Could The Walking Dead Find New Life on Broadway?
Summary
– Danai Gurira and Scott M. Gimple discuss a musical adaptation of The Walking Dead.
– Rights issues and story complexity pose significant obstacles.
– Fans remain intrigued by the possibility of a theatrical adaptation.
Danai Gurira, renowned for her portrayal of Michonne in The Walking Dead series, recently opened up about the potential for a Broadway musical adaptation of the popular franchise. In an interview with SFX Magazine, Gurira mentioned that she and Scott M. Gimple, The Walking Dead’s Chief Content Officer, have entertained the idea. However, much of their conversation has been lighthearted and joking.
Gurira emphasized the challenges such a project would face, most notably securing the necessary rights from the comic’s creator, Robert Kirkman. “Scott and I have chatted about it, which is ridiculous,” Gurira said. “He’s just said we don’t have the rights to it. I’m like, well, let’s talk to Robert Kirkman, see what he says to that. I mean, we’re largely just joking around, but stranger things have been done, and I do love the theatre.”
Another significant hurdle would be condensing the sprawling and intricate storyline of The Walking Dead into a concise two- or three-hour format suitable for a stage play. The series, which includes the main show, six spin-offs, games, and more, presents a vast amount of content that would be difficult to adapt into a single theatrical production.
Despite these challenges, the idea has sparked curiosity and excitement among fans of the series. The Walking Dead universe has continued to grow, with the recent premiere of the spin-off series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which features the long-awaited reunion between Michonne and Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln. The show has been well-received, further proving the franchise’s enduring popularity.
Gurira’s enthusiasm for the theater and her fondness for the material suggest that, while a Broadway adaptation of The Walking Dead might be a long shot, it remains a fascinating possibility. She noted, “It’s about how do you confine it to something because it’s just so much story. So it would really be, how do you confine it to a good two- or three-hour play?”
For now, fans can enjoy the various ongoing and upcoming projects within The Walking Dead universe, including the highly anticipated second seasons of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and The Walking Dead: Dead City. These series, the main show, and other spin-offs continue to explore new narratives and character arcs, keeping the fan base engaged and eager for more.
