Negan’s Savior Christopher Berry plays farmer in Free State of Jones
By Susie Graham
Christopher Berry will play Jasper Collins in the Civil War film out June 24th about rebellious army deserters and slaves who fought against the Confederacy.
Fans of The Walking Dead will remember Christopher Berry for announcing to Daryl, Abraham and Sasha that their property now belonged to Negan. He was the leader of the motorcycle gang that stopped the trio on the way back to Alexandria.
We wondered for months before Valentine’s day if he would kill one of them. He taunted Abraham with his bite, chew, swallow, repeat advice as opposed to nibbling, if one was forced to eat shit.
Thankfully, Daryl made quick work of Bud (Berry) and the entire biker gang with a hidden RPG Abraham had found back at the insurance office.
As much as we didn’t want Negan or his representative to hurt any of our people, Christopher Berry was a great character and actor. It would have been fun to have him around longer.
We can see him soon though in the sure-to-be-huge summer movie starting June 24th, Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey and written and directed by Hunger Games and Seabiscuit director, Gary Ross. Imdb describes the film’s storyline this way:
"Set during the Civil War, Free State of Jones tells the story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy. Banding together with other small farmers and local slaves, Knight launched an uprising that led Jones County, Mississippi to secede from the Confederacy, creating a Free State of Jones. Knight continued his struggle into Reconstruction, distinguishing him as a compelling, if controversial, figure of defiance long beyond the War."
There are many sites, including History vs. Hollywood, offering historical perspectives and comparisons for extra learning to accompany the film’s educational and historical content. Berry’s character was real and his actions were based on true events and motives. He was a poor farmer who left the army.
"Private Jasper Collins (portrayed by Christopher Berry in the movie) put down his weapon and abandoned the Confederate Army after the passing of the “Twenty-Negro Law”, which stated that plantation owners who had more than twenty slaves were exempt from fighting. Like many others, Jasper believed that the poor were dying for the desires and greed of the rich, stating, “This law…makes it a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight.” -Mississippi History Now"
Christopher is a wonderful member of The Walking Dead family. He can be found on Twitter chatting with fans. Congratulations to Christopher on this great role. I’m looking forward to this important historical drama.