The Rick Grimes movies were supposed to bring Andrew Lincoln back to the TWD Universe. But what’s the story with The Walking Dead spin-off films and have they been canceled?
The Walking Dead just hasn’t been the same since Rick Grimes left. The former sheriff was the show’s original and primary protagonist, so when actor Andrew Lincoln decided it was time to leave the long-running show, a storyline was crafted to allow Rick to exit and the show to go on.
But that wasn’t meant to be the end for Rick Grimes. In fact, it was setting the stage for a new chapter of his story, as it was subsequently revealed that Lincoln would return for a trilogy of movies that would further the character’s arc.
It’s been years since we’ve had any major developments on the films, which is understandable given the pandemic, but an announcement at San Diego Comic-Con revealed a huge development – one that instantly changed the game for the Rick Grimes story.
Are the Rick Grimes movies still happening?
No, the Rick Grimes movies are no longer happening. But don’t get too upset, because they have simply evolved into a series instead. As revealed during The Walking Dead‘s final ever San Diego Comic-Con panel, Andrew Lincoln and Danai Guirira will reprise their respective roles as Rick and Michonne in a new six-part limited series designed to wrap up both characters’ stories.
Lincoln left TWD in its ninth season, while Gurira departed in season 10. Both those departures cast doubts on the future of “Richonne”, the show’s core couple. Now, the spin-off hopes to showcase that future, as the two former lovers look to find themselves – and each other – all over again in a war against the dead.
The series is currently described as beginning “with six episodes”, suggesting that there could be more to the miniseries than those. Regardless, it goes without saying that fans are ecstatic at the possibility of seeing both Rick and Michonne back on our screens.
As for why the movies didn’t happen, well, that just seems to be down to the fact that AMC and all involved opted for the series option instead – an area in which the TWD Universe thrives.
The Walking Dead season 11 is currently airing its final episodes on AMC. Fans are curious to know if Rick will return as a special guest given that this is the final season of the main show. It would be fitting but the answer remains unknown.
Are you looking forward to seeing Rick and Michonne return? Do you wish the-powers-that-be opted for a trilogy of films instead? Let us know in the comments below!