The Walking Dead produced some of the most recognizable faces in modern TV horror. But what’s even more interesting is how many of its actors crossed over into other massive franchises, especially DC Comics adaptations.
From Gotham’s darkest alley to Star City’s criminal underworld and Metropolis’ hidden crime syndicates, several Walking Dead alumni have left their mark on DC storytelling in very different ways. Below, we take a look at three Walking Dead stars who also appeared in DC shows and movies!
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Before he became one of television’s most iconic villains as Negan in The Walking Dead, Jeffrey Dean Morgan had already dipped into the DC universe. In Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Morgan portrayed Thomas Wayne, the father of Bruce Wayne. Though his screen time is brief, his role is crucial. Thomas's death is the emotional foundation of Batman’s entire existence.
The film revisits the infamous Crime Alley sequence, showing Thomas, his wife Martha, and young Bruce leaving a movie theater before being ambushed. The moment quickly escalates into tragedy as Thomas attempts to protect his family but is ultimately shot and killed in front of his son.
However, this isn’t the only DC project tied to the Negan actor. Morgan’s DC connection actually runs deeper than a single origin story. Years before Batman v Superman, he appeared in Zack Snyder’s Watchmen (2009) as Edward “The Comedian” Blake, one of the film’s most morally complex and brutal characters. The Comedian is a violent, cynical government operative whose actions set much of Watchmen’s dark storyline into motion.
In addition, Morgan also appeared in Jonah Hex (2010) as Jeb Turnbull, the son of the film’s main antagonist, Quentin Turnbull. That's another DC connection!
Lauren Cohan
Lauren Cohan, best known to Walking Dead fans as Maggie Rhee, also appears in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as Martha Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s mother. Like Morgan’s role, Cohan’s appearance is part of the Crime Alley flashback sequence that redefines Batman’s origin for the DC Extended Universe.
Martha is portrayed as a loving mother caught in an unimaginable nightmare. Walking alongside her husband and young son, she becomes an innocent victim of a random act of violence that forever alters the course of Gotham City’s future protector. Although her screen time is extremely limited, her presence is essential. Martha’s death, alongside Thomas's, cements the trauma that transforms Bruce into Batman.
Cohan also extended her DC presence beyond live-action film work by voicing Julia Pennyworth in Catwoman: Hunted (2022). In the animated film, Julia is portrayed as the highly capable daughter of Alfred Pennyworth, who operates in the world of intelligence work and covert operations.
Chad L. Coleman
Chad L. Coleman, who played Tyreese Williams in the zombie series, has built one of the most extensive DC careers among The Walking Dead alumni. He moved across multiple television universes and played very different types of villains along the way. Coleman first entered the DC world through The CW’s Arrow, where he played Tobias Church for four episodes of the fifth season.
Church is introduced as a ruthless and highly organized crime boss who arrives in Star City with a clear goal. That's to take control of the city’s fractured underworld. In the end, he would meet his demise after being killed by Prometheus.
However, Coleman’s DC journey did not end there. He later returned to the franchise in a much more prominent role in Superman & Lois, where he played Bruno Mannheim, the leader of the criminal organization Intergang. Coleman portrayed this role for 12 episodes in total across seasons 3 and 4.
Besides the DC universe, many Walking Dead stars have also crossed over into Marvel projects. Danai Gurira, Michael Rooker, and Jon Bernthal are just to name a few!
Stay tuned to Undead Walking for any news on The Walking Dead franchise.
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