Could budget cuts on “The Walking Dead” hurt the show? Frank Darbont thinks so

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

After waiting for what seems like eons for “The Walking Dead” to return, the hit AMC zombie series is set to come back to the tube this fall (hopefully sooner). Question is, will the second season budget cuts drastically harm the show we all know and love? Will it limit all the potential?

Frank Darabont thinks it will.

Talking to The Hollywood Reporter at a showrunner roundtable, the series creator said this:

“Creatively I have no complaints thus far. But I believe if they do move ahead with what they’re talking about, it will affect the show creatively … in a negative way. Which just strikes me as odd. If you have an asset, why would you punish it?”

Why indeed. “The Walking Dead” dig gangbusters for the network, in record setting fashion. Why they wouldn’t hike the budget instead of slash it, especially after it was both critically and commercially robust, seems upside down.

Remember, the original writing staff of season 1 had been replaced (save for Darabont) by writers for hire. Not sure that’s part of the budget cuts or what, but it definitely doesn’t sound like a recipe for a second season success.

Thoughts on the matter?

“Walking Dead’s” Laurie Holden!