Unexpected Casting: 7 Walking Dead Actors in Surprising Roles

Article Overview

Some actors on AMC's The Walking Dead originally auditioned for different roles, such as Ethan Embry, who tried out for pilot characters but ended up playing Carter.

Laurie Holden initially tried out for Lori's character, but she was ultimately given the role of Andrea instead.

At first, Sonequa Martin-Green auditioned for the part of Michonne, but she ended up being chosen for the role of Sasha instead. This decision was made by former showrunner Glen Mazarra, who specifically created the role with her in mind.

AMC's The Walking Dead boasts outstanding performances, but several actors who now portray these iconic characters initially auditioned for different roles. The show, set in a world ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, regularly bids farewell to beloved characters throughout its seasons and spinoffs, including the heartbreaking deaths during the Whisperer War, like Tara's demise, or the devastating losses of Glenn and Abraham at the hands of Negan. However, the expansive nature of the franchise also means that numerous new characters join The Walking Dead, whether as a one-time appearance or as recurring figures, as the storylines unfold.

Interestingly, some characters who have become integral to The Walking Dead timeline were not a result of the audition process. For example, Melissa McBride's portrayal of Carol originated from a personal invitation extended to her by executive producer Frank Darabont. On the other hand, some characters were conceived only after the auditions began, highlighting the immense impact that casting choices had on the show as a whole. While certain roles received interest from multiple renowned actors, such as Thomas Jane from The Mist being considered for Rick or Jon Hamm from Mad Men being kept in mind for Negan, there were also instances where actors initially auditioned for different characters.

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7. Ethan Embry As Carter

Supposedly Auditioned For Rick And Shane

Embry's time on The Walking Dead is short, lasting only one episode, but he plays a crucial role in it. In "First Time Again," Carter is an adversary in the Alexandria Safe-Zone who challenges Rick's leadership, attempts to kill Eugene, and eventually changes his opinion after witnessing Rick's skills as a leader in teaching defense to the Alexandrians. While outside the walls, Carter is bitten and Rick kills him in mercy before he can transform.

Interestingly, Carter interacts with the character Embry originally auditioned for. Embry reveals, "I had been trying to join The Walking Dead for some time. I auditioned for the pilot and immediately fell in love with the show's concept." Although he keeps quiet about the specific roles he tried out for, the options in the pilot were limited, most likely being Rick and Shane. Nonetheless, Embry left a lasting impression and was personally invited to portray the character of Carter.

6. Laurie Holden As Andrea

Auditioned For Lori

Holden's tenure on the show as Andrea, one of the original characters from season 1, makes it hard to envision her playing any other role on The Walking Dead. In season 1, Andrea experiences a time of despair after losing her sister. Dale, a father figure to her during the first two seasons, helps her escape the CDC before it explodes. She also plays a vital role in introducing the beloved character Michonne in season 3, as they both end up in Woodbury and encounter the infamous villain, The Governor.

Interestingly, Andrea's death is one of the early heartbreaking moments involving the demise of an original character. Initially, Holden had auditioned for the role of Lori, a character who also meets a tragic fate. Surprisingly, Darabont approached Holden specifically for the role of Lori. She reveals to THR, "I wore a dark wig, recorded myself for the network, and then was offered the part of Andrea."

5. Khary Payton As Ezekiel

Auditioned Previously For A Woodbury Resident

Payton's character, Ezekiel, and his majestic tiger, Shiva, leave a lasting impression on audiences when they first appear at the Kingdom. Initially emanating a sense of extravagant royalty, Ezekiel gradually transforms into a noble and courageous fighter alongside the Alexandrians. His relationship with Carol adds depth to his character development, particularly in terms of family dynamics when they adopt Henry. By the end of the series, Ezekiel becomes a leader as the governor of the new Commonwealth, reaffirming his innate ability to guide others.

Payton easily recognized the character he was auditioning for as King Augustus, as the audition script closely resembled a pivotal moment from the comic book where Ezekiel reveals his past to Michonne. Prior to landing the role of Ezekiel, Payton had previously auditioned for a smaller role and had he been cast, he would have played a resident of Woodbury in season 3.

4. Sonequa Martin-Green As Sasha

Read For Michonne

Sasha, played by Martin-Green, is deeply intertwined with the show's narrative. She brilliantly portrays the effects of emotional trauma and grief following the loss of her brother and Bob, and ultimately sacrifices herself in an attempt to take down Negan. From season 3 to season 7, Sasha emerges as a resilient warrior for Rick's group. Even after she transforms into a walker, her significance to the group remains palpable through moments of remembrance. In season 8, Eugene stumbles upon her coffin at the Sanctuary, and in season 9, Rick encounters her in his hallucinations, where she aids him in breaking free from his dream-like state.

