Thats right, all hail King Ezekiel!
(We told you he was colorful.)
KHARY PAYTON:Yeah, man.
Credit: Gene Page/AMC
Im honestly a little freaked out just talking to you.
Why dont you start off by just telling me how you ended up landing the role.
What was the whole process like for you?
The process was relatively simple, honestly.
I didnt audition in front of producers or directors or anything.
It was all on tape, so it was just myself and the casting director.
I feel like I had a connection with this character in a weird way.
I always say that when youre in this acting business, you get a lot of rejection.
I always say Im in the hope business.
Youve got to stay hopeful.
Your opinions got to overshadow whatever negativity might come your way.
He fights with all hes got to see to it he stays positive and stays joyful.
Thats what I love about him.
It was pretty easy to figure it out.
I love that they changed the tiger to a lion, as if that would throw people off.
Did I read that right?
Hes got a lion?
He just kind of starts talking about his lion, you know?
How familiar were you with the show or the comic before you got the part?
I really adore the connection that people have with the show.
I dont feel like I need follow it exactly.
I dont worry about being affected by it too much.
Its just another reason why I love to do this job, man.
So how do you see Ezekiel?
Hes in the business of not losing himself to his surroundings.
I dont let things get me down.
I love even his relationship with the zombies themselves.
Hes a guy who doesnt think of them as having a physical disease.
Yeah, hes a guy with a lot of pomp and circumstance.
We know were going to see Carol and Morgan in the Kingdom.
What does Ezekiel make of these two?
Thats a good question.
I think he sees potential in them.
So let me ask you about Ezekiels tiger Shiva.
Its just another beautiful way that I get to use my imagination.
So I really dont think of it as CG or mechanic.
All I know is that shes real to me.
Ive done a lot of video games where theres literally nothing standing in front of me.
Talk about what Shiva means to Ezekiel and how Ezekiel uses Shiva.
Shiva is the beginning and the end for Ezekiel.
Shes one of the reasons that he didnt lose hope when this whole thing started.
Its like shes a constant reminder every time he looks at her that theres beauty in the world.
So shes kind of the end all, be all for him.
I think Shivas a really appropriate name for her because shes hallowed in his eyes.
Shes holy in his eyes.
The Walking Deadreturns on AMC on Oct. 23 at 9 p.m.
