Scott Gimple and AMC executives say the universe could continue for another generation
Summary
– The Walking Dead celebrated its 15th anniversary with a special panel at MIPCOM
– Scott Gimple compared the franchise’s growth to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
– AMC believes the series could keep expanding for another 15 years or more
The Walking Dead has reached a milestone few television franchises ever achieve. As AMC celebrates 15 years since the original series premiere in 2010, network executives and creative leaders are making it clear that the story of survival is far from over.
At a retrospective panel during MIPCOM, The Walking Dead chief content officer Scott Gimple reflected on the show’s journey and the shared storytelling that has defined it. Comparing the franchise’s structure to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Gimple said the goal has always been to build a connected world with layered characters and overlapping stories that fans can follow for decades.
AMC Networks President Dan McDermott echoed that ambition, telling the audience that The Walking Dead could still go strong well into the 2040s. “It’s quite possible we could see this group up here 15 years from now,” McDermott said, referring to Gimple and longtime stars Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride, who appeared alongside him at the event.
From its beginnings with Robert Kirkman’s graphic novels to its expansion into seven television series, The Walking Dead universe has evolved into one of the most successful franchises in modern TV. Its spinoffs — including Fear the Walking Dead, Tales of the Walking Dead, Daryl Dixon, Dead City, and The Ones Who Live — have kept the brand alive while exploring new corners of its post-apocalyptic world.
As for fan favorites Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon, the question of a reunion remains open. Norman Reedus noted at San Diego Comic-Con that while Daryl Dixon’s story began with him searching for Rick, there are no immediate plans for the two to cross paths again. Still, he didn’t completely rule it out, leaving hope for a future crossover.
With AMC’s long-term vision and an audience still hungry for new stories, The Walking Dead looks ready to continue evolving for years.
