The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman took to social media today to refute recent casting rumors that placed The Expendables actor Jason Statham as Negan on the TV adaptation of his hit Image Comics series.

He expressed enthusiasm for Statham as an actor, but said that the Negan rumor, which has been spreading online, is baseless.

As much as I love Jason Statham, and I mean LOVE, this Negan casting rumor is just a HOAX. But seriously, Jason... Call me. #XOXOXO — Robert Kirkman (@RobertKirkman) November 13, 2014

The Walking Dead airs on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC.