‘The Walking Dead’ Season 7 Cast, Updates: Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan Gets Makeover to Match Comic Book Version, Differentiates Character from The Governor

‘The Walking Dead’ season 7 is set to feature the return of Jeffry Dean Morgan’s antagonistic Negan. The actor was seen getting a clean-shaven makeover as it was speculated that he may have wanted to match Negan’s comic book version. Morgan also differentiated his new villain from David Morrissey’s The Governor from the previous seasons.

According to We Got This Covered, Morgan revealed his new look for the incoming season of AMC’s highly popular horror-drama television series. Morgan, who plays the series’ newest villain Negan, was first introduced as a more bearded version of his comic book counterpart. However, a new photograph of Morgan near the Georgia set showed that he was all clean-shaven.

The 50-year old actor was all smiles as he posed with co-star Norman Reedus and a fan for the photograph. The two ‘The Walking Dead’ cast mates wore the same blue top and donned shades. During an interview with Comic Book.com, Morgan admitted that they were filming the seventh episode at the time the photograph was taken.

It was reported that one episode typically takes around eight days to film. It was speculated that Morgan got rid of his facial hair to look more like the original comic book version of Negan. It was also rumored that he may have just been caught having some down-time on set after getting a few days off.

Meanwhile, according to Den of Geek, Morgan was asked about how his character was different from the series’ previous villain The Governor. Morgan replied, "I mean, I love David Morrissey, but [The Governor] wouldn’t stand a chance. Wouldn’t stand a chance. I’d put Negan up against anybody. He’s super smart and there’s no filter, no fear.”

He added, “The Governor was a little bit wack. Negan’s got it together. It wouldn’t even be close. And I’m sorry, ‘cause I really love David. He’s awesome. I worked with him for a year and there’s just not a better guy. But Negan versus the Governor wouldn’t be close."

Philip Blake a.k.a. The Governor served as the main antagonist for season 3 and the first half of season 4. He first appeared on season 3’s third episode entitled “Walk With Me” and was introduced as an outbreak survivor and leader of the town of Woodbury, who later headed the group of River Camp.

Although The Governor hid behind the façade of a charming and amiable man, he was actually a highly intelligent psychopath and cold-blooded killer. He eventually met his end in season 4 after being stabbed by Michonne and shot in the head by Lilly. He was portrayed by David Morrissey on the series.

‘The Walking Dead’ is scheduled to premiere on AMC on October 23, 2016.