The upcoming spinoff of The Walking Dead featuring Rick Grimes is beginning to take form, although details regarding the plot and cast of Rick and Michonne's show are being kept under tight wraps. Originally planned as a movie after Andrew Lincoln's departure from The Walking Dead in season 9, it was later announced that the actor would reprise his role in a Rick Grimes movie, potentially multiple films, alongside Michonne. However, the decision was made to scrap the movie and instead create a spinoff miniseries. With the expansion of the franchise through Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and the upcoming premiere of The Walking Dead: Dead City in June 2023, all of which have crossover appeal, it made sense to develop a series centered around Rick and Michonne within The Walking Dead universe.
As for the potential storyline of the Rick Grimes spinoff, hints were provided in the finale of The Walking Dead. While Michonne and the residents of Alexandria hoped that Rick Grimes had survived the bridge explosion in season 9, only Jadis knew that he was still alive, as she witnessed him being taken away by a mysterious helicopter she had summoned. In the series finale, Michonne is shown continuing her search for Rick, while Rick himself is seen in the final episode, being instructed to surrender by a CRM helicopter through a loudspeaker. This setup lays the foundation for the movie-turned-series, where Rick and Michonne are likely to reunite and confront the CRM in a battle.
The Rick And Michonne Spinoff: Latest News
Morgan's potential involvement in The Walking Dead movie-turned-series is generating significant buzz. In the Fear the Walking Dead midseason finale, viewers witnessed Morgan grappling with intense anger and experiencing frequent blackouts. Although it initially appeared that Morgan was bidding farewell to the spinoff series, recent reports suggest that he will continue to be a part of the franchise. This intriguing development stems from Morgan's desire to reunite with the individuals he fled from upon arriving in Texas, specifically Rick Grimes and the remaining survivors of The Walking Dead. After witnessing the death of his wife Grace and the endangerment of his adopted daughter, Morgan resolved to rectify his past mistakes and ensure the well-being of his long-lost companions.
Morgan's intention to search for his friend, Rick Grimes, who advised him not to run, suggests that he may ultimately find himself in Alexandria, where familiar faces, including Judith, await him. If Morgan becomes aware of Rick's potential danger and decides to embark on a mission to locate him, Rick and Michonne will gain a valuable ally in their confrontation against the CRM. Morgan's commitment to calling out for Rick every morning indicates that the Rick Grimes movie-turned-series will undoubtedly address this storyline. In an interview, Lennie James hinted at the possibility of appearing in the Rick and Michonne spinoff series, emphasizing Morgan's tendency to veer off course. He expressed gratitude for his involvement in FTWD and acknowledged the exceptional team behind the show (via EW).
The Walking Dead Rick Grimes Spinoff: Release Date
The release date for The Walking Dead Rick and Michonne spinoff has not been announced yet, but AMC has assured fans that it will air sometime in 2024. According to producer Scott Gimple, the writing team took their time with the show to ensure that Rick Grimes is given the justice he deserves. However, writing the series has become more challenging since Rick's departure, as some characters who could play vital roles in the plot have continued their storylines in other shows, such as Jadis in The Walking Dead: World Beyond. While there is no confirmed release date for either spinoff, it seems that The Walking Dead: Dead City will hit the small screen before the Rick Grimes spinoff.
The production for the spinoff concluded in May 2023, suggesting that the release date for The Walking Dead Rick Grimes spinoff may be approaching soon. The Walking Dead: Dead City premiered in June 2023, featuring Maggie and Negan in New York City. Fear the Walking Dead will wrap up its run towards the end of 2023. With the completion of filming for the Rick and Michonne spinoff movie-turned-series, it is highly likely that it will debut before the Daryl show, making an early 2024 release probable.
The Walking Dead Rick Grimes Spinoff: Cast
The Walking Dead movie, now confirmed as a 6-episode show, has expanded its cast to include Danai Gurira's Michonne and a new addition, Lesley-Ann Brandt. Brandt's character, Pearl Thorne, remains a mystery, leaving fans curious about her role. With Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira reprising their roles as Rick and Michonne, it remains to be seen if Brandt's character will be a friend or foe to the two protagonists.
Given that the spinoff is being planned as a six-part limited series, it would be logical to assume that Rick will eventually reconnect with his former family and friends, if not before the end of the series. Several key characters from the original show, such as Maggie (portrayed by Lauren Cohan) and Negan (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan), will have their own spinoff series called The Walking Dead: Dead City. Daryl (played by Norman Reedus) will also lead his own spinoff show, and considering his mission to find Rick in the final episode of The Walking Dead, it wouldn't be surprising if he accomplishes his goal.
The Walking Dead Rick Grimes Spinoff: Story
The Walking Dead movie was initially intended to revolve around Rick, but the new spinoff series takes a different direction, presenting a grand love story between Rick and Michonne. The synopsis hints at a significant reunion between the two characters, as they once again find themselves surrounded by peril and enemies, including the ever-present walkers. Teasers of the CRM engaging in a war against the dead, which entangles Rick and Michonne, clearly indicate who the antagonists of the narrative will be.
The finale of The Walking Dead also indicates that he has managed to escape from CRM only to be recaptured, suggesting that the new life he was brought to during his flight was not to his satisfaction. In Rick's final scene, the helicopter pilot, who communicates with him through the loudspeaker, hints at the presence of another human antagonist on the horizon by reminding Rick, "It's like he told you, there's no escape for the living." The identity of this "he" is yet to be revealed.
The Walking Dead Rick Grimes Spinoff: Trailer
Given that the filming for the Walking Dead spinoff has just begun and the release date is still at least a year away, it is unlikely that a trailer will be released in the near future. However, looking at AMC's history with shows like Better Call Saul and the final season of The Walking Dead, it is possible that the trailer for the Rick and Michonne spin-off will be released about a month before its premiere, following a similar timeframe.
Why The Rick Grimes Movies Are Now A Show
The decision by AMC to transform The Walking Dead movie into a show was a wise move, considering the significant changes in the entertainment industry. With the rise in popularity of streaming services and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on theatrical releases, the way people consume media has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. Disney set a precedent during the pandemic by releasing numerous projects on Disney+ instead of in theaters, prompting other studios to take note. Moreover, opting for a miniseries format allows The Walking Dead to delve into Rick's post-season 9 journey without the time constraints imposed by feature films. While many fans may have anticipated a Rick Grimes movie, a show proves to be the superior choice.