CANNES — The popular franchise “The Walking Dead” is far from reaching its conclusion, as emphasized during a retrospective panel celebrating the series’ 15th anniversary at Mipcom. The panel featured insights about the long-running show that debuted on AMC Network.
Scott Gimple, writer and executive producer overseeing the “Walking Dead” universe, highlighted the recent spinoff, “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,” as an example of the ongoing expansion of this universe, which originated from Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels. The series premiered in 2023 and has already been renewed for a fourth and final season, currently in production in Spain.
Gimple remarked on the storytelling potential akin to the extensive universes crafted by major comic book franchises like DC and Marvel. “It was all one story that branched out in myriad directions,” he noted. “Even characters with rich backgrounds can traverse different worlds, facing new challenges that facilitate their growth.”
Participants in the panel included the stars of “Daryl Dixon,” Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, alongside AMC Networks president Dan McDermott. The session lasted 40 minutes and was moderated by dedicated fan Aisha Tyler, who has directed episodes of “The Walking Dead” and participated in its spinoff, “Fear the Walking Dead.” The original series ran for 11 seasons, wrapping up in 2022.
Tyler expressed her unwavering appreciation for “The Walking Dead,” even amongst critics of the genre. She emphasized, “It’s not just about the zombies; it’s a narrative that explores profound questions about humanity.” Meanwhile, outside the Grand Auditorium in the Palais des Festivals, actors dressed as the show’s iconic “walkers” added an eerie atmosphere to the event.
McDermott reaffirmed Gimple’s confidence in the franchise’s ongoing relevance. The new “Daryl Dixon” storyline sees Reedus’s beloved character navigating a different reality in France, interacting with new resistance movements and other dynamics.
“It’s conceivable that we could see this creative team together 15 years from now,” McDermott stated. “There are many continents yet to explore, and it’s all about how [the characters] grow over time. The excitement lies in how far we can take this franchise.” Gimple highlighted that relocating the core characters to new places, such as France and Spain, opens a treasure trove of storytelling opportunities. “In many ways, the locations help shape the narrative,” he added.
McBride shared that the emotional landscape of “Daryl Dixon” offers her character, Carol Peletier, a different tone compared to her past on “The Walking Dead,” where she faced multiple tragedies.
“Carol is a bit lighter now, allowing me to explore a different side of her character. It’s refreshing to work in an environment where laughter is part of the experience,” McBride remarked.
Tyler also probed Reedus about the physical demands of his role. “I’ve ended up with real black eyes so often that Scott sometimes incorporates them into the scripts,” Reedus shared. He enjoyed filming in Georgia, acknowledging the intense humidity as part of the job which makes it physically challenging, but rewarding. “It’s something we all invest ourselves in deeply.”
The panel was opened by AMC Networks CEO Kristin Dolan. She recounted how, back in 2010, they were advised to keep expectations modest for the show’s debut, as it was classified merely as a genre thriller. “We were told it was a niche of a niche,” Dolan recalled. “Little did we know, it was a remarkably broad niche.”
