Earlier this week, AMC announced that Melissa McBride was stepping away from The Walking Dead‘s upcoming spinoff centered on her character, Carol Peletier, and Norman Reedus’ Daryl Dixon. The news was a surprise, especially since AMC has been developing the show for at least a year and a half. But even more shocking was the reaction from several Walking Dead fans. Many viewers somehow got the idea that Reedus was to blame for departure. Now, AMC is hoping to clear the air with a brand new statement.
When AMC made its initial announcement, the network revealed that the upcoming spinoff will film in Europe. Unfortunately, McBride found it “logistically untenable” to move there at this time. Some fans then assumed that it was Reedus’ idea to move the show overseas and immediately began attacking him online. But AMC insists that Reedus is undeserving of any backlash. You can read their full statement below.
A statement from AMC and TWD:
We would like to acknowledge the response to this week’s news related to the previously announced Daryl and Carol TWD spinoff. Norman Reedus is being unfairly targeted and attacked in social media for a decision he had no part in. (1/3)
— AMC-TV (@AMC_TV) April 29, 2022
Carol is a beloved & vital character and we are working to find a way for fans to again follow her story, as only Melissa could give life to, in the expanding universe around The Walking Dead. The fans have always been the driving force behind #TWDFamily and always will be. (3/3)
— AMC-TV (@AMC_TV) April 29, 2022
RELATED: Melissa McBride Drops Out of The Walking Dead’s Carol and Daryl Spinoff
AMC execs aren’t the only ones who came to Reedus’ defense today. His TWD co-star, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, also issued a more blunt response to any “toxic” fans who accused Reedus of any wrongdoing. Morgan is also set to reprise his role as Negan in another Walking Dead spinoff, Isle of the Dead, which finds him and Lauren Cohan’s Maggie exploring a post-apocalyptic Manhattan.
Some of you have gone WAY too far. TOXIC. Attacking norm for crap he has NOTHING to do with? Melissa made a call that was hers alone. She wants/needs a break. Respect that. Factors involved that are nobody’s business. Norm, who’s given more than anyone to you all. Just SHITTY.
— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) April 29, 2022
What do you make of this latest Walking Dead controversy? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
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