The Walking Deaduniverse’s chances of merging afterThe Walking Dead: Dead Cityseason 2 have been clarified by Scott Gimple, who explains his plans. The ongoing spinoffs forThe Walking Deadfranchise follow familiar characters on different adventures in the world, telling new stories that expand the franchise’s world.Dead Cityseason 2has been focused on Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in Manhattan, while the upcomingDaryl Dixonseason 3will see Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Carol (Melissa McBride) in Spain. Gimple has previously discussed the possibility of these spinoffs eventually merging as well.
In an interview withScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender aboutThe Walking Dead: Dead Cityseason 2 finale, Gimple clarified plans for the series' ongoing spinoffs to cross over at some point. The chief creative officer of the franchise reiterated how the larger plan is forcharacters to interact with one another again, “in small ways or big ways.“He said that, while certain attributes of production have slowed this idea down, the new shows establishing themselves is just as important as future plans. Check out what Gimple had to say below:
ScreenRant:Dead Cityhas the luxury of being the show that is the furthest ahead in the timeline.
Scott Gimple:I’m going to jump in there. I would say talk of the timeline outside the premise or the story unfolding on screen itself is all speculative.
Is it that far ahead? Someone might say, “Well, look at Hershel.” And I’d be like, “Well, look at Carl.” I would say the timeline of The Walking Dead occurs in somewhat of a dreamlike space.
ScreenRant:Given that loose timeline, then, are you talking about integrating any of these spinoffs? Could Maggie or Negan travel to see what Daryl and Carol are up to?
Scott Gimple:I’ve said over and over that my dream for many years, the plan all along in many ways, has been to see these characters cross, whether it be in small ways or big ways.
There have been circumstances, timing, all sorts of things - network wishes, even - that got in front of that a little bit over the years. That said, these shows have been establishing themselves, and that’s a great thing too. So, I guess I’d say I’d love to see it.
It’s Inevitable Certain Characters Will See Each Other Again
Gimple’s statement echoes what he’s said before about wanting to bring the franchise’s spinoffs together at some point in the future. This seems inevitable given the number of crossover moments the show has yet to fulfill. WhileThe Ones Who Liveendedwith Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) returning to the Virginia communities,they never got to reunite with long-term survivors like Daryl, Carol, and Maggie. SinceDaryl Dixonis focused on two of the three getting back home, a crossover seems inevitable when they finally find their way to America.
However, Gimple’s statement also emphasizes how these spinoffs have established themselves in their own worlds, building stories that are somewhat standalone from the wider zombie universe. As of writing,Daryl Dixonhas been confirmed through season 4 by Reedus, whileit’s not clear as of writing ifDead Cityseason 3 will be happening. Even so, it appears the franchise has a lengthy future ahead, with plenty of stories to tell across various locations. While it may take some time, Gimple’s statement means the ultimate plan is for everyone to become more readily connected to each other in some fashion.
The Franchise’s Core Survivors Won’t Stay Separate Forever
Although the franchise’s major characters are currently on their own separate adventures, Gimple’s statement confirms they’ll all be tied together again in the future. While it’s unclear if this will be through small references or a massive crossover event, it appears the purpose is to make everything in the franchise feel connected at some point. WithDead CityandDaryl Dixonstill carrying the franchise forward, it seems likeThe Walking Deadhas plenty of stories left to tell with its legacy survivors.
