As the AMC adaptation of Garth Ennis’ Preacher continues to add cast members, it’s only natural that eventually we’d start getting some casting news that suggests deviations from the original storyline. Deadline reports that Rectify’s Derek Wilson and The Kiling’s Jamie Anne Allman have been cast as Betsy and Donny Schenk, recurring characters on the upcoming series.
In the original comic, Donny (née Donnie) sets in action the events of the story as protagonist Jesse Custer beats Schenck half to death and decides to leave the town where he’s been preaching from the pulpit. However, the casting news implies that these characters might be playing a larger role than they did in the comics. Donny is described as “a Civil War re-enactor and abusive thug who gets into altercations with Jesse Custer but nevertheless shows up to church on Sundays.” Betsy is “a meek wife who appears to suffer beatings by the hand of her husband, Donny. When the Preacher checks up on her, though, she tells a different story.” If their story arc expands, look for lots more gratuitous swearing, rough sex, and horrifying violence—you know, a standard Preacher storyline.