The Walking Dead: Jeffrey Dean Morgan Reveals Negan's Genuine Perspective Of Carl

02/07/2017 01:32 pm EST

Late in the first half of The Walking Dead's seventh season, an interesting new relationship was formed between Carl and Negan. The ruthless maniac who is now oppressing the survivors of Alexandria chose not to kill the son of Rick Grimes despite his slaying two Saviors. Instead, he got to know him in a twisted, manipulative fashion and tried to act like a bizarre father for a few moments.

Many fans are left wondering if this is some sort of ploy. Is Negan trying to break down Rick by controlling his boy? Is the bad guy just toying with people because he can? Or does he genuinely have some sort of interest in Carl?

Speaking to fans on board the 2017 Walker Stalker Cruise, Negan actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan fielded all sorts of questions. One fan, however, was curious about Negan's true intentions with Carl Grimes. According to the actor, everything we have seen has been genuine.

"They're real," Morgan said. "Negan likes Carl. There's something in Carl that Negan sees."

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One fan yelled out that Negan just likes little boys in an inappropraite way but Morgan quickly shut that down. "Negan doesn't like little boys," Morgan said. "He likes Carl. Carl is a ballsy motherf---er. He sees a little bit maybe of himself in him. He says, 'If I had a could, I want him to be just like you.' There's something about Carl that intrigues Negan."

Negan and Carl's relationship is one of the most interesting parts of The Walking Dead comics. In the Sing Me A Song episode, their interaction from issue #105 was adapted to television almost verbatim. Going forward, the relationship will continue to exist, although Negan will almost certainly stop showing so much forgiveness for unacceptable behaviors like killing Saviors.

For more updates from the Walker Stalker Cruise, stay tuned to ComicBook.com all week long!

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The Walking Dead returns for the rest of its seventh season on February 12 at 9 p.m. ET on AMC. Fear the Walking Dead's third season does not yet have a premiere date but with The Walking Dead finale set for April 2, expectations for Fear's return are set for April 9. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.

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