Actually, majority of the walking dead message boards say lincoln's accent is spot on. Even those from Atlanta couldn't tell he was British.
Andy Lincoln is perfect as Rick Grimes. Thomas Jane is too muscular imo and doesn't fit the physical profile of its comic counterpart. Plus Andy wasn't as well known in America which made it easier for audience to believe he is Rick Grimes. With Jane, ppl would only see The Punisher.

Usually I find original casting choices terrible after getting used to the final actor, but now, I think he would have been great.

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Not only would he probably give a better performance, but he also looks the part of Rick Grimes from the comic book as well. This is true for1c84 when he is clean shaven, and also for when he had a full beard.

This i didn't know. Could u imagine if Rick actually said "Carl" instead of Coral?

As much as I like Lincoln as Grimes I will say that I agree that Tom Jane could have handled the role quite well. I really think they should fire the dialect coach for Lincoln.

Would still love to see him on the show in some role. He would have been a great Rick.

Lincoln is good, but Jane would have been spectacular. I feel like his performance would be a lot like The Mist.