Martin-Green initially had no idea which character she was auditioning for, as it was a well-guarded secret. However, she later discovered that it was the role of Michonne. Despite not securing the part, she commended the casting of Gurira and found solace in the fact that the auditions led to an unexpected opportunity for her to play Sasha. Martin-Green revealed, "Glen Mazarra, the former showrunner, expressed a desire to work with me and created the character of Sasha specifically for me. I didn't have to audition again; he said it was my role." Originally intended as a recurring character, Sasha's role expanded, allowing Martin-Green to partake in significant story arcs such as the Savior War.

3. Ted Huckabee As Bruce

Auditioned For Merle

Although not as well-known as other characters, Bruce in the Alexandria and Savior War seasons serves as a background character. However, his character offers a unique perspective, highlighting how individuals who aren't leaders can still demonstrate adaptability and discipline. Despite occasional lapses, such as attempting to raid the pantry in Alexandria, Bruce ultimately remains a loyal member of the community, ultimately sacrificing his life after a Savior attack on Hilltop.

In an interview with Undead Walking, Huckabee describes Bruce as a "standup guy" who will choose to fight when confronted with a fight-or-flight situation. Interestingly, Huckabee initially auditioned for the role of Merle, a character known for being a "redneck, racist guy." Although Michael Rooker ultimately played Merle, Huckabee was given a second chance years later and successfully auditioned for the role of Bruce.

2. Jon Bernthal As Shane

Auditioned For Rick

Shane, portrayed by Bernthal, quickly became one of the most iconic characters in the show, despite only appearing in two seasons. This was largely due to his role as an antagonist to Rick, as he engaged in an affair with Lori, displayed anger issues, and adopted a more violent and offensive approach to survival. In the early seasons, Shane played a crucial role in demonstrating to Rick that a peaceful approach was not sustainable. Furthermore, he became the catalyst for Carl's loss of innocence when the young boy had to kill him at the end of season 2.

Interestingly, Bernthal also auditioned for the role of Rick, who was initially portrayed as a more level-headed character in the early seasons. During the audition process, the contenders for the roles of Rick and Shane were asked to perform the pilot scene in which the two characters are in a police car. They would switch roles and perform the scene multiple times with different partners. Reflecting on his audition, Bernthal revealed, "Although I auditioned for both roles, I was particularly drawn to Shane, and by the end of the day, it was decided that I would play Shane" (via THR).

1. Norman Reedus As Daryl

Auditioned For Merle

Daryl, portrayed by Reedus, is one of the most beloved characters on AMC's The Walking Dead. His spinoff, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, has been confirmed for a second season, which is a testament to his impact despite his quiet demeanor. Throughout the series and his spinoff, Daryl has overcome isolation, mental anguish, loss, numerous human and walker attacks, and has even taken on a paternal role with Judith, RJ, and Laurent. His resilience, introspective nature, and unusual upbringing have honed his resourcefulness in apocalyptic situations.

Interestingly, Daryl was specifically created for the TWD TV universe. Reedus originally auditioned for the role of his fictional brother, Merle, despite knowing that the part had already been given to actor Rooker. Unsure if the reason was a scheduling conflict or Rooker declining the role, Reedus had a second audition, still for the role of Merle. However, he received a call while walking home through Chinatown, informing him that a new character, Daryl, had been created specifically for him by creator Frank. Reedus was ecstatic and jubilantly celebrated in Chinatown. Reedus and Martin-Green are examples of how The Walking Dead adapted to the talents of the actors they encountered.

Source: EW, THR, Express, Undead Walking

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up watching The Walking Dead and have been a fan of the show since its inception. The show's unexpected casting choices have always intrigued me, and I find it fascinating to learn about the different roles that actors originally auditioned for.

One of the most surprising casting choices for me was Ethan Embry's portrayal of Carter. Embry initially auditioned for the pilot characters, most likely Rick or Shane, but ended up playing Carter, a minor character who appears in only one episode. Despite his limited screen time, Embry's performance as Carter left a lasting impression on me, and I found his character to be both intriguing and complex.

Another unexpected casting choice was Laurie Holden's portrayal of Andrea. Holden initially auditioned for the role of Lori, but was ultimately given the role of Andrea instead. I think this was a great decision, as Holden brought a unique energy and charisma to the role of Andrea, making her one of the most beloved characters on the show.