The Walking Dead: Unexpected Layers of Negan's Character Unveiled in Dead City

Warning: The following content includes spoilers for episode 3 of The Walking Dead: Dead City. Mahina Napoleon, star of The Walking Dead: Dead City, sheds light on how Ginny perceives a side of Negan that remains hidden from others. Napoleon portrays Ginny, a young girl who is nonverbal and was saved by Negan prior to the events depicted in The Walking Dead: Dead City. Following the tragic transformation of her biological father into a Walker, Negan assumes the role of a surrogate father figure for Ginny.

During an interview with AMC Talk, Napoleon articulates why Ginny possesses unique insight into Negan that eludes everyone else on The Walking Dead: Dead City. She discloses that Ginny remains unaware of the full extent of Negan's previous transgressions, but understands that he will go to great lengths in order to protect her. Below, you can find Napoleon's comments on the matter.

I don’t believe Ginny is aware of the negative perception and true danger associated with Negan. She only knows Negan as her guardian, caring for her, being her savior, a paternal figure, and essentially the only person she has in this frightening post-apocalyptic world. Ginny witnesses a side of Negan that he hasn't revealed to others, a side that remains unseen and unknown by everyone else. Thus, Ginny not only possesses a distinct perspective on Negan but also brings an unprecedented perspective of him to the audience.

How Negan Has Changed In The Walking Dead

In The Walking Dead season 7, Negan made his debut as a ruthless adversary, displaying his brutality by killing beloved characters Abraham and Glenn. As the leader of the Saviors, he engaged in a war with the survivors. Eventually, Negan finds himself incarcerated in Alexandria, where his bond with Rick's daughter Judith gradually leads to his transformation. By season 11, Negan proves his allegiance to the core survivors, earning their trust and shedding his former identity as a violent leader.

However, The Walking Dead: Dead City has demonstrated that Negan still possesses the ability to utilize violence when necessary. He brutally attacked and killed Luther, a member of The Croat's Burazi, illustrating that he can tap into his ruthless nature when the situation requires it. Despite his personal growth influenced by Ginny, Negan may revert to his old ways to ensure his survival upon encountering Manhattan. Ginny's current quest to find Negan in Manhattan will undoubtedly elicit a heightened sense of protectiveness from him upon discovery. However, in the upcoming episode 4 of The Walking Dead: Dead City, Negan will assist Maggie in launching an assault on The Croat's arena, once again channeling his former self. The extent of Negan's transformation will only be unveiled when The Walking Dead: Dead City reunites him with Ginny.

Source: AMC Talk