Robert Kirkman Describes His Version Of Rick Grimes
The Walking Dead | Photo Credit AMC Both Andrew Lincoln and Robert Kirkman have their own interpretations of the inspiration behind Rick Grimes. Robert Kirkman’s character comes from several influences, while Andrew Lincoln pictures very specific references for Rick.
“Rick Grimes is really just a bunch of made up stuff that I thought would work,” said creator Robert Kirkman. “Every writer kind of writes themselves to a ertain extent so all the sadistic stuff in Rick is totally me!”
Andrew Lincoln thinks back on old westerns when playing Rick Grimes.
Andrew Lincoln Pictures High Noon, The Road
Viggo Mortensen | Photo Credit The Road
There are three characters that influence Andrew Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes. The first is Gary Cooper’s portrayal in the film, High Noon. Marshall Will Kane is loyal and dutiful as he lives within his own moral code.
For Cooper’s character, this often minds trying to fight off evil, even if he’s completely alone in the fight. Kane would risk his life for those around him or if he simply thought the other man was flat out wrong.
Another inspiration for Andrew Lincoln comes from actor Viggo Mortensen.
The Zombie-Slaying Walter White
Walking Dead & Breaking Bad | Photo Credit AMC
In the Cormac McCarthy inspired film, The Road, a man (Viggo Mortensen) and his son are walking the earthy alone and afraid. Things have gotten terrible and the duo are hiding from cannibals and other killers as they walk to the beach.
Viggo’s portrayal is that of a tired and hungry man. His only real reason to survive is his son, which is very similar to Rick Grimes, especially in the beginning of the AMC series. Mortenson also has a scraggly beard, which is how Rick looks now.
Finally, there’s Walter White from AMC’s Breaking Bad. Andrew Lincoln said this shows the darker side of Rick Grimes. It’s in several situations where he doesn’t want to do certain things but he has to, so he aims to kill.
Somewhere between these two interpretations lies Rick Grimes.
Which TV or film character do you see the most in Rick Grimes?
