John Hawkes Turned Down Role Of The Governor On 'The Walking Dead' Because He Didn't Want To Sell Out

Television

by Kevin Jagernauth
April 19, 2012 1:04 PM
8 Comments

You might recall that back in February, it was reported that the folks behind the AMC horror series "The Walking Dead" wanted John Hawkes for the role of the Governor, a tyrant of a survivor town the lead characters stumble across. Well phone calls were made, and maybe a dinner was bought, but Hawkes turned down the role, and he explains that he just couldn't do a show with commercials in it. Or something.

"They offered me the role, and I just felt there would be someone else who could do it better. I was flattered, and I took a look at the series. It held interest for me, but I just didn't feel like I was the guy for it. I have to be careful of what TV shows I choose, particularly ones that have commercials in them, because it's going to be a different kind of television show. There are going to be sponsors. No matter how good the show is, if there are commercials, it's going to be a different show, to me. That's just my personal feeling," he explained. "Yeah, it was nice of them to ask, and it's a good show, but, again, I just didn't feel I was the guy. They came to me and sent me the graphic novel and the first two seasons. I took a look at them, and just didn't feel like it was for me."

Of course, Hawkes has done stints on other shows with commercials in the past (most notably "Lost") but it seems the sellout buck stops with zombies. And we're guessing he's probably not too thrilled about that whole James Bond/Heineken thing either. [via JoBlo]

Television

More: John Hawkes, TV News, The Walking Dead, Television

8 Comments

| Reply
jingmei | April 22, 2012 2:57 AMReply

Love and support Mr. Hawkes a lot.
Alan | April 20, 2012 5:35 AMReply

I think that John Hawkes is one of the most overrated actors right now (I liked him on 'Deadwood', but couldn't believe critics were shitting their pants due to his role in 'MMMM'), but I can understand where he is coming from. Hawkes is becoming more popular with directors and casting agents, and - if he doesn't make the right choices - this current wave won't last. He has film offers now, and - if he were to turn down a film to do a season (or multiple seasons) of TV - he has to find the right role: i.e. a unique one on a new show and - preferably - a lead. Otherwise, he will likely become Mr. TV again ('Deadwood', 'Eastbound and Down') and relegated to supporting roles.
Alan | April 22, 2012 2:21 AM

Anyway, who cares? David Morrissey is underused, has excellent range and brings big-screen presence to every role (no matter how small), which is something that I can't say for Hawkes.
Amanda | April 19, 2012 3:42 PMReply

He probably just doesn't see the cult classic certainty of the show, he'll be kicking himself eventually.
a | April 19, 2012 3:45 PM

All cult classics are good?
Nick | April 19, 2012 2:54 PMReply

I couldn't for the life of me remember when he was on Lost or who he was, looked it up, and then realized "oh yeah, it's from the season I never want to remember."
Stephen B | April 19, 2012 1:48 PMReply

Damn. I hope he forgets all this and does a stint on Justified at some point.
lennon | April 19, 2012 1:25 PMReply

Hawkes is an animal! The scene in Winter's Bone with the cop was insane!