‘Walking Dead’ Season 7: Cast And Crew Discuss Negan Breaking Rick Grimes In ‘TWD’ [Spoilers]

The Walking Dead fans were shocked at the events in the Season 7 premiere. Even seasoned viewers who have read the comic books were stunned by the episode. It is safe to say that Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) definitely broke down Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln). In an interview, the cast and crew spoke about the episode, what is happening with both characters, and what to expect in Episode 2 and beyond.

TWD spoilers are ahead. If you have not seen the season premiere and don’t want to know what is coming next, then do not continue reading.

Negan knew he was dealing with a very different person than leaders of other communities that he and his “saviors” had taken over. Just like Negan’s name is known throughout the zombie apocalypse land, so is Rick’s. Negan already knew that Rick would not be easy to convince in The Walking Dead. However, he wasn’t expecting him to be that resilient. This is why Negan resorted to such drastic measures to convince Rick Grimes otherwise.

In a video interview posted on AMC’s official website, the cast and crew talked about the Season 7 premiere. Negan breaking Rick was also discussed. Lauren Cohan, who plays Maggie Greene, said Negan killing Glenn and Abraham was “unfathomable.” Executive producer Greg Nicotero also had something to say about the episode.

“Negan continually senses that Rick might not be on board with his way of life. Rick isn’t going to back down.”

Scott M. Gimple added that what Negan does with the hatchet in The Walking Dead Season 7 premiere is a test. He adds that in some ways it is like a job interview. As for Jeffrey Dean Morgan, he offered his own explanation.

“You would think that killing two of his people would have done it [broken Rick]. But it didn’t. Rick was holding on and Negan wasn’t going to let that happen.”

In the video clip, it was confirmed that the focal point of the Season 7 premiere was about breaking Rick Grimes. Andrew Lincoln added that it was about “demolishing a man.” According to executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, breaking someone like Rick is something Negan enjoys doing in The Walking Dead. This is especially true because of Rick’s leadership and that he had authority of his people. As for why Negan didn’t kill Rick, Morgan said it is because breaking Grimes will give him a lot more in the long-run.

The Walking Dead fans remember the scene in which Rick had to go out amongst the walkers and retrieve the ax. Hurd explained that if Rick died in TWD, then it would be no big deal. However, if he lived, then that meant that Rick could be useful to Negan. However, that still didn’t completely break the main character. He still had just a tad of defiance in him and Negan was determined to take it all away. The last step was making Rick cut off his own son’s arm. In the end, Negan didn’t have him go through with it, but only because Rick was completely broken down at that point.

As for what is coming next in Episode 2 and beyond, Sonequa Martin-Green said it is going to be difficult for the group to heal from Glenn and Abraham’s death. The Walking Dead actress, who plays Sasha, also explained that it is going to be hard to look ahead. As Cohan mentioned, the group is “abandoned and destroyed.” However, there is still a lot more that they can lose, making it difficult to find hope.

What do you think of what the cast and crew had to say about Negan breaking hope in The Walking Dead? Season 7, Episode 2 airs next Sunday on AMC.

[Featured Image by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for AMC]