock viewers every once in a while. But with time, he became a fan favourite and even got his own show.

Negan's journey of becoming a fan favourite in The Walking Dead

Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, first appeared in the final episode of The Walking Dead Season 6. He instantly caught the attention of viewers with his brutal entrance, with his barbed-wire-covered baseball bat, Lucille, named after his late wife.

But over time, The Walking Dead revealed who Negan really was. Before the world collapsed, Negan had been an ordinary man with a wife he loved deeply. When she died, it broke him. His turn to violence was a coping mechanism, to survive. However, it also masked a lot of pain and regret.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s performance helped make the character what it is today. He brought charm, wit, and even humor to Negan, balancing out the character’s darker side. Fans began to see more than just a villain; they saw a man devastated by circumstances, but still willing to change.

After Negan was defeated and imprisoned by Rick’s group, his character took a new turn. Sitting in a cell for years forced him to reflect on his past. He formed quiet bonds with characters like Judith and slowly began to show signs of growth. Instead of trying to escape, he accepted his punishment and eventually tried to redeem himself.

One major turning point came during the Whisperer War. Negan risked his life to infiltrate the group and kill their leader, Alpha. Though his motives were questioned at first, his actions helped protect the group, which earned him a second chance. Over time, some began to trust him, even if others, like Maggie, couldn’t forget what he had done.

Negan’s transformation from villain to anti-hero in The Walking Dead was slow and natural. It didn’t happen overnight. He continued to struggle with guilt, redemption, and the consequences of what he had done in the past. That journey made him one of the most compelling characters in The Walking Dead.

Due to the character's popularity, Negan received a spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Dead City, which premiered in 2023. The show follows Negan and Maggie as they travel to a ruined New York City, facing new threats in search of Maggie’s kidnapped son, Hershel. The dynamic between the two is tense, full of pain, yet cooperation, although it is laced with unease.

In Dead City’s first season, Negan walks a fine line between his violent instincts and his desire to protect others. He is a good leader who has begun to realize the depth of the damage he has caused. His journey feels far from over, but it’s clear he’s trying to become better.

As the second season approaches, fans can expect even more layers to be revealed. Will Negan find true redemption? Or will his past catch up with him? Either way, audiences are eager to see more of Negan.

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Negan’s rise as a fan favourite in The Walking Dead universe is the result of great writing, realistic character development, and a powerful performance. He reminds us that even in a world filled with death and destruction, people can still change if they are willing to.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 arrives on May 4 on AMC and AMC+. You can stream the first season of The Walking Dead spin-off on AMC+, Netflix and Prime Video.

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