James C. Chen, the actor who portrays Hilltop guard Kal, answered questions for our Twitter followers before the episode on Sunday.
Our Twitter takeovers have been extremely popular so far. We’ve been very fortunate to have so many of the members of The Walking Dead cast jump in and volunteer to chat with our followers.
Hilltop Colony actors have been wonderful. We started with Jeremy Palko and Justin Kucsulain and continued with Peter Zimmerman and James Chen. Xander Berkeley has agreed to schedule a chat at some point to round out the Hilltop gang.
During the second half of season 7, we have Walkers and Saviors to look forward to as Undead Chats. HIlltop has set a high standard, but I’m sure the Walkers and Saviors can hang!
As seems to be a common story with some of the actors cast in the later seasons, James had not read the comics or seen the show before being cast, but had heard great things about it. Of course, since being cast he has caught up through the benefit of the binge-watch.
Hadn't read comics or the show (gasp! 😱) But had heard amazing things about it. Best. Show. Ever. #undeadchat https://t.co/t5Wq384NAE
— James Chen (@jamesCchen) December 5, 2016
Shamefully I didn't ! But hallelujah I've seen the light !! 😇✨💫 #undeadchat https://t.co/Vrfm8uEIii
— James Chen (@jamesCchen) December 5, 2016
One of my favorite questions was about the wardrobe of the apocalypse survivors. Sometimes some of the characters seem a little overdressed for the occasion. And I don’t mean their clothes are too fancy, but they are wearing too many clothes for the weather.
James had a great and succinct answer to that Tweet.
@jamesCchen Is there a reason (safety,) that the characters on TWD always dress in what seems to be Fall or Winter wardrobe? #undeadchat
— Mimi (@MomMusic) December 5, 2016
Sweat more in training, bleed less in war ! ✊🏻@UndeadWalkingFS #undeadchat https://t.co/VwNlKdgW2O
— James Chen (@jamesCchen) December 5, 2016
James hasn’t worked with too many walkers yet, but had nice things to say about them. He had great things to say about one cast member in particular and was very excited to meet so many of the main cast.
A couple here and there, a great contortionist walker in GoGetters! They're such troopers and professionals! #undeadchat https://t.co/CdIhJZXPWB
— James Chen (@jamesCchen) December 5, 2016
OMG everyone... Andrew, Stephen, Lauren, Norman, Cudlitz... they're amazing ! #undeadchat https://t.co/jtAjdLGVMO
— James Chen (@jamesCchen) December 5, 2016
@RKeithHarris (Dr. Carson) is an amazing human being and an incredible actor. Bravo to his work in Go Getters 👏🏻 #undeadchat https://t.co/i9Y2oiIoLi
— James Chen (@jamesCchen) December 5, 2016
James has worked in theater, film and television and also plays piano. He received his MFA at Yale Drama.
Thankfully, like most of the cast and crew, James finds the fans and The Walking Dead Family to be positive and supportive. Yay, us!
100% ya'll have been nothing but positive + so enthusiastic + it's the most beautiful community honestlyLOVE U GUYS ❤️ #undeadchat https://t.co/tWpxjVCUfU
— James Chen (@jamesCchen) December 5, 2016
Next: Hilltops other guard, Eduardo, took over our Twitter, too.
Thank you so much, James, for joining us and answering questions. People loved chatting with you. We love having you as a new friend to Undead Walking. We hope Kal stays safe for many seasons to come.
P.S. Don’t let Gregory use you as a walker sheild! And make him learn your name!