AMC's decade-plus plan for its hit Walking Dead franchise don't end with the two current television series. No, the cable network is plotting an expansion of the horror brand that will include multiple movies and additional shows.
Those revelations come in Bloomberg profile of The Walking Dead ahead of the return of the apocalyptic drama next month for its ninth season. Following comments last week by AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan that, “The Walking Dead is a universe, and we have a plan to manage over the next decade, plus," we get an idea of what shape that strategy might take.
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Although the details are not yet set in stone, the article asserts AMC intends to "produce several movies" for a TV network or streaming service that could then spin off into multiple series. The Walking Dead also enjoys wide popularity in international markets, leading to a desire to set at least one show overseas.
Scott M. Gimple, who previously served as showrunner of The Walking Dead, was promoted in January to chief content officer of the franchise, is overseeing the planned expansion.
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The moves come as The Walking Dead faces major changes, both from within and from without, in the form of a ratings decline -- fear not, it's still a television juggernaut -- and the impending loss of stars Andrew Lincoln and Lauren Cohan. The upcoming ninth season, under the supervision new showrunner Angela Kang, has been characterized as a refresh, of sorts, with a significant time jump following the events of the Season 8 finale.
The Walking Dead stars Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Lennie James, Alanna Masterson, Josh McDermitt, Christian Serratos, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The series returns on October 9 for its ninth season on AMC at 9 p.m. ET/PT.