Walking Dead fans still want movies staring Rick Grimes

I do a lot of reading about The Walking Dead series, the cast and crew, and any other topics I see come through in the news. It is vital for a writer to keep up with what is current and trending within their chosen genre. I recently saw an article stating it was too late for The Walking Dead movies. I started paying more attention, and I also noticed a few comments on YouTube videos stating the same.

I disagree. 

Firstly, I will say this is going to be an opinion piece. I generally try to stick to the facts and keep my opinions to myself to keep the peace. Not that this will be negative or anything, but I wanted to make it known this article will be my thoughts on The Walking Dead movies.

When it was announced that there would be three Walking Dead movies, this coincided with the announcement that Andrew Lincoln was leaving the series. The powers that be knew this news would punch the fandom in the gut, and the movie announcement would soften that blow.

Lincoln IS The Walking Dead. Rick has never been my absolute favorite character, but I know he is the leader of the group, the backbone, if you will. And even I was devastated at the fact that Rick would no longer be in the series. I can’t imagine the blow to the die-hard Rick Grimes fans. I am sure most of them thought the show wouldn’t last and that they might even stop watching altogether.

Bear with me here because this one may sting a bit.

Andrew Lincoln left the series of his own free will. He wasn’t pushed out; he didn’t leave because Carl was killed, and he didn’t have an issue with crew members, directors, or writers. He simply wanted to spend time with his family. He has since stated this might have been a mistake, but this is why he left.

So, people who keep blaming AMC or The Walking Dead creators or writers, this is folly because Lincoln chose to leave, and they worked with what they were given.

The Walking Dead movies with Rick Grimes

As the final season of the series premieres, we think back to the beginning when we first met Rick. Everything was new, and we all learned about the outbreak right along with him. As the series closes in on the end, many fans hope to see him at least in the finale episode of the series. It would be fitting that he starts and ends the series.

What about the movies? About a year after the movies were announced, we got the teaser video telling us that the movies would be in theaters instead of airing on AMC. And, if memory serves, these movies could be viewed by someone who hadn’t followed the whole series. Personally, I love the idea of a theatrical release.

Now, here we are two years after that and no movies. But, recently, we have received news that the movies are still a GO, but they are trying to get things right. What does that mean?

I think it means they need to finish writing the series before knowing what direction to take the films. Perhaps they had ideas of what they wanted to do with these movies initially, but things change. And then, a global pandemic hit, and 6 other episodes were created to fill a void. I know fans still want these movies to happen not only for Rick but for any other characters we could see again and the continued story that will be told.

Waiting to release the movies after the final season actually makes sense. The Walking Dead: World Beyond will air from October 3-December 5, and the second season is supposed to give some clues to Rick. This could lead to a tie-in to the movies.

Yes, we have had to wait for years but we will really be missing the series by the time the film(s) are released. We will have some filler with the spin-off series, but knowing we will have Rick back in the movies will be worth the wait.

People underestimate the dedication of fans of The Walking Dead. I know many franchises have super fans, but TWD Family is unique. We come together as a true family. I have friends that I have only met online because of this series that I am closer to than anyone in the same town. When one of us needs help, we help in any way we can. We celebrate our triumphs and mourn our losses. We encourage one another and celebrate birthdays and new jobs.

And when The Walking Dead movies finally get released, we will all show up at the theaters and celebrate the return of Rick Grimes.

So, for anyone to say fans have lost interest in these movies, I believe they are mistaken.

The Walking Dead returns to AMC on August 22.