The “Walking Dead” actor Teo Rapp-Olsson was as shocked as everybody else to learn of Sunday’s major comic book twist.
Eugene (Josh McDermitt) throws a walker onto Sebastian (Rapp-Olsson) near the end of the episode, who ultimately bites and kills Governor Milton’s son. In the comics, Sebastian not only survives the entire series, but also shockingly murders the series’ main character, Rick Grimes.
“I honestly spent the most of my time on the program the same way viewers did, speculating about who I would kill. Would it be Ezekiel or Aaron?'” Rapp-Olsson told Insider during a Zoom chat on Friday who he believed could be responsible for Rick’s demise.
Ross Marquand, who portrays Aaron, told Insider that, as far as he knows, there were never any conversations to give his character Rick’s comic death, despite his resemblance to the comic Rick at this time.
As the pampered son of the Commonwealth leader, Rapp-Olsson immediately became a fan-favorite villain despite initial expectations that he would appear in only three episodes of AMC’s post-apocalyptic thriller.
Insider spoke with the actor about his death episode, how he found out he was being killed off (he was sneaky), how he had to go home commando after getting covered in walker blood for his death scene, and how he is aware that Sebastian’s show death is satisfying for comic fans who were upset with Rick’s comic death.
Rapp-Olsson never envisioned Max and Eugene being responsible for Sebastian’s death.
Max and Eugene unwittingly contributed to Sebastian’s demise.
AMC/Jace Downs
As a comic book fan, I find it difficult to be surprised by “The Walking Dead.” As you undoubtedly well know, Sebastian survives in the comics, so I gasped when he was slain. This is an enormous change. Sebastian ever believe that Max and Eugene would gain the upper hand? And Teo, did you ever believe that Max and Eugene would prevail?
Yes and no I mean, I guessed while reading this script, but Max performs this role so wonderfully. She catches him in such a private moment that I do not believe he is unkind or malicious in his final private statement to her. I believe this is the closest he has ever been to the truth.
He presumably confides in her so much that he is willing to tell her how the sausage is created, because he knows she has also observed the process. You cannot be this ignorant. You recognize that this system is flawed.
This is the largest nation-state in the post-apocalyptic globe, so regardless of the morality of all this, we can all agree that there may be a reason why it is so damaged. The majority of these individuals do not encounter zombies on a daily basis. I agree that it may not have an attractive appearance, but is it better than the outside world?
With over 200,000 inhabitants, the Civic Republic Military is now the largest nation in the “The Walking Dead” universe. The Commonwealth has roughly 50,000 inhabitants.]
This close-up of Sebastian was added at the last minute.
Does Sebastian feel remorse for placing Max in the walker? Because, had he not done so, he would likely still be alive. Eugene pushes the walker into Sebastian as a result.
Sebastian throws Max into a zombie, who is then shoved into him minutes later.
AMC/Jace Downs
I’m certain he regrets it in the final few seconds. The fact that Sebastian is so intelligent is his worst flaw. When given the opportunity, he can be rational, but when time is of the essence, I believe he is hasty. He is still youthful.
This is a perfect illustration of that. Now that he has listened to the recording, he realizes he has no other options. This is not like the past, where mom could intervene and be like, “Oh no, that’s not my boy. The individual in question was Hornsby.” His initial response upon being caught red-handed is so primal and uncomplicated. I want to seize and harm that individual.
There is no plan whatsoever.
I’m not carrying a weapon or anything. What am I going to do if I capture her? There, I happen to be a zombie. I only intend to harm her.
Consider a scenario in which the zombies do not enter. I’m going to have to answer for that as well. Regarding the next item on the agenda, I believe that all of this is now irrelevant. Once I hear this audio and realize I’m screwed, I yell at her, “You b*tch,” and chase after her with the purpose to cause her damage. And the zombie just so happens to land in the way.
Due to the close-up view of Sebastian coming after Max like a bull, you feel this. It’s somewhat terrifying.
After having a little extra time to experiment on set, the close-up pictures of Sebastian were included in the episode.
