David Morrissey cast as The Governor in 'The Walking Dead'

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David Morrissey will play the infamous villain The Governor in AMC's… (Getty Images )

February 24, 2012|By Curt Wagner | RedEye

AMC announced Friday that British actor David Morrissey will play The Governor in the network's hit series, "The Walking Dead."

The BAFTA Award nominee may be best known for his starring role in the original British series "State of Play" and for appearing in the 2009 "Doctor Who" special "The Next Doctor." He has also appeared in films such as "The Reaping," "The Other Boleyn Girl," "Centurion," "The Water Horse," "Nowhere Boy," "Blitz" and the sequel "Basic Instinct 2." (He probably wishes I'd forgotten that one.:

The Governor is the most famous villain from Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" graphic novels. He's the leader of Woodbury, a small settlement of survivors, and becomes the chief antagonist for Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his group. AMC says The Governor will appear in the series' 16-episode third season, which is set to begin production this spring in Atlanta.

"Eastbound & Down" star John Hawkes had been rumored as a possible candidate to play the role.

Season 2 episodes of "The Walking Dead" air at 8 p.m. Sundays on AMC.