Did Matthew Lillard audition for The Walking Dead?

Yes, Matthew Lillard auditioned for the role of Negan before Jeffrey Dean Morgan was cast.

What role did Matthew Lillard almost play in The Walking Dead?

Matthew Lillard almost played the character Negan, the brutal antagonist known for his bat, Lucille.

What other recent movie is Matthew Lillard in?

Matthew Lillard is currently in the recently released film, Five Nights at Freddy's 2.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lillard: Negan Nearly Mine?

Lillard: Negan Nearly Mine?

7 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Matthew Lillard was almost cast as Negan in The Walking Dead.
The actor auditioned for the villain role before Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Lillard also starred in the recent Five Nights at Freddy's sequel.

Matthew Lillard, currently appearing in the popular film Five Nights at Freddy's 2, recently shared a surprising detail about his career. He was a near-casting for the pivotal role of Negan in the acclaimed horror series The Walking Dead. Lillard underwent multiple auditions for the character before Jeffrey Dean Morgan was ultimately selected for the part.

This revelation opens up a compelling alternate reality for fans, prompting speculation about how Lillard's portrayal might have differed from Morgan's. While Lillard acknowledges their distinct acting styles and physical differences, he noted that Negan's arc and the actor's inherent affability might have led to a similar anti-hero status.

Despite not landing the role, Lillard expressed admiration for Morgan's performance, calling him "different and masculine." The actor's involvement in the recent Five Nights at Freddy's 2, the weekend's highest-grossing film, highlights his continued presence in major franchises.