Who was backup for Negan on The Walking Dead?

Backup casting: Negan’s Scream-connection

Scream actor Matthew Lillard was reportedly the backup casting choice to play Negan in The Walking Dead—meaning his name was in contention if Jeffrey Dean Morgan had not taken the role.

The casting detail matters because Negan is one of The Walking Dead’s most recognizable later-series figures, and the show’s reception and audience expectations around the character were heavily tied to who brought him to life. Morgan ultimately accepted the part, locking in the performance fans came to associate with the leather-clad villain.

Why this is notable now

Casting “near-misses” can reshape how entertainment properties evolve: a different actor playing Negan could have altered everything from the character’s screen presence to how the show’s later arcs landed with viewers. Lillard’s consideration as a contingency highlights how high-stakes the decision was, even before Morgan’s confirmation.

What we know—and what we don’t

• Known: Lillard was the backup option tied to Negan’s casting.
• Known: Morgan accepted the role, preventing the backup plan from being needed.
• Unclear from the coverage provided: whether casting details beyond the backup status (e.g., timing or audition process) were discussed publicly.