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Željko Ivanek shines in his portrayal of the villain in “The Walking Dead: Dead City.” This captivating image shows him in character, courtesy of AMC.
NEW YORK, June 18 (UPI) — Željko Ivanek, known for his roles in “Oz” and “Madam Secretary,” shares that his character, the Croat, in the thrilling zombie-apocalypse drama “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” draws influence from the franchise’s iconic antagonist, Negan.
Premiering on AMC, “Dead City” is an enticing spin-off featuring six episodes that follow the unlikely alliance between Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffery Dean Morgan) as they navigate post-apocalyptic Manhattan in search of Maggie’s son, Hershel (Logan Kim).
The Croat, who was once influenced by Negan during his reign as the leader of the Sanctuary community, is responsible for the kidnapping of Hershel and the tragic murder of his father, Glenn (Steven Yeun), in front of a pregnant Maggie.
Since then, he has been on a path of redemption, seeking forgiveness from Maggie.
In a recent Zoom roundtable interview, Ivanek delves into the complex nature of his character, stating, “Everyone strives for safety and protection, but they each approach it differently. Armstrong employs law and order, while I rely on fear and intimidation.”
“The world is a formidable place. When searching for allies and safeguarding oneself, it becomes a question of how far you are willing to go and how you divide the world into ‘us’ and ‘them,'” he adds.
One intriguing aspect of the Croat’s personality is his sense of humor. Ivanek remarks, “It’s a little grim, a little dark, but it’s an essential part of his character. Showmanship, which he learned from Negan, plays a significant role in his leadership and ability to unite people. This adds layers to his character; he is not just the archetypal antagonist.”
Joining Ivanek in the cast is Gaius Charles, known for his roles in “Roswell, New Mexico” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” who portrays Perlie Armstrong, a dedicated officer committed to apprehending Negan for his numerous killings.
Charles states, “I want to bring him to justice. He has an extensive rap sheet. It’s fascinating to see how we are using law and order to rebuild the world. However, this becomes a major obstacle when right and wrong are no longer clear-cut.”
Armstrong’s pursuit leads him to New York City, where he unexpectedly encounters the Croat, setting the stage for an intense confrontation.
Charles highlights the Croat’s ability to see through people’s facades and vulnerabilities, emphasizing the danger posed by someone with such high-level psychological manipulation.
Interestingly, Charles appreciates that his character is a family man driven to do the right thing despite the dire circumstances. “He has a wife and kids, but in one scene, you witness him mentoring a junior marshal. This showcases his complexity beyond being a tough law enforcer. He has a heart,” says Charles.
Mahina Napoleon, known for her role in “NCIS: Hawai’i,” takes on the role of Ginny, a mute girl under Negan’s nurturing wing.
Napoleon expresses her enthusiasm for bringing a different perspective to fans, stating, “Ginny offers a fresh point of view, showcasing an alternative side of Negan and Maggie. While many fans perceive Maggie as the hero and Negan as the foe, Ginny challenges these assumptions.”
Although Ginny’s interactions with the Croat are limited, his substantial connection to Negan remains influential in their intertwined stories.
“He shares a significant history with Negan, which plays a part in all of our narratives,” Napolean reveals.
The original series, which captivated audiences over its 11-season run, concluded last year. Its spin-off, “Fear the Walking Dead,” is now in its eighth and final season.
Ivanek reflects on his experience joining a series with such an enthusiastic fanbase: “It was an incredible thing to be a part of something that already had such a devoted following. The show’s world-building and storytelling contribute to its appeal. Interestingly, during the COVID era, it became less far-fetched and more relatable.”
Charles expresses excitement about introducing new characters and locations to the established franchise, particularly in an urban environment like New York City, which contrasts with the predominantly rural settings of the show.
“We haven’t explored this perspective before, especially with the whole law-and-order marshal character and the unique community I come from. It adds novelty and intrigue to the franchise,” says Charles.
Napoleon shares her delight in showcasing the first few episodes to audiences at the Tribeca Film Festival, noting the overwhelming interest from fans and how exciting it is to be part of that experience.