AMC
I’m really thrilled you saw it. On the last day of filming, we had two extra minutes of time for the first time in documented film history, and the camera department was like, “What the heck?” “Hey, we’re able to attach one of these rigs to your chest. Would you be interested in this?” And I was like, “Yes, certainly. That sounds very interesting.”
We recorded it twice — literally as everyone was about to go for lunch — watched it once on a tiny DSLR LCD monitor, and they were like, “What?” “That appears quite cool. It is hoped that it makes it, but anything can happen.” As I viewed [the episode], I said, “Oh!”
Rapp-Olsson discovered he was being eliminated from the show after obtaining a copy of the script.
No one intervenes to save Sebastian.
AMC/Jace Downs
When you realized that Sebastian was going to be killed off on “The Walking Dead,” this likely occurred while you were reading the screenplay, which is unusual. How early did you know the program would deviate so much from the source material? Did you immediately realize that you were cast?
No.
Did you discover your fate while reading this chapter?
When I finally read it.
The producers keep many of these secrets close to the vest, which I respect because it compels you to play your parts much more naturally.
Typically, you will receive a phone call from [showrunner] Angela Kang with the unfortunate news. I was being a nosy actor and had spoken with a member of one of the other departments who was like, “What’s going on?” “Certainly, I have a copy of this screenplay. Strange events that occurred to you.” And I was like, “Oh, right. I’ll experience bizarre occurrences.”
I received a copy of the screenplay and thought, “Wow, that’s a very bizarre occurrence.”
When I first joined the cast, it wasn’t even guaranteed that I would be in more than three episodes. To gently carve out an arc in the final season, which is challenging enough given the number of other arcs that must conclude, and to even begin to flesh out something is incredibly difficult. I was extremely appreciative that we were able to produce something that would surprise folks upon my untimely departure.
Rapp-Olsson is aware of how Sebastian’s death on television may affect comic fans who were outraged that the comic version of the character killed Rick.
In the comics, when Sebastian kills Rick Grimes, it is a major event.
The Image Comics/Skybound publishing company
Are you aware of how satisfying this character’s death is for comic readers who have yearned for years to exact vengeance on Sebastian for Rick’s murder? In 2019, many people were dissatisfied when —
Yeah.
The comic book version of your character burst into Rick’s room while he was sleeping, woke him up, and shot him while he was helpless. I recall that when you first won this position, you told me you immediately sought out to a comics fanatic buddy. So, I was uncertain if they had informed you of Rick’s comic role and if you believed there was a potential you might murder off another character.
Strong memory. I’ve spoken with that person again just recently.
Once I got the part, I purchased the full compendium and read it all since it is so rare to have the opportunity to base your work on source material, much less something as interesting and expansive as the “Walking Dead” universe. Honestly, I spent the majority of my time on the show theorizing alongside the audience “Who would I murder? Was it going to be Aaron or Ezekiel?” And considering why or how that would be an intriguing matter.
To address the satisfaction point, I am aware of what this character has meant to so many fans, particularly those who have read the comics and those who have watched the show. First and first, I will say that everyone has been quite courteous. I have not received any bad comments or criticism. Everything has been quite similar, “I enjoy hating you. I hope you interpret that appropriately.” And I was like, “Fair. Then I’ve done a good job.”
I am therefore aware that there is satisfaction in that.
Obviously, this is a significant departure from the comic, but I believe “The Walking Dead” has emphasized this from the beginning. In season two, Sophia dies, as she does in the comics. Carol, of course, dies early on, but the manner in which Glenn dies is as disturbing. They initially offer you Abraham’s survival, leading you to believe he is safe, and then they follow the comics to the letter. I believe they have always demonstrated a willingness to utterly upend plans and alter expectations.
Clearly, many readers of the comics are wondering, “Who is he going to kill?” It is not a question of whether Sebastian will kill someone, but rather, “Who will he kill?” For him to die so young and for his death to become a focal point in the escalating tensions of the Commonwealth is going to be a full 180 from what many fans imagined.
I also believed that Aaron or Ezekiel may have been eliminated, as Aaron resembles Rick from a comic book at this time.
