Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Walking Dead season 11 episode 23The Walking Dead showrunner Angela Kang opens up about how the final episode of the flagship series will set up 2023's spinoff shows. The Walking Dead is set to end next week with an extended finale, promising a conclusion to every character's story as they battle a massive herd of Walkers within the walls of the Commonwealth. In addition to ending the main show, The Walking Dead series finale will also be setting up three spinoffs set to air next year. All of the new zombie franchise shows will follow sets of characters after the events of the main series' final episodes.
In an interview with Deadline, Kang explains how The Walking Dead series finale will set the stage for spinoffs, while also bringing some closure to the long-running zombie series. While she isn't specific about any details, Kang hints that the Daryl Dixon spinoff, as well as The Walking Dead: Dead City, will begin with big surprises for viewers. Check out her full statement below:
It’s a little of both. The approach we took was like we’ve got to close this chapter in some way, but it’s closing a chapter with leaving a door open. But that said, I believe… well, I know in one case, like, without saying too much, the Daryl spinoff is going to start with like a big twist, and I’m pretty sure Maggie/Negan does too, so it’s not necessarily going to be exactly what you expect from this to that.
What We Know About The Walking Dead Spinoffs
Kang's statement about The Walking Dead series finale indicates that, while there will be a proper ending to the show, there will be just enough questions left unanswered for viewers excited to see where the franchise goes next. The first of these spinoffs, Dead City, will see Negan and Maggie in New York City for unknown reasons. Since filming for The Walking Dead spinoff wrapping in late October, Dead City appears to be the show viewers will get more information about sooner rather than later. With Kang expecting a twist at the start of the series, it appears a major event will be driving the unlikely duo toward the Big Apple.
The second spinoff - which is currently filming in France - is Daryl Dixon, set to follow Daryl after he is taken to France against his will with no knowledge of how he got there. This series promises to tie into the final scene of another spinoff, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, which revealed the existence of faster, more aggressive variant zombies in France. Casting information for Daryl Dixon reveals Daryl will come across a woman named Isabelle, who is part of a religious group, and Quinn, a nightclub owner and black market dealer. While the story of Daryl Dixon is still shrouded in mystery, Kang's statement indicates the spinoff's secrets may continue to elude viewers even after the flagship series comes to a close. The Walking Dead's final episode may set up Daryl's next journey, but it may not be until the start of his spinoff that viewers learn more about how he gets to France.
The final, highly anticipated spinoff will see the return of Rick and Michonne after both characters left the main series in seasons 9 and 10, respectively. Possibly touting the title Rick & Michonne, the spinoff has been billed as a love story between the two characters, exploring Rick's journey after being captured by the CRM and Michonne's quest to find him. The spinoff, co-created by Michonne actor Danai Gurira, begins filming in January of next year. While this spinoff is the least likely to be hinted at in the finale, given Rick and Michonne's absence on the main show, it's possible an after-credits scene could set up their new series. Kang's promise that The Walking Dead series finale will give viewers closure while setting up the franchise's future is a good sign for fans who want to see the series end properly, and for viewers who want to stick around and see what happens next.
Source: Deadline