The Strain star Kevin Durand has shot down a fast-spreading report that he's been approached to play the villainous Negan on AMC's The Walking Dead.

Nuke the Fridge contends that when asked during a recent conference call which television roles fans would like him to play, the actor replied, "I’ve had a lot of people with The Walking Dead talk to me, mentioned that they see me for a character named Negan, but I haven’t read the comic."

But while that comment has been widely interpreted to mean the Lost veteran has had conversations with Walking Dead producers, that's apparently not the case. Asked Tuesday on Twitter whether there was any truth to the report, Durand replied, "No. I guess I was misinterpreted. I'm way too busy killing vamps."

Indeed, FX's recent renewal of The Strain -- for the second of what producers envision as five seasons -- immediately raised a red flag on the rumor, as Durand's role as rat exterminator turned vampire hunter Vasiliy Fet is central to the horror series. And the wording of the initial report aside, there's also the question of just how soon The Walking Dead will introduce Negan, the ruthless, bat-wielding leader of the Saviors who doesn't come into play until the 100th issue of the comic series.

The season finale of The Strain airs Sunday on FX. The Walking Dead returns for its fifth season Oct. 12 on AMC.