Michael Cudlitz calls the shots on The Walking Dead 907
Michael Cudlitz returns to The Walking Dead in this Sunday’s episode “Stradivarius” as the director, making history and setting the bar very high.
Actors take turns as directors all the time, but Michael Cudlitz’s turn behind the camera on this week’s episode of The Walking Dead will make history on multiple levels: Not only is this his first time directing, but it makes Cudlitz the first member of The Walking Dead cast to go behind the camera.
With Thanksgiving coming up next week Cudlitz has a lot to be thankful for these days. His new ABC show The Kids Are Alright is doing more than alright – ABC ordered a full season of the family comedy that features the Cleary patriarch Mike (Cudlitz), his wife Peggy (Mary McCormack) and their eight boys. It’s a fun concept that is as endearing as it is entertaining.
Cudlitz’s directorial debut comes at a very important point in this exciting new era of The Walking Dead. “Stradivarius” marks the second episode after the time jump and the audience is still learning a lot about what happened during those six years. This week’s episode features Carol and Daryl catching up at his riverside abode while Michonne and Magna’s group trek to the Hilltop.
While it’s common for actors to go behind the camera on the shows they work on, going behind the camera for a show like The Walking Dead is much different. Unlike sitcoms that are filmed in studios, The Walking Dead is shot outside in the elements and most episode involve complex stunts, visual effects and multiple locations. It’s a massive undertaking for any director, let alone a newcomer to the director’s chair.
Fortunately, Cudlitz knows the drill on set from his days in from of the camera. And he had a lot of support along the way, because as we all know it takes a village to bring this show to life. Speaking of villages, fellow villager Andrew Lincoln will be the second member of the cast to step behind the camera in season 10 so we can’t wait to hear what advice Cudlitz has for him!
Next. The Walking Dead 907 synopsis: Stradivarius. dark
Cudlitz is in good company as he joins Colman Domingo in the actor-director club. Domingo directed a season 4 episode of Fear the Walking Dead which made him the first actor to direct an episode from either series.
“Stradivarius” airs Sunday, November 18 at 9pm on AMC.