Exclusive Insider Scoop: Unveiling The Unprecedented Plans for The Walking Dead's Grand Finale & Unparalleled Spinoffs

The Walking Dead star Lauren Cohan recently shared an alternative vision for the flagship series, which would have positioned her character Maggie as the lead for an additional four years. In November 2022, The Walking Dead concluded its run, but the story continued through various spinoffs featuring beloved characters from the original show. One such spinoff, titled The Walking Dead: Dead City, centers around Maggie, portrayed by Cohan, and Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, as they embark on a mission to rescue Maggie's son Hershel in the bustling setting of New York City.

During a conversation with Buzzfeed, Cohan disclosed that the original plans for the future of The Walking Dead involved her and Morgan stepping into the roles of the show's primary characters for another four-year period. This course of action would have entailed Norman Reedus, who portrays Daryl, departing from the series following the conclusion of The Walking Dead season 11. Take a look at Cohan's complete statement below.

They initially approached me about returning to The Walking Dead or potentially joining a different show. Ultimately, they decided that I would come back to the show alongside Jeff [Dean Morgan] and we would 'take over.' This decision came at a time when Norman [Reedus], Andy [Lincoln], and Danai [Gurira] had already left or were planning to leave. The plan was for Jeff and me to continue on The Walking Dead for four more years starting from Season 11.

However, things took a different turn. They came up with the concept of Dead City, which would place our characters in a completely new location with a fresh storyline. This idea was particularly intriguing because it would allow us to jump ahead in time.

Why Spinoffs Are A Better Direction For The Walking Dead

The revelation by Cohan regarding The Walking Dead's alternate direction suggests that the show had planned four years worth of stories that will no longer come to fruition. However, with Cohan and Morgan leading The Walking Dead: Dead City, they have found a different avenue to continue their story, albeit in a new location. It remains uncertain whether The Walking Dead: Dead City would have been developed if the main series had continued up to season 15. The same applies to the spinoff series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and Rick and Michonne, which might not have been created had The Walking Dead continued.

The decision to separate major characters into spinoff series signifies a fresh approach for The Walking Dead, which enhances the franchise's ability to tell stories. With smaller casts and seasons, the spinoff series of The Walking Dead offer an opportunity for characters like Maggie, Negan, Daryl, Rick, and Michonne to receive more focus. Additionally, these spinoffs grant The Walking Dead franchise the freedom to explore diverse narratives and settings, utilizing familiar characters to expand the universe of The Walking Dead.

The current direction of The Walking Dead franchise is a refreshing change, offering a new and exciting adventure with familiar characters. Although Maggie and Negan are not leading the flagship series, The Walking Dead: Dead City sets the stage for the reappearances of Daryl, Rick, and Michonne, providing a fresh twist to the storyline. This expansion of the universe signifies that even though The Walking Dead may have concluded, there is still much more to come.