AMC’s The Walking Dead has found its Governor in David Morrissey who will be joining the cast in Season 3 as a regular.
Fans of The Walking Dead comic have been anxiously awaiting to hear who AMC would pit against Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) once the group moves away from Hershel’s Farm. Early speculation suggested Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker) would return sans a sawed off hand as the mentally twisted Governor, but showrunner Glen Mazzara and The Walking Dead creator and producer Robert Kirkman repeatedly shot down those rumors. Today’s announcement proves they weren’t kidding as The Governor is an all-new character.
In the comics, The Governor, also known as Phillip, is the leader of a group of survivors in the town of Woodbury. His ruthless and psychopathic methods of leadership are in stark contrast to Rick’s which will create tension and animosity between the pair.
Morrissey is a British actor who will have to alter his accent much like Andrew Lincoln currently does. He is also a BAFTA Award nominee and best known for his role in the series State of Play, but has also appeared on additional British series The Deal, Masterpiece Blackpool and Meadowlands, amongst others.
Theatrically David held roles in Centurion and The Other Boleyn Girl. He recently wrapped production on Welcome to the Punch which co-stars X-Men: First Class alum James McAvoy, along with Green Lantern vet Mark Strong.
The Walking Dead is rapidly approaching its Season 2 conclusion with four episodes to go including this upcoming Sunday’s. By revealing David Morrissey as the Governor now, it is entirely possible he could appear in a brief Season 2 finale cameo that helps set the table for next season.
Source: AMC
