Walking Dead Creator Reveals Original Ending Where Zombies Triumph: ‘I Didn’t Want to End the Series, I Was Having Too Much Fun’

Overview

Initially, Robert Kirkman envisioned a grim conclusion for The Walking Dead, leading to a world overrun by zombies and tragic endings for key characters.
Kirkman revealed his abandoned concept in Walking Dead Deluxe #84, where Rick narrates a hopeful future yet ultimately becomes ensnared in a bleak existence as a statue in a zombie-dominated Alexandria.
Opting for a more uplifting narrative, Kirkman shifted away from his original dark ending, much to the delight of fans who cherish hope in storytelling.

For years, the gripping universe of The Walking Dead has united fans of horror as it unfolded moving narratives, filled with treacherous situations that placed its characters in jeopardy. However, as chronicled in Robert Kirkman’s renowned comic series, the plot trajectory could have taken a far more sinister turn had Kirkman adhered to his initial concept.

The franchise has expanded its intriguing universe with numerous spinoffs, including Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Tales of the Walking Dead, Dead City, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, and Daryl Dixon. This extension into the world of the undead has allowed for a rich exploration of narratives that were longing to be told, presenting new characters and deepening the viewer’s insight into this harsh reality. As fans eagerly await a new AMC spinoff that promises to reveal the global ramifications of the zombie virus, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Kirkman’s scrapped original ending could have stifled further narrative innovation.

The Walking Dead’s Original Conclusion: A Finality That Kirkman Couldn’t Embrace

Robert Kirkman The Walking Dead Activision

As highlighted in a recent article by ScreenRant, Kirkman shared insights into Walking Dead Deluxe #84, articulating that his proposed “original scrapped ending”would have definitively closed the stories of iconic characters like Rick, Carl, Michonne, Negan, and Andrea. He reflected on how the series’ conclusion would have manifested as “bleak, sad, possibly terrible”had he pursued his original vision. This somber approach was communicated to executive producer Greg Nicotero and actor Andrew Lincoln (who plays Rick Grimes) before the series began, as a forewarning of the potential thematic direction.

According to Kirkman’s notes in Walking Dead Deluxe #84, the series would have culminated with Rick delivering a hopeful monologue to Carl about their aspirations to establish roots in Alexandria. However, instead of a triumphant finish, the next frame would depict Rick as a statue, forever commemorated amid a decaying, zombie-infested Alexandria.This narrative twist conveyed that the zombies ultimately claimed victory, rendering Rick’s heartfelt speech futile.

“The concept was that Alexandria achieved a semblance of success, allowing Rick to live there and be honored with a statue. Yet, in the end, the city succumbed, and the relentless scourge of the zombie apocalypse prevailed. We would leave the audience with the unsettling notion that despite humanity’s efforts, the zombies always win, ”Kirkman lamented.

Fortunately, Kirkman postponed this grim conclusion for an extended period, believing he could integrate it later in the series. As The Walking Dead garnered immense popularity, he found inspiration in new narratives for the characters, gradually distancing himself from the devastations of his initial ending.“I had no desire to conclude the series; I was having too much fun. Writing this series brought immense joy to my life, ”Kirkman admitted in his creator’s notes.“For a while, I simply kept pushing this ending back. Why would I transition from a heartfelt speech to a statue of Rick? I realized I could do that at any time, not after developing such deep connections with the characters, so I ultimately abandoned that idea, ”he concluded, expressing gratitude for this creative pivot.

Don’t miss the premiere of The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2 on May 4 on AMC and AMC+, along with the launch of Season 3 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, set for 2025.

Source: ScreenRant

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