The Walking Dead Creator Admits Negan’s Most Famous Quote Was an Error

Overview of Key Insights

Negan’s well-known quote was an accidental oversight by creator Robert Kirkman.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s compelling performance has solidified Negan as a beloved antagonist.
Lucille, Negan’s infamous bat, was inspired by the film Cool Hand Luke from 1967.

AMC’s The Walking Dead is renowned for its memorable quotes that capture both despair and optimism. One such quote from the show’s notorious villain, Negan, turned out to be a result of forgetfulness by its creator, Robert Kirkman. While the series features a plethora of poignant lines—such as Carol’s “Look at the Flowers,”Andrea’s heartfelt insights on embracing pain, and Beth’s somber dialogue with Daryl on staying authentic—Negan’s quotes have left a lasting impression on its audience over the show’s eleven seasons.

Although Negan’s character may not be socially acceptable in real life, actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan has breathed life into this ruthless yet humorously unpredictable villain, making him a character audiences have loved to loathe. Among many of his iconic one-liners, one notable quote almost didn’t make the final cut of the series.

The Accidental Origin of Negan’s Most Famous Quote: A “Stan Lee Moment”

Negan, Carl, and Rick from The Walking Dead

According to an article by ScreenRant, Robert Kirkman has disclosed that the quote “Little pig, little pig. Let me in,”was unintended; he had forgotten he had previously used this line for a group of marauders in an earlier comic issue. This memorable line first appears in The Walking Dead #103, where Negan embodies a “big bad wolf”persona to instill fear in Rick and other survivors, also mirrored in the television adaptation. In the recently released The Walking Dead Deluxe #103, Kirkman characterized Negan’s quote as a “Stan Lee moment.”

Kirkman stated, “Yes, this is a bit of a Stan Lee moment for me. Negan arrives saying, ‘Little pig, little pig, let me in.’ I didn’t remember at the time that I’d had a random group of marauders do the exact same thing about 20 issues prior. Is it believable two people would do that? Sure. Was it intentional? Definitely not.”

This revelation adds an intriguing layer for The Walking Dead fans and offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the character of Negan. Though it might have been a source of frustration for Kirkman, fans are keen on discovering anecdotes like this. For those unfamiliar with the reference to Kirkman’s “Stan Lee moment,”it draws on the comic legend’s infamous struggles with memory—frequently forgetting character names and employing alliteration to aid recall, as seen with characters like Peter Parker and Betty Brant.

Additionally, Kirkman recently shared insights about the inspiration for Negan’s notorious bat, Lucille. He attributed the name to his viewing of the classic 1967 film, Cool Hand Luke. Despite the final episode of The Walking Dead premiering on November 20, 2022, Negan remains an enduring character, thanks to various spin-offs. The upcoming series, The Walking Dead: Dead City, promises to continue showcasing his chaotic influence, although a release date has yet to be confirmed.

Source: ScreenRant

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