The speculation surrounding Negan’s victim has been endless and unrelenting since the emotional Season 6 Finale. Every fan has their own theory about who it could be, but what does Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick have to say about it? He’s close with most of the cast, producers, and executives…surely he knows SOMETHING. The International Business Times recently sat down with him to discuss Negan, spoilers, and fan encounters in this fascinating interview.
IBT: How did Talking Dead happen?
Hardwick: Talking Dead happened after the first season of Walking Dead… after the first six episodes. AMC wanted to experiment with the show for the fans. I was a fan and I knew some people in AMC and they let me do it. It’s been really great.
IBT: What was your reaction when you saw the season 6 finale scene featuring Negan?
Hardwick: I read the comics and I think Jeffrey Dean Morgan is incredible as Negan. I thought we would see whom he is going to kill but we didn’t. I wasn’t really upset by it but felt like its gripping. And that’s what happens on TV shows.
It was very important for them [TWD producers] to reveal that in the next season because that is the beginning of the next chapter of the show. So rather than grieving about the character they [fans] lost, you wonder about it and hope that your favourite character has died or not. And in fall, you hope to find out who it is.
IBT: Who do you think Negan’s victim could be?
Hardwick: I have no idea who it is. I have a few guesses but I don’t know who it was. I watch it [the latest episode] a few hours before our show [Talking Dead]. And I ask the producers ‘don’t ever tell me what’s coming up’. I can’t really be that presenter for fans, who knows more than fans know. There is no pressure from fans on me as you don’t have to worry about giving anything away.
In a video he posted right after the Season 6 finale, Hardwick said, “I can’t help but think it’s Glenn. I don’t know how it could be anyone else, but I don’t know. I don’t know.”
IBT: How do you avoid giving out spoilers?
Hardwick: It’s very easy for me to hold spoilers because when they are in production, I don’t really get to talk to the characters and producers that much. And I don’t really have the opportunity to get the plot spoiled for me and I don’t go looking for spoilers.
IBT: Do fans ask you about the suspense behind Negan’s victim?
Hardwick: They always want to know. Since the season 6 finale, people yell at me on the streets saying ‘who did Negan kill’ and I reply ‘I don’t know.’ It’s great though just to see that kind of reaction. We are all part of this community. We are all part of this shared experience.
Make sure to catch the entire interview over at IBTimes! How do YOU guys feel about spoilers? Let us know in the comments below!
Hardwick….you of all people are the last I’d expect to say Glenn. You know he’s killed in the comic and the show has stayed away from that pretty much so I would think they’d go in the opposite direction with Negan’s victim.
Personally, I think it’s Abraham. Why? Because of his defiance and Negan recognizes that this may prove to be a future issue.
I’m thinking Abraham, too. If I was Negan, that’s who I’d pick off, based on just what you said.
I’m 80% sure its Abraham.
They won’t mess with Glenn, sadly. Not after the fake out.
Killing Abraham will push Sasha further over the edge. Also, he has out survived his comic self, which of course means little.
The next season needs to start with Negan killing whoever. If they do us like they did with Glenn under the dumpster for weeks that won’t get it this time. Nor will starting the season with Carol and Morgan with the Kingdom dudes. The season needs to start exactly where it ended with the Negan event then they can do Carol, Morgan and the gladiators to the rescue or death. TWD has had the ratings but fans are tired of getting screwed around with a major event happening and then the next few episodes is just a tip toe through the tulips leaving the viewers hanging.
Of course it could be one of Negan’s own crew. A well used ploy.
Just to make a point? “I said you have killed lots of people but I’ve still got plenty!” Somebody has messed up? Somebody who is a traitor? Not everybody loves Negan I’m sure.
But then, who knows?
I like that Chris Hardwick watches the ep right before Talking Dead. He’s still affected by whatever emotions/reactions are brought on by the show & it carries over to his show, making it more enjoyable. That’s keeping it real!