Showrunner Frank Darabont got the ball rolling, and for that AMC should be eternally grateful, but that's not how they came across when they unceremoniously fired Darabont during a lunch meeting with various members of the crew. The budget for the show was about to be slashed at the time by the network, despite its success, and while Darabont soldiered on, they began to meddle in how the show was produced. Network executives wanted close, indoor scenes as opposed to long, vast, outdoor shots to save money, and even asked whether the walkers had to be on-screen every time and whether they could just use sounds instead on occasions. But years later, does Darabont still feel jilted by his departure? When Variety asked whether he still watched the show he replied: Oh God no, why would I? If the woman you loved with all your heart left you for the Pilates instructor and just sent you an invitation to the wedding, would you go? Theres a deep commitment and emotional investment that happens when you create something that is very near and dear to you, and when that is torn asunder by sociopaths who dont give a shit about your feelings or the feelings of your cast and crew because they have their own reasons to screw everybody, that doesnt feel good.
What Culture contributor. NCTJ accredited Sports Journalist. Regret-filled Sunderland AFC season ticket holder. Optimism-filled NFL fan. Lover of all things Game Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Walking Dead & more.
