What Happened to Negan in The Walking Dead?
by A Maria
Updated Jun 20, 2023
Who is Negan in The Walking Dead?
Negan is a fictional character featured in both the comic book series and the television adaptation of The Walking Dead and his full name in the television series is Negan Smith. He serves as the primary antagonist and leader of the Saviors, a faction of survivors residing in the Sanctuary. Negan's group exercises control over other communities, subjecting them to oppression and demanding tribute.
In the original comic books, Negan's appearance is visually inspired by Henry Rollins, a fact confirmed by artist Charlie Adlard. This influence can be seen in the depiction of the character. However, in the television series, Negan is portrayed by actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who first appeared as the character in the dramatic finale of the show's sixth season.
Morgan's portrayal has garnered significant attention and acclaim for capturing Negan's complex personality and commanding presence on screen.
What Happened to Negan in The Walking Dead?
Negan Smith made his memorable entrance on The Walking Dead as a formidable villain. His chilling introduction included the brutal and unforgettable bludgeoning of Abraham Ford and Glenn Rhee, leaving an indelible mark on the viewers' minds. Portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Negan's on-screen portrayal was strikingly reminiscent of his comic book counterpart, as if he had stepped right out of the pages.
Throughout the series, Negan's character underwent a significant transformation. Initially depicted as a gym teacher and cheating husband in the 10c bonus episode titled "Here's Negan," he evolved into the malicious antagonist starting from Season 6. However, as the seasons progressed, Negan began to display a strong desire to redeem himself for his past atrocities.
In the middle of Season 11, Negan came to the realization that Maggie, seeking revenge for the murder of her husband, would eventually kill him. Faced with this grim fate, he chose to strike out on his own. Upon his return, he introduced his new group, Riverside, and surprising news—Negan had gotten married to Annie and they were expecting a child together.
This turn of events marked a significant change for Negan, as he found himself on his knees, desperately begging for the lives of his wife and unborn child. This act directly paralleled the anguish Maggie endured at Negan's hands when Glenn was killed.
It became a pivotal moment in his life, leading him to offer Maggie a long-awaited apology for the pain he had caused her. Maggie and Negan engaged in an emotional heart-to-heart, a conversation that also played out in the comic storyline. While Maggie expressed gratitude for Negan saving her son Hershel, she made it clear that she could never forgive him for what he did to Glenn.
She vividly recounted the image of Negan's bat striking Glenn's head and his subsequent smiling, stating that it was all she saw when she remembered her late husband. In the final moments, Negan was observed by Daryl, who watched him through a window and nodded as Negan walked away.
After a one-year time jump, Negan and his wife Annie were conspicuously absent from the screen. Negan sent Judith her compass, sharing that it had helped him find his path and expressing hope that it would guide her toward her own dreams.
Interestingly, Negan's post-series life mirrored his comic book counterpart. He settled in a remote location, residing far away from the rest of the group and choosing a solitary existence. While this may have been a nod to the comic story, it seemed unusual for a character of such significance not to be featured in the final scenes of the flagship series.
However, fans of Negan need not despair, as he will continue his journey in The Walking Dead: Dead City spinoff alongside Maggie. It is anticipated that the spinoff will shed further light on the events and developments in Negan's story following the conclusion of the main series, with a time jump of a couple of years.
When was Negan Introduced in The Walking Dead?
The highly anticipated sixth season of the hit show came to a close with the introduction of one of its most eagerly awaited characters from the comics: Negan, the ominous leader of the Saviors. Portrayed with a commanding and malevolent charm by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Negan lived up to the immense hype surrounding his arrival, delivering a memorable debut that captivated audiences in almost every aspect.
However, there was one crucial element that left viewers buzzing and craving for answers. The episode, in a surprising twist, withheld the identity of Negan's victim. This unexpected decision left fans speculating and discussing the potential core victim throughout the following days. Glenn and Abraham emerged as the frontrunners in the predictions. The fact that the writers managed to deliver an outcome that truly shocked most viewers deserves commendation.
The withholding of this crucial information became the focal point of post-season discussions, igniting debates and leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the resolution. By leaving the identity of Negan's victim a mystery, the show not only heightened the suspense but also ensured that viewers would be talking about it fervently until the next season's premiere.
Negan's arrival and the subsequent cliffhanger ending showcased the show's ability to surprise and captivate its audience, solidifying its reputation as a master of suspense and dramatic storytelling. The sixth season's finale left fans eagerly anticipating the continuation of the story, eager to discover the fate of their beloved characters and the repercussions of Negan's chilling presence in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead.
How does Negan Know the Croat?
At first, Negan feigns ignorance about the individual being referred to. However, when Maggie mentions that the person was associated with the group that invaded her community and began using the infamous Savior whistle, Negan's demeanor changes.
He acknowledges that the person in question, whom Maggie calls "the Croat," was an incredibly deranged and ruthless individual. Negan grimly suggests that it is highly likely that Hershel, Maggie's son, has already met a tragic fate at the hands of this exceptionally insane individual.
The Walking Dead
"The Walking Dead" is a popular American television series that falls under the genres of post-apocalyptic horror and drama. It is based on a comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, which serves as the foundation for "The Walking Dead" franchise. The show revolves around a diverse group of survivors navigating a world devastated by a zombie outbreak.
These survivors constantly face the threat of attacks from the undead, commonly referred to as "walkers" or by other names. As society collapses, the characters must also confront other groups of human survivors who have established their own communities with unique sets of rules and ethics. This often leads to intense conflicts and hostile interactions. "The Walking Dead" is the first television series within the larger franchise.
It premiered on October 31, 2010, and is exclusively aired on the AMC cable channel in the United States. Internationally, it is distributed through the Fox Networks Group and Disney+. The eleventh and final season of the series premiered on August 22, 2021, and concluded on November 20, 2022.
What Happened to Negan in The Walking Dead - FAQs
Negan, whose full name in the television series is Negan Smith, is a fictional character in both the comic book series and the television adaptation of The Walking Dead. He serves as the primary antagonist and leader of the Saviors, a group of survivors residing in the Sanctuary. Negan's role involves exerting control over other communities, subjecting them to oppression and demanding tribute.
Negan's journey in The Walking Dead began as a significant villain. His arrival on the show was marked by the brutal and unforgettable deaths of Abraham Ford and Glenn Rhee, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Negan's on-screen portrayal closely resembled his comic book counterpart, as if he had stepped right out of the pages.
The highly anticipated sixth season of The Walking Dead concluded with the introduction of one of the most eagerly awaited characters from the comics: Negan, the formidable leader of the Saviors. Portrayed with a commanding and malevolent charm by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Negan lived up to the immense hype surrounding his arrival, delivering a memorable debut that captivated audiences in almost every aspect.
Initially, Negan pretends not to recognize the person being referred to. However, when Maggie mentions that the individual was associated with the group that invaded her community and began using the infamous Savior whistle, Negan's demeanor changes. He acknowledges that the person Maggie calls "the Croat" was an exceptionally deranged and ruthless individual. Negan somberly suggests that it is highly likely Hershel, Maggie's son, has already met a tragic fate at the hands of this exceptionally insane person.