What Happened to Maggie and Negan Between Walking Dead and Dead City?
by Mathelene
Updated Jun 20, 2023
What Happened to Maggie and Negan Between Walking Dead And Dead City?
The first episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City, titled "Old Acquaintances," aired on June 18th on AMC and immediately thrusts viewers into the dynamic of Maggie and Negan's unlikely alliance. The premiere wastes no time in getting the story rolling, as Hershel Jr. is kidnapped by a character known as The Croat, forcing Maggie and Negan to quickly spring into action.
However, amidst the high-stakes situation, the episode also provides moments of reflection to catch up on the characters' journeys since the conclusion of The Walking Dead series. In the series finale of The Walking Dead, Maggie and Negan managed to reconcile their differences, with Maggie seemingly letting go of her deep-seated desire for revenge over Glenn's death.
However, as the events unfold in Dead City, it becomes evident that her long-dormant thirst for vengeance has resurfaced after her newfound sense of peace is shattered. Similarly, Negan has faced his own challenges and hardships since the series finale, adding to the underlying hostility and unresolved animosity that characterizes his partnership with Maggie.
The premiere episode sets the stage for an intense and gripping storyline, propelling viewers into a world where the past haunts the present. The clash of conflicting emotions and personal histories between Maggie and Negan promises to be a driving force throughout the season, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Dead City and face the threats that lie ahead.
Who is Maggie?
In the comic book series of The Walking Dead, Maggie's character goes through a journey of growth and transformation. Initially grappling with insecurity and depression, she attempts suicide following the loss of her entire family. However, she gradually toughens up and becomes independent.
Throughout the war against the Saviors, Maggie emerges as a strong advocate for following Rick Grimes instead of Gregory and Negan. The people of The Hilltop rally behind her, and she becomes their de facto leader. After the war, Maggie has a son named Hershel, honoring her father.
She fiercely protects her children and Carl Grimes, while facing conflicts with her predecessor, Gregory. While some question her leadership due to her focus on her inner group, there are individuals who idolize her, including Dante, who develops feelings for her.
In the television adaptation, Maggie's character diverges from her comic book counterpart. She starts off as inexperienced and unaware of the full extent of the apocalypse, having lived a sheltered life on the Greene family farm. However, upon joining Rick's group, she quickly adapts and becomes a skilled fighter, participating in supply runs and honing her weapon proficiency.
Maggie initially enters into a casual relationship with Glenn, knowing of his affection for her, but insists it is temporary. Eventually, she realizes her love for him, and they ultimately marry. In line with the comics, Maggie assumes leadership of the Hilltop and faces conflicts with Gregory. Lauren Cohan's portrayal of Maggie has been well-received by audiences, and her return in The Walking Dead: Dead City is highly anticipated.
Lauren Cohan, born on January 7, 1982, is an American-British actress renowned for her portrayal of Maggie Greene in the popular AMC post-apocalyptic horror television series, The Walking Dead. She originally played the character from 2011 to 2018 and returned to reprise the role in 2020 until 2022. Cohan will continue her portrayal of Maggie in The Walking Dead: Dead City, set to be released in 2023.
Who is Negan?
Negan, whose full name in the television series is Negan Smith, is a fictional character from both the comic book series and the television adaptation of The Walking Dead. He is the leader of the Saviors, a group of survivors based in the Sanctuary, who exert control over other survivor communities by forcing them to provide resources as tribute.
In the comics, Negan's appearance is based on Henry Rollins, as confirmed by artist Charlie Adlard. In the television series, Negan is portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, making his first appearance in the sixth-season finale. In the story, after Rick Grimes and his group agree to establish a trading relationship with the Hilltop Colony, they are ambushed by the Saviors, compelling them to submit to Negan's demands of providing half of their supplies, as other communities do.
Initially compliant, Rick and the others secretly conspire with other communities in the Washington, D.C. area, preparing for war against the Saviors. Eventually, Negan is defeated by the united communities led by Rick and is imprisoned for years. However, he later becomes a reluctant ally when Carol recruits him to assist in the conflict against the Whisperers. After Negan eliminates the Whisperers' leaders, Alpha and Beta, the survivors reluctantly accept him as a member of their community.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan's portrayal of Negan in the television series has received widespread acclaim, earning him accolades such as the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series, the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain, and the Saturn Award for Best Guest Starring Role on Television. Morgan, who was already a fan of the comic book series, immediately accepted the role of Negan when it was offered to him.
Additionally, Negan was selected as a guest character for the fighting game Tekken 7 by Katsuhiro Harada and Michael Murray, who are fans of both the television show and the character. They believed Negan would be a perfect fit for the game series. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is set to reprise his role as Negan in The Walking Dead: Dead City, the upcoming series where he will continue to bring the character to life and is expected to deliver another noteworthy performance.
The Walking Dead: Dead City
The Walking Dead: Dead City is a television series created by Eli Jorné for AMC, set in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead. It serves as the fourth spin-off and fifth overall series in The Walking Dead franchise, sharing continuity with the other shows. The series focuses on the characters of Maggie and Negan, portrayed by Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, respectively. Eli Jorné serves as the showrunner.
The cast also includes Gaius Charles, Željko Ivanek, and Mahina Napoleon in prominent roles. Development for the series began in March 2022, and the title was initially revealed during that time, although it was later changed in August. Additional cast members were announced in October and November 2022. Principal photography took place in New Jersey from July to October 2022.
The Walking Dead: Dead City premiered on June 18, 2023, and consists of six episodes, offering viewers a new chapter in the ongoing saga of The Walking Dead universe.
What Happened to Maggie and Negan Between Walking Dead And Dead City? - FAQs
Maggie and Negan made their peace with one another in the series finale of The Walking Dead.
No, Maggie and Negan definitely aren't together in The Walking Dead: Dead City.
The Walking Dead: Dead City is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama television series.
The main characters in The Walking Dead: Dead City are Maggie Greene (Maggie Rhee) and Negan, portrayed by Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, respectively.
Yes, The Walking Dead: Dead City shares continuity with the original series. It is considered a direct sequel to The Walking Dead TV series.