According to a casting call spotted by The Spoiling Dead Fans facebook page, AMC is officially on the hunt to cast someone in the role of a character speculated to be Negan, the brutal villain arguably more famous than the Governor. The name on the casting call is listed as Orin, but as stated by a report from Cinema Blend, this is just a moniker to throw speculations off.
The character is described as "brutal," "smart" and a "brilliant strategist," all of which further imply that Orin is Negan. Negan, as portrayed in the comics, is a charismatic genius with a penchant for violence.
According to the casting call, the studios are allowing actors of all ethnicities to audition for the role. The character in the comics is a large, muscular caucasian, but it is noted that his race does not play any importance to his story arc, which means the studios can play around and let people of any racial background portray him.
The details of the casting call also reveal that the character won't be appearing until episode 16, which is the final episode for season 6. It is possible that he won't be doing much and may simply be making a quick cameo, similar to Michonne's cameo in the season 3 finale.
The revelation of Negan's possible appearance in the series comes right after The Wrap announced that actor Tom Payne has been cast as the character Paul Monroe aka Jesus. Jesus is a leader of another group of survivors, and while he has no evil intentions against Rick's (Andrew Lincoln) group, it is because of his arrival that Negan discovers the Alexandria Safe Zone.
It is possible that Jesus will be introduced first, as he is in the comics, with the threat of Negan and his group of mercenaries becoming major villains in season 7.
"The Walking Dead" season 6 premieres this Oct. 11.
