Jeffrey Dean Morgan Gets 'Lucille' Tattoo Honoring Iconic Walking Dead Bat

about 1 year agoUS
Jeffrey Dean Morgan Gets 'Lucille' Tattoo Honoring Iconic Walking Dead BatSource: people.com
Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, famous for his portrayal of the complex antagonist Negan Smith in *The Walking Dead* universe, recently revealed a new tattoo dedicated to 'Lucille'. While his real-life wife, Hilarie Burton, portrayed the character Lucille in the show, Morgan clarified this ink primarily honors Negan's infamous barbed-wire baseball bat, a prop he feels deeply connected to.

Key Insights

Tattoo Tribute:: Jeffrey Dean Morgan now sports a tattoo that reads 'Lucille'.

Bat Over Wife (Sort Of):: The actor specified the tattoo is mainly a tribute to Negan's iconic baseball bat prop, despite his wife Hilarie Burton playing the human character Lucille.

Deep Prop Connection:: Morgan described the bat as feeling 'innately mine' and an 'extension of the character,' highlighting a unique bond between actor and prop.

Bat's Origin:: The bat was named Lucille after Negan's late wife, who died of cancer near the start of the apocalypse, adding a layer of tragic depth to the character.

Return in *Dead City*:: Negan and a version of Lucille will feature in the upcoming Season 2 of *The Walking Dead: Dead City*, premiering May 4, 2025.

Why This Matters:: This news resonates with fans due to the iconic status of both the character Negan and his weapon. It underscores the actor's long-term connection to the role and offers a personal glimpse behind the scenes.

In-Depth Analysis

Negan Smith's arrival in Season 6 of *The Walking Dead* marked a significant shift, largely due to his brutal methods and his signature weapon, Lucille. The barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat wasn't just a tool; it was a symbol of his power and a chilling reminder of his past. The revelation that the bat was named after his deceased wife, Lucille (played in flashbacks by Morgan's actual wife, Hilarie Burton, in Season 10), provided crucial backstory, humanizing the villain by exposing his grief and regret.

Morgan's connection to the prop goes beyond typical acting demands. In a behind-the-scenes clip for *The Walking Dead: Dead City* Season 2, he stated, 'I never had a prop in my life as an actor that felt so innately mine... I adore her.' This sentiment led to the permanent tribute on his arm.

Interestingly, Negan symbolically parted ways with the original Lucille bat in Season 10's 'Here's Negan' episode, burning it as a step towards moving past his grief. However, Morgan teased that 'To have Lucille back, that's when Negan is at his most Negan,' suggesting the bat's return (perhaps in a new form) in *Dead City* signifies a return to a core aspect of the character.

Morgan also touched upon working with his wife Hilarie Burton for the flashback scenes, calling it a 'joy' despite initial nerves.

FAQs

Why did Jeffrey Dean Morgan get a 'Lucille' tattoo?

He got the tattoo to honor Lucille, primarily Negan's iconic baseball bat from *The Walking Dead*, which he feels a deep personal connection to as a prop.

Is the tattoo for his wife, Hilarie Burton?

While Hilarie Burton played the character Lucille on the show, Morgan specified the tattoo is mainly for the bat itself, though he clearly cherishes working with his wife.

Who was Lucille in *The Walking Dead*?

Lucille was Negan's wife who died of cancer. He named his signature barbed-wire baseball bat after her.

When can fans see Negan and Lucille again?

Negan, along with his bat, will return in Season 2 of *The Walking Dead: Dead City*, premiering May 4, 2025, on AMC and AMC+.

Key Takeaways

Actor Dedication:: This gesture highlights the profound impact certain roles and props can have on actors.

Iconic Symbolism:: Lucille the bat remains one of the most recognizable and symbolic items from *The Walking Dead* franchise.

Character Evolution:: Negan's relationship with Lucille (both the memory of his wife and the bat) is central to his character arc and continues to evolve in the spinoff series.

What to Watch:: Fans anticipating Negan's return can look forward to *The Walking Dead: Dead City* Season 2.

Discussion

The bond between an actor and an iconic prop can be strong! Do you think Negan needs Lucille to truly be Negan? Let us know your thoughts!

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Sources & References

Source 1: PEOPLE Magazine

Source 2: Game Rant

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