by: The HORROR Man source: Deadline
Well this is a shocker.
According to Deadline, Frank Darabont, the creator, executive producer and director of AMC’s smash hit “The Walking Dead”, is stepping down as show-runner of the series, which is now in production on its upcoming second season. There is speculation that Darabont might be off the show completely, but Deadline states that they hear talks are still ongoing about him possibly staying on in some capacity.
Darabont, who shepherded the zombie saga to the small screen and wrote and directed the AMC pilot, hails from the feature world, and Deadline reports that he never quite adjusted to the daily grind of producing a TV series. Last December he considered forgoing a writing staff for Season 2 and assigning scripts to freelancers but ultimately went for the traditional writing staff model recommended by the network and tapped Glen Mazzara as an executive producer and his No. 2. It is unclear if “The Shield” alum Mazzara, who has showrunning experience, would now step in to run “The Walking Dead”.
Deadline reports that the behind-the-scenes turmoil has not affected production on the show, which continues as scheduled. Season 2 of “The Walking Dead” is slated to premiere October 16th.
I am a bit saddened by this news yet one must know Darabont is in his fifties and you can tell he is tired, I chatted with him ever so briefly at Comic-Con, and the man looked really haggard. So thanks for the memories Frank.
