The Walking Dead universe: Actors turned directors

The Walking Dead universe is full of multi-talented individuals who possess a diverse set of talents in addition to their acting abilities. There are many musicians, artists, models, and public speakers among the cast, which is only a small list of the other talents seen from the cast. One area that several cast members have shown off their skills is behind the camera.

Michael Cudlitz, Lennie James, Colman Domingo, Alycia Debnam-Carey and Aisha Tyler have all acted and directed in at least one of the three series in The Walking Dead universe. Several have crossed over to act and/or direct in two of the series.

Actors often make great directors as they know how to speak the language of the actors to get the best results. Having experience in front of and behind the camera only adds to the knowledge and expertise to create something amazing.

Michael Cudlitz – The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead World Beyond

The Walking Dead series character Abraham Ford was portrayed by Michael Cudlitz in seasons 4-7. He brought the comic book character to life on screen in personality and his iconic look. Abraham was often reckless but always brave and the first to volunteer to do the dirty work. His witty comebacks and thoughtfulness towards others made him a fan favorite.

Negan brutally bludgeoned him in the famous line-up introduction to the villain. And even as he stared death in the face, he came back with one of his one-liners, telling Negan, “Suck my nuts.” It was good to see him go out brave and witty, as sad as his ending was.

In season nine of The Walking Dead, Cudlitz returned, this time behind the camera. His directorial debut episode of the series was “Stradivarius.” He would go on to direct “Silence the Whisperers” and “Open Your Eyes” in season 10. He has also directed in the final season, but no announcement has been made about which ones.

He then crossed over to The Walking Dead: World Beyond to direct two of its season one episodes, “Shadow Puppets” and “Truth or Dare.”

Lennie James – The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead

Lennie James is one of the few actors who have crossed over to another series as an actor. His character Morgan Jones was seen at the beginning of The Walking Dead as a friend to Rick Grimes. He has held a special place in many fans’ hearts for his care of Rick after he awoke to apocalyptic hell from his coma.

He would be missing for quite a few seasons until his return in three. Rick, Carl and Michonne were on a supply run when they encountered Morgan. But, this time, he was a bit unhinged as he had witnessed the death of his son Duane by his wife, Jenny, who was a walker. In season one, Morgan didn’t have the heart to kill his reanimated wife, which led to his son’s death, which is a burden he has carried throughout his time in TWDU.

He would reappear in season five and remain on the flagship series until season eight. This was when he crossed over to the spin-off series Fear the Walking Dead. 

After the war with the Saviors, Morgan decided to head to Texas to find himself. He would appear in Fear TWD in the first episode of season four. The first person we see him meet is John Dorie, which is also this character’s first episode.

Morgan is still currently alive in season 7 of that series and is at war with Victor Strand.

In season six of Fear TWD, James directed “Welcome to the Club,” and in season seven, “Till Death.”

Alycia Debnam-Carey – Fear the Walking Dead

As Fear the Walking dead entered its seventh season Alicia, portrayed by Alycia Debnam-Carey, was the only survivor among her family. But, it was recently announced that her mother Madison actually survived in season four when she sacrificed herself to save the others at the Dell Diamond Baseball Stadium.

Alicia has become a fearless leader who isn’t afraid to take risks to save those who follow her. In the mid-season finale of season seven, she declares war on her one-time friend, who was practically family, Victor Strand. The second half of this season will see that war play out and see Alicia reunited with her mother. It is bound to be a wild and emotional back half.

The seventh season also saw Debnam-Carey step behind the camera. The episode she directed has not yet been announced but will be aired in the second half of the season.

Colman Domingo – Fear the Walking Dead

Victor Strand, the character you love to hate and maybe just love, is portrayed by Colman Domingo. He, along with Alicia, Daniel and Madison, have been with the series since the beginning.

Strand has always been a con man who does what is best for himself and anyone he loves. In season seven, he’s decided to live his best life, no matter who he hurts. He is the king of his new community, The Tower, and is at war with Morgan and now also with Alicia.

After the nukes were detonated and he survived, he realized that doing things the way others think he should have never gotten him anywhere. He then decides to do things his way. The second half of season seven will see him against Morgan and Alicia, and the return of Madison will be a shock to him. But, whose side will she take?

Domingo has directed several episodes of Fear TWD. “Weak” in season four, “Humbug’s Gulch” in season five, and “Alaska” from season six. He has also directed in season seven, but this episode has not aired yet. That’s just one more thing to look forward to in this season.

Aisha Tyler – Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: World Beyond

Aisha Tyler is a super fan turned director, turned actor, back to director in TWDU. As a fan, she was very familiar with the world of TWD and would see her directorial debut in Fear TWD.

During season six, she directed “J.D.” This episode would introduce John Dorie Sr., father of the late John Dorie.

She would then go on to direct two episodes in the second spin-off series TWD World Beyond. She directed season two episodes “Exit Wounds” and “Family is a Four Letter Word.”

Her return to Fear TWD would see her in front of the camera in the Lennie James-directed episode “Till Death” as Mickey. It was a great episode where Mickey, a former partner in the wrestling duo known as The Bride and The Groom, appeared, and Dwight recognized her as he was a huge fan.

To complete the Walking Dead trifecta, Tyler has also directed an episode in the final season of The Walking Dead. 

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