Josh Mikel appears in Renfield with Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult

Walking Dead comic creator Robert Kirkman pitched an idea for a modern telling of Dracula’s lackey Renfield. This idea has been transformed into a movie titled Renfield that stars Nicolas Cage, Nicholas Hoult, and The Walking Dead’s own Josh Mikel. The film releases on Apr. 14, 2023, in theaters.

Renfield shows Hoult as the titular character who, for centuries, has served as Count Dracula’s servant. Dracula, played by Cage, is a demanding master and, for his efforts, has bestowed the gift of strength upon his right-hand man.

Chris McKay directs the film, and Ryan Ridley writes the screenplay from a story created by Kirkman, who, along with his Skybound Entertainment partner David Alpert produces. They are joined by Skybound co-presidents Bryan Furst, Sean Furst, and McKay.

Josh Mikel portrays a character named Phil, and that is all that is known about his role in this film. He shared his excitement about the project via Twitter.

UPDATED: Mikel has clarified that his role in this film is small but tells fans to watch for him. 

The Walking Dead – Josh Mikel

Mikel portrayed a character in The Walking Dead who became known as “Shitty Jared” for his treatment of other characters in the series. Mikel is a great guy, and his portrayal of Jared shows just how talented this actor is.

Many fans may not know that Mikel served as a background actor during season 2 and auditioned 17 times before landing the role of Jared. He shared his background with the series on the night AMC aired the final episode of the series on Instagram.

Mikel’s first episode, season 7, “The Well,” was directed by Greg Nicotero, and he shared that it was a low-stress and fun couple of days on set. His journey would see him work with Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes, and he would be killed by the oh-so-talented Lennie James, who plays Morgan.

Mikel’s heartfelt post about his time on The Walking Dead is below, where he shares his gratitude to the cast, creators, his family, and fans.

Mikel will also star in at least one episode of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, which premieres on AMC on Jan. 8, 2023. He has several upcoming roles, Rectitude, Lilly, Brothers, and They Cloned Tyrone. 

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