So…you know that bombshell that landed late last month, the one that had Frank Darabont inexplicably stepping down as “The Walking Dead” showrunner? Turns out – like all Hollywood tales – there’s more to the story.
In a piece of investigative journalism over at THR, it seems Darabont’s decision to leave the hit AMC zombie show wasn’t even his. In fact, as the story delves into, it’s a larger issue concerning the decision making among AMC brass.
Briefed separately by AMC VP Ben Davis, the cast and crew of “The Walking Dead” were simply told of Darabont’s departure, “This isn’t working.” To say they were stunned is an understatement, with one going so far as to say they were stunned at “the duplicity of AMC” for using Darabont to promote the show at Comic-Con just days before his relief.
Word is confidence has been shaken on the Atlanta set since Darabont’s leave. On a show about zombies, where anyone can be killed off in a moment’s notice anyway, the cast members are said to feel even more “scared” about the future of their involvement in the show. As you know, the episodes leap from 6 to 13, done so for less money. And with Darabont not contributing to the scripts, how much of the show we came to know and love last season will return, is up in the air.
A lot more on the uncertainty about “The Walking Dead” season 2 can be found HERE. Take heed though, none of it is too comforting.
“The Walking Dead” returns to the airwaves October 16th.
“The Walking Dead’s” Sarah Wayne Callies