Overview
- Negan’s character arc in The Walking Dead shifts from a notorious antagonist to a more complex antihero in the series’ concluding seasons.
- The name of Negan’s infamous bat, Lucille, is inspired by the classic film Cool Hand Luke.
- The upcoming Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City hints at Negan possibly returning to his former villainous ways, as suggested by the latest trailer.
First introduced in the sixth season of The Walking Dead, Negan quickly established himself as a formidable foe for Rick Grimes and his community. His sadistic tendencies and overwhelming ego made him one of the most feared characters in the series. However, as the narrative progressed, especially after his incarceration in Alexandria for seven and a half years, Negan’s character began to evolve into a more nuanced antihero.
Known for his haunting whistle that instilled fear and proclaimed his dominance, Negan’s signature weapon, Lucille, is as iconic as the character himself. The bat was named in memory of his late wife, who tragically took her own life due to pancreatic cancer. Despite Negan’s relentless efforts to secure chemotherapy for her, her suffering led him to immortalize her memory through Lucille. Interestingly, the bat’s name has an alternative origin story.
The Origin of Lucille’s Name
According to Screen Rant, Lucille, Negan’s barbed-wire-laden bat, was named after a scene from the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke, which was written by Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead. In the comic series, during a segment where fans could pose questions, one follower inquired about the bat’s name origins. Many speculated it could be linked to the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or the legendary musician B.B. King, who famously named his guitars “Lucille.” However, Kirkman clarified that the inspiration came directly from his viewing of the film featuring Paul Newman.
For those unfamiliar with Cool Hand Luke, the film follows Lucas “Luke”Jackson, who is sentenced to manual labor on a chain gang after a minor crime. Kirkman recalled a particular scene where Luke and his fellow inmates watch a woman washing her car with great interest. This moment resonated with Kirkman, stating, “Lucille was on my mind because of the scene in Cool Hand Luke,” a thought that ultimately led to the creation of Negan’s infamous weapon.
Fans of The Walking Dead may still have fond memories of the old Negan, with his mix of dark humor and malevolence. As Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Dead City approaches, the latest trailer suggests that Negan may be returning to his roots as a ruthless villain. The continuation of his story is eagerly anticipated by viewers, with the new season expected to air later this year.
Source: Screen Rant
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