Exclusive Video: Meet The Walking Dead's Fearsome Governor

'Ello, Govna! David Morrissey takes control of The Walking Dead's third season as The Governor (whose real name has yet to be revealed), one of the franchise's most iconic villains. "In the comics, he has arrived at his psychological limit, is quite sadistic and is fully formed," says Morrissey. "In the show, we're meeting him much earlier in his journey, so there are more colors for me to play with."

The 48-year-old English actor — who happens to be longtime friends with costar and fellow Brit Andrew Lincoln (Rick) — has a large color palate to explore as the tyrannical ruler of the quaint and secured Southern town of Woodbury. "[David]'s played a wide variety of roles, but what he always brings is dramatic complexity to whatever role he plays," notes executive producer Gale Anne Hurd. "This is not a show where there are black-and-white characters; they are really varying shades of gray, and his may be the darkest gray."

But when Andrea (Laurie Holden) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) are captured and
taken to Woodbury, The Governor's feelings for Andrea might bring out his softer side. "They have an attraction for each other, but whether that attraction is manifested into anything else is very much a wait-and-see," teases Morrissey. "She's an intelligent, strong woman and could be a very valuable member of this community."

And keeping that community safe is priority No. 1 for The Governor, who slays his fair share of zombies throughout the season. "You never forget your first, and mine was
a knife right in the head," laughs Morrissey. "It was something I was very proud of. You can't kill 20 zombies until you kill one, so it will live long in my memory."

The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.

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