SFX had previously interviewed Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman, discussing the character of Shane and why he drifted away from the comic books when scripting the role. Now, SFX was given the opportunity to interview Jon Bernthal himself to see his take on the character he portrays.

It takes quite an actor to be both Rick Grimes’ best friend and betrayer, but Bernthal was up for the job. He admits that before the show he had never previously known of The Walking Dead comics, but that didn’t stop him from seeking out the role of Shane.

My agent sent me, like, 150 different scripts and I had read everything, and then when I read The Walking Dead I wrote a separate letter back to my agent just saying I would love to be… I’d be an extra in this thing! It was the best written pilot I’ve ever read. I’ve never read anything that paid that kind of attention to detail in terms of atmosphere and character, it was just so rich and textured – such a wonderfully written script. I had no idea it was based on a comic.

As for his take on the actual television character of Shane:

They’ve really tried to make Shane a far more three-dimensional character in the show, and tried to flesh him out a little bit. I mean, for me it’s great because I get to keep my job! But I also think it serves the story, and I’m really excited that they decided to go that way with it, because I love this show so much – I love being a part of it.

So what do you think? Was it a good decision to keep Shane around on the show? We think so. In the comics, the character of Shane does not make it as far as Kirkman is having him go on the television show. It definitely adds a whole new aspect to everything and additionally leaves us wondering what will happen next!

You can read the full interview over at SFX!