Why The Walking Dead Rick Grimes Movie Is Taking So Long To Make

The Walking Dead producer Gale Anne Hurd explained why the Rick Grimes movie is taking so long to be made. The horror drama series was developed based on the comic of the same name that was created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The show follows Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) after he awakens from a coma and discovers a post-apocalyptic society that has been overtaken by zombies. Along with other survivors, he must fight to survive. A total of ten seasons of The Walking Dead have aired so far

Back in 2018, it was announced on the companion show, Talking Dead, that there would be three films made to follow Rick and Anne after they leave the series. While the trilogy was originally going to air on AMC, it was confirmed in 2019 that the movies would receive a theatrical release through Universal Pictures. However, there are very few details that have been released around the films ever since.

In an interview with Variety at the Locarno Film Festival, Hurd talked some about The Walking Dead, the series’ conclusion, and the previously announced films. She discussed the importance of storytelling and casting around the series. In particular, when asked about the feature film and the lack of news on it, she referred back to the show. Hurd said that the film needs to match how the television show has grown. See below for her full statement:

“When the series itself has such a large scope, you have to make sure that the scope of the film matches the demands of a theatrical audience, but also continues with the nuanced characters that people come to expect from the TV series. That’s why.”

On August 22, the eleventh season of The Walking Dead will premiere on AMC. However, those who have the AMC+ bundle will have access to the premiere episodes a week ahead of the release. Season 11 will be the final season of the show, although it will be split into two parts. Rick last appeared in a flashback scene at the end of the tenth season in the episode titled “Here’s Negan.” The character’s status is currently unknown, which the trilogy of films would provide answers on.

With the main series coming to an end, fans of the series will likely be wondering what the status is on these feature films. While Hurd didn’t go into explicit detail regarding the status of the movies, she did express concern about meeting expectations. The series has expanded the scale and scope over the years, so it makes sense that she’d want the films to match that. With The Walking Dead coming to an end, perhaps there will be more information coming soon regarding the film trilogy featuring the adventures of Rick and Anne.