The zombie universe continues to expand, and the conclusion of the original series The Walking Dead hasn’t changed anything: what are the six spin-offs linked to the post-apocalyptic story?
The beginning of the 2010s was marked by one of the most popular comic book adaptations: that of The Walking Dead, written by Robert Kirkman and drawn by Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard.
The spectators then discovered a world plunged into the middle of a zombie apocalypse, alongside Rick Grimes, a sheriff forced to reconvert himself, despite himself, into the end-of-the-world Swiss army knife. Survivalist, charismatic leader, family man, the hero must deal with all these hats when facing the undead, but it is the humans still alive who often pose the most problem.
The series was a total success, and enjoyed 11 seasons before concluding. But the world of zombies didn’t disappear with it, as spin-offs sprung up to fill fans’ frustration.
From Fear the Walking Dead to the very recent The Ones Who Live which marks the return of Rick and Michonne, there is something to get lost in. But don’t panic: we’ll explain to you what each of the series derived from The Walking Dead is about.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (2024)
What it’s about: The Ones Who Live is the most recent spin-off in the zombie universe, and takes viewers on the trail of Rick Grimes and Michonne, in their adventures after the end of the main series. The characters did not stay until the end, actors Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira leaving The Walking Dead in seasons 9 and 10 respectively. The mini-series is therefore an opportunity to see what the lovers each did on their side.
Main cast: Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Danai Gurira as Michonne, and Pollyanna McIntosh as Jadis Stokes/Anne.
Release date: March 29, 2024 on Paramount+ (Worldwide release February 25, 2024 on AMC)
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023)
What it’s about: Daryl Dixon takes on the eponymous character, featuring as a big fan favorite in the main story. It is also an opportunity to offer spectators a change of scenery (or not), by taking the plot to France and the streets of Paris. Daryl will then have to understand how and why he found himself stranded on a French beach, and find a way to get home.
Main cast: Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon and Clémence Poésy as Isabelle Carriere.
Release date: November 10, 2023 on Paramount+ (Worldwide release September 10, 2023 on AMC)
The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023)
What it’s about: When Maggie’s son Hershel is kidnapped, she embarks on an adventure through a post-apocalyptic Manhattan. However, she is not alone in her research, since Negan accompanies her. But what was supposed to be just a rescue mission ends up turning sour as old enemies resurface.
Main cast: Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan, Gaius Charles as Perlie Armstrong, Željko Ivanek as Croatian, and Mahina Napoleon as Ginny.
Release date: June 18, 2023 on OCS/Canal+
Tales of the Walking Dead (2022)
What it’s about: Tales of the Walking Dead is an anthology series which therefore tells different stories. The viewer discovers new characters, and meets old ones from the universe of The Walking Dead. The approach is interesting, offering audiences a glimpse into parallel narratives to that of the main heroes, providing more depth to the world of the main series.
Main Cast: Terry Crews as Joe, Olivia Munn as Evie, Parker Posey as Blair Crawford, Jillian Bell as Gina, Samantha Morton as Alpha, Lauren Glazier as as Brooke, Jessie T. Usher as Davon, Loan Chabanol as Nora, Daniella Pineda as Idalia, and Danny Ramirez as Eric.
Release date: August 14, 2022 on OCS
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020)
What it’s about: World Beyond focuses on the first post-apocalyptic generation: four teenagers living in Nebraska, ten years after the end of the world, decide to abandon the security of their refuge to go save Iris’s father and Hope Bennett. The series shows how the world was rebuilt after the zombie invasion, and the impact that such an event had on a youth in full construction.
Main cast: Aliyah Royale as Iris Bennett, Alexa Mansour as Hope Bennett, Hal Cumpston as Silas Plaskett, and Nicolas Cantu as Elton Ortiz.
Release date: October 2020 to December 2021
Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
What it’s about: The first three seasons of Fear the Walking Dead follow a blended family trying to survive the zombie apocalypse. But, from the fourth season, the series changes point of view to focus on the adventures of Morgan Jones, an original character from The Walking Dead who joins a group of Texan survivors.
Main Cast: Kim Dickens as Madison Clark, Cliff Curtis as Travis Manawa, Frank Dillane as Nicholas “Nick” Clark, Alycia Debnam-Carey as Alicia Clark, Elizabeth Rodriguez as by Elizabeth “Liza” Ortiz, and Lennie James as Morgan Jones.
Release date: October 2015 to November 2023
In total, the public was treated to six spin-off series. And although the main one is officially over, the idea of restarting it has not been completely abandoned: in fact, thanks to the success of the spin-offs, The Walking Dead could (perhaps) be reborn from its ashes one day.
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