Exclusive Interview: Mahina Napoleon on Ginny’s Quiet Strength and Powerful Evolution in Dead City

Mahina Napoleon is one of the brightest young stars on the rise, captivating audiences with her layered performance as Ginny in The Walking Dead: Dead City. Across two seasons, she’s brought emotional depth, quiet strength, and vulnerability to a character navigating unimaginable loss and uncertainty in a world ravaged by the undead. Whether sharing scenes with Lauren Cohan’s Maggie or Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan, Mahina holds her own, delivering a performance that’s as grounded as it is gripping.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Mahina about Ginny’s evolution, the real-life inspirations behind her performance, and the incredible support she received from her castmates. She opened up about how her family helped shape Ginny’s bond with Maggie, how Lauren Cohan’s calming presence made her feel safe to explore emotionally, and how Jeffrey Dean Morgan brought a quiet tenderness to their scenes that deepened their connection. With so much still to uncover in Ginny’s story, Mahina is hopeful for a third season—and we’re right there with her.

PC: Ginny’s journey throughout the series has centered on rediscovering her voice, and you’ve brought so much depth and nuance to that evolution. How did you create the space—both internally and externally—to explore that kind of growth, emotionally and verbally?
Mahina: Ginny’s journey is about quiet strength evolving into independence and self-assurance. To explore that growth, I focused on cultivating an internal space of stillness, resilience, and self-belief—especially in moments when she wasn’t being heard. Externally, it meant being intentional about when her voice would cut through the noise with clarity and purpose, allowing her words to carry weight not through volume, but through conviction. Her evolution was never about becoming louder, but about becoming undeniably herself.

PC: Negan and Ginny’s relationship takes a dramatic turn this season, adding new layers to their dynamic. What was it like collaborating with Jeffrey Morgan to bring that contrast and complexity to life?
Mahina: Working with Jeffrey this season was such a powerful experience. He’s not only an incredible actor but also a father in real life, which naturally brings a deep, grounded tenderness to his scenes with Ginny. You really see that soft, protective side emerge, creating a striking contrast to Negan’s darker edges. We built a strong bond both on and off screen; he always made sure I felt safe and supported, which allowed us to explore the emotional depths of our characters. That real-life connection made our dynamic feel even more authentic and layered.

PC: In many ways, Maggie has become a source of strength and stability for Ginny. Who are the people in your own life who’ve shown up for you in a similar way? Did you find yourself channeling them into this dynamic—and what have you learned from working opposite Lauren Cohan?
Mahina: My family has been my biggest source of support. They’re always there for me, keeping me grounded and humble, and I definitely brought that feeling into Ginny’s connection with Maggie. Working with Lauren has taught me so much—she helped me tap into the emotional depth of every moment and was always there to talk me through anything. She has this calm, generous energy that makes you feel safe to explore, and that made such a difference for me. I’m so grateful for her guidance and support.

PC: Television is a medium where you’re constantly discovering new things about your character. What’s been the most surprising discovery you’ve made about Ginny? And what have you learned about yourself through playing her?
Mahina: The most surprising thing I’ve discovered about Ginny is that she’s not a kid anymore—she’s stronger and more resilient than I ever expected, and honestly, stronger than I think I would be in her shoes. Embodying her has taught me a lot about inner strength and quiet courage, and I’m really proud of the journey she’s been on. I hope other kids see that too—that they can find their own voice and strength, no matter what.

PC: If we’re lucky enough to get a third season, is there an aspect of this character you’re most looking forward to exploring?
Mahina: As for a third season, I would absolutely love to see this amazing show continue to grow. There’s still so much left to explore, and I’m excited for everything that’s ahead.

To keep up with Mahina, follow her on Instagram. Stream The Walking Dead: Dead City on AMC+.

Photo Credit: Lindy Lin // Hair and Makeup: Mark Quirimit // Stylist: Ajá