Jeffrey Dean Morgan Reflects on Glenn’s Death in ‘The Walking Dead’

LOS ANGELES, CA – Jeffrey Dean Morgan, known for his role as Negan in AMC‘s ‘The Walking Dead,’ has expressed regret over the show’s decision to kill off fan-favorite character Glenn, played by Steven Yeun. In a recent interview promoting the spinoff series ‘Dead City,’ Morgan stated that if he could change one aspect of the series, it would be Glenn’s dramatic death during Season 7.

The brutal scene, where Negan executes Glenn with a baseball bat, had a profound impact on the viewers and the show’s ratings, which dropped significantly after the episode aired. Morgan explained that he believes keeping Glenn alive could have shifted the storytelling in a positive direction, allowing for a different dynamic between his character and Maggie, portrayed by Lauren Cohan.

Morgan remarked, “It would have made both our lives easier, maybe not kill Glenn.” Cohan chimed in humorously, suggesting they might have been friends if Glenn had lived. The character’s death not only shocked viewers but also led to backlash, with many fans feeling it was excessively violent and a turning point for the series.

Despite staying true to the original comic book storyline, the producers faced criticism for prioritizing shock value over character development. Viewers have shared how Glenn’s death drove them away from the series, with many citing it as their breaking point. Since then, the show has struggled to maintain its peak viewership.

Yeun, who portrayed Glenn, has since achieved critical acclaim in his career, including an Emmy win for his role in ‘Beef.’ He did not return to ‘The Walking Dead’ for guest appearances, a stark contrast to others who have reappeared in various capacities.

As the franchise continues with ‘Dead City’ and the upcoming ‘Daryl Dixon‘ spinoff, Morgan’s reflections on Glenn’s fate prompt questions about character choices and their lasting impacts on the narrative and audience engagement. ‘The Walking Dead’ has made numerous mistakes over the years, but for many, Glenn’s death represents a pivotal moment that altered the series forever.