|
 AMC
has a plan for the Walking Dead franchise that includes more than just the two
TV series. AMC plans on expanding the franchise. AMC plans on producing produce
several movies for a TV network or streaming service that could then spin off
into multiple series, one of which could be based overseas. Scott M. Gimple, the
former showrunner of The Walking Dead, was promoted in January to chief content
officer of the franchise, is overseeing the planned expansion. The first three
TV movies coming from the expansion will star Andrew Lincoln and the fate of
Rick Grimes. When Lincoln announced he was leaving the series the plan was to
kill him off but he and Gimple came up with ideas to tell Rick’s story in
another format. The TV movies will add a partner to share the costs and will
have feature film budgets. Gimple has hinted that other projects may bring back
some fan-favorite characters no longer in the series to tell their stories. Two
actors from the main show just signed new deals. Norman Reedus (Daryl) will now
make $350,000 per episode with guarantees and advances that could net him
anywhere between $50-90 million. Melissa McBride (Carol) got a huge pay bump
estimated at $20 million over the course of the new contract. Both signed three
year deals that allow them to move between shows and projects within the
franchise. Danai Gurira (Michonne), however, is leaving the show after season
ten. She will do some episodes next season and appear in the Rick Grimes
projects. She has other projects (meaning Marvel movies) to do and needed the
flexibility to appear in them. |
