Learn why John Hawkes turned down The Governor in “The Walking Dead”

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

David Morrissey is cool and all, but John Hawkes is the f*ckin’ man!

Back in February we heard AMC had given the juicy role of The Governor in the 3rd season of “The Walking Dead” to British star David Morrissey. What didn’t hear at the time was how indie badass John Hawkes (WINTER’S BONE, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE) was offered the role. Why’d he turn it down? Movieweb has the answer…

“They offered me the role, and I just felt there would be someone else who could do it better. I was flattered, and I took a look at the series. It held interest for me, but I just didn’t feel like I was the guy for it. I have to be careful of what TV shows I choose, particularly ones that have commercials in them, because it’s going to be a different kind of television show. There are going to be sponsors. No matter how good the show is, if there are commercials, it’s going to be a different show, to me. That’s just my personal feeling. Yeah, it was nice of them to ask, and it’s a good show, but, again, I just didn’t feel I was the guy. They came to me and sent me the graphic novel and the first two seasons. I took a look at them, and just didn’t feel like it was for me.”

Wow, Hawkes is more pimp than I thought. Instead of selling out, getting a fat paycheck and pushing product, dude vows to keep his integrity intact. Which I can appreciate. Besides, who goes from HBO to AMC? Just saying…

What do you say? Is Morrissey a preferred choice over Hawkes for you? Do you give props to Hawkes like I do for his decision?

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