[Laughter] He has the dexterity for it, guy.
Exactly! However, you have never truly interacted with Aaron.
Rapp-Olsson has only one opportunity to perfect his death scenario. After being drenched in blood, he was compelled to return home sans underwear.
Teo Rapp-neck Olsson’s prosthesis took around 90 minutes to install.
AMC/Jace Downs
What was your reaction when you learned that Sebastian died by having a walker thrown at him and being bitten? Were you pleased with the death of your character, and what was it like to get bitten in the neck? I’m certain you were wearing an artificial limb.
Nope, that was my actual neck. They resurrected me from the dead. It was a narrow escape. SAG was not pleased with this.
Upon reading that, one could not help but pause and exclaim, “Wow, that’s insane.”
This incredible voyage, like all others, must eventually come to a close. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it would be so much fun to film. If you have time to watch “The Walking Dead,” I cannot think of a nicer way to die than to be savagely devoured by a zombie.
I spoke with [executive producer] Greg [Nicotero] as we were winding up episode 1117, and I had just finished reading episode 1118, and I had the finest time working with him. I thought he was a phenomenal director. I stated, “I hope to see you before my time is out,” and he responded with a knowing smile. He stated, “Child, I will be the one pumping blood through you.”
On set, he carries an inverted fire extinguisher with a hose that is attached via this prosthetic device that enters the neck. This neck takes approximately one and a half hours to put on. Not only is this a serious matter, but it will take nearly an hour to take off. I believe that many individuals tend to overlook the fact that you only get one chance at this. You could do it again, but it would take you most of the day.
Even on a production of this size and scope, that is asking a lot of everyone. Therefore, there is a great deal of weight behind set pieces such as this, and it is not something that you necessarily learn at acting school when the one shot requires you to scream for your life.
When the time came, I didn’t really appreciate how much of the work is done for you until I actually performed it. You look down and notice that you are bleeding profusely. When I turn around, I see a convincing zombie behind me making convincing zombie noises, and he needs to eat something that is glued to my neck. There is a sense of “Oh my God, this is horrible” when you experience certain sensations. As an actor who previously had the opportunity to play Romeo and die, which is great but consists of drinking poison and collapsing, this is very fantastic. You are permitted to leave with all this blood.
When I arrived on set that day, one of the costumers said, “Oh, I hope you packed an extra pair of underwear.” And I was like, “Why?” He exclaimed, “Really?” And clearly it had never occurred to me that I would be covered in blood. I’ll appear as though I’ve just emerged from a pool of blood. I carried that regret with me when I returned home commando. It was certainly a learning experience for me, and if I ever experience another bloody death, I will remember.
Since Rapp-Olsson and Jeffrey Dean Morgan are both dyslexic, it was a relief for him to work with Morgan.
I was thrilled to find that you had a scene with Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan. This was one of my favorite interactions from the pilot episode. I wish there were more scenes with you and Jeffrey. Did you film any more scenes that were ultimately cut from the show?
No, nothing was removed or deleted. However, I couldn’t agree more with you. This was among my favorite scenes to film.
Just prior to our return from break, I had met JDM in passing, but we had never had a lengthy conversation. Thus, the opportunity to collaborate with him was very great.
On a personal level, both he and I are extremely dyslexic, so he has always been a role model for me in terms of what a good professional actor whose personality includes dyslexia looks like. It’s not every day that you get to work with someone you’ve admired since before you joined the show.
Teo Rapp-Olsson was an admirer of Sebastian’s style, so he stole some garments from the show and Commonwealth pins.
AMC/Jace Downs
Teo, Is there anything you took or were given as a souvenir from your time on the show?
I clearly took some of Sebastian’s attire because I admired some of his style.
I got some Commonwealth Founder’s Day flag pins, which I’m going to try to display somewhere in my apartment because I’m an unwavering member of team Commonwealth. I do not understand why the protagonists are all protesting. It is quite good.
Next, Rapp-Olsson will appear on the second season of ‘Fantasy Island’ on Fox.
Teo Rapp-next Olsson’s appearance will be on Fox.
AMC/Jace D
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