Why John Hawkes Turned Down ‘Walking Dead’

The “Winter Bone” Oscar nominee says playing The Governor on basic cable “just didn’t feel like it was for me”

Did John Hawkes turn down the role of The Governor on "The Walking Dead" because he's not into basic cable?

"I have to be careful of what TV shows I choose, particularly ones that have commercials in them, because it's going to be a different kind of television show," Hawkes told MovieWeb.com.

"There are going to be sponsors. No matter how good the show is, if there are commercials, it's going to be a different show, to me. That's just my personal feeling."

Also read: 'Walking Dead' Season 3: 4 Things We Already Know

The role of The Governor — who will likely stir up trouble for the survivors when they take up residence at an abandoned (or is it?) prison in season three — will be played by David Morrissey.

"It was nice of them to ask, and it's a good show, but, again, I just didn't feel I was the guy," Hawkes said. "They came to me and sent me the graphic novel and the first two seasons. I took a look at them, and just didn't feel like it was for me."

Hawkes co-starred on HBO's "Eastbound & Down" and played Sol Starr on the network's "Deadwood." He has also worked in on ad-supported TV shows before, including "Lost," "Psych," "CSI" and "24." He also had a role in the FX pilot "Outlaw Country," which the network passed on last fall.

He was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar last year for "Winter's Bone."

His latest movie, the drama "The Playroom," premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival Saturday.

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