AMC’s The Walking Dead is known for delivering some of the most memorable quotes in television, often reflecting themes of tragedy and hope. One particularly famous line from the antagonist, Negan, was actually a mistake by the show’s creator, Robert Kirkman. From Carol’s poignant “Look at the Flowers” to Andrea’s heartfelt words about embracing pain, and Beth’s touching conversation with Daryl about authenticity, the series has captivated audiences over its eleven seasons with its unforgettable lines.
Starting with a chilling and aggressive introduction in the sixth season of The Walking Dead, Negan’s character evolves to find some redemption in the later episodes, securing his status as a fan favorite. In reality, his “personality” might not be as well-received, but Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s portrayal of a brutal, clever, and sometimes humorous villain made him a character audiences loved to loathe. With numerous iconic quotes and a flair for sarcasm, one of Negan’s standout lines almost didn’t make it into the series.
The Walking Dead’s Most Iconic Negan Quote Was a “Stan Lee Moment”
According to ScreenRant, Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, has shared that Negan’s famous line, “Little pig, little pig. Let me in,” was actually an oversight. He forgot that he had previously used a similar phrase for a group of marauders in an earlier comic issue. In The Walking Dead #103, this line is first introduced as Negan takes on the role of the “big bad wolf,” instilling fear in Rick and the other survivors, a moment that was also reflected in the TV adaptation. Recently, in The Walking Dead Deluxe #103, Kirkman admitted that this memorable quote was just a case of forgetfulness, calling it his “Stan Lee moment.”
Absolutely, this feels like a classic Stan Lee moment for me. When Negan shows up saying, “Little pig, little pig, let me in,” it struck a chord. I completely forgot that a random gang of marauders had done the same thing about 20 issues earlier. Is it plausible for two different characters to say that? Of course! Was it planned? Not at all.
Fans of The Walking Dead will enjoy this fun fact that highlights a neat detail about Negan and offers a glimpse into Kirkman’s thought process. Although it may be a bit frustrating for him, devoted followers of the franchise are always eager for more fascinating Negan trivia. If you’re not familiar with what Kirkman means by his “Stan Lee moment,” it refers to Lee’s well-known struggle with remembering the names of his own characters. To manage this, the Marvel legend would create names where the first and last names started with the same letter, such as Peter Parker, Betty Brant, Otto Octavius, and J. Jonah Jameson.
A recent insight from the creator of The Walking Dead has shed light on the inspiration for Negan’s infamous bat. Robert Kirkman shared that he named the bat ‘Lucille’ after being influenced by the 1967 film, Cool Hand Luke. Although the series concluded with its final episode on November 20, 2022, characters like Negan continue to thrive in various spin-offs. This year, fans can look forward to the return of The Walking Dead: Dead City, where the notorious “bad guy” is set to stir up even more trouble, though the exact release date is still under wraps.