40 Facts About The Walking Dead

The Origins of The Walking Dead

"The Walking Dead" has captivated audiences for years with its gripping storylines and complex characters. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic series.

1. Comic Book Beginnings: The series is based on a comic book created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. It first appeared in 2003.

2. AMC's Gamble: AMC took a risk by adapting the comic into a TV series in 2010. It paid off, becoming one of the network's most successful shows.

3. Frank Darabont's Vision: Frank Darabont, known for "The Shawshank Redemption," developed the TV adaptation and directed the pilot episode.

4. Original Title: The comic was initially going to be called "Dead Planet" before settling on "The Walking Dead."

5. Kirkman's Inspiration: Robert Kirkman was inspired by George A. Romero's zombie films, particularly "Night of the Living Dead."

The Cast and Characters

The characters of "The Walking Dead" are as memorable as the zombies they fight. Here are some intriguing facts about the cast and their roles.

6. Andrew Lincoln's Accent: Andrew Lincoln, who plays Rick Grimes, is British. He perfected his Southern American accent for the role.

7. Norman Reedus' Audition: Norman Reedus originally auditioned for the role of Merle Dixon but was cast as Daryl Dixon, a character created specifically for him.

8. Chandler Riggs' Age: Chandler Riggs, who played Carl Grimes, was just 10 years old when he started on the show.

9. Melissa McBride's Background: Melissa McBride, who portrays Carol, was initially a casting director before becoming a series regular.

10. Lauren Cohan's Dual Role: Lauren Cohan, who plays Maggie Greene, also starred in another supernatural series, "Supernatural," as Bela Talbot.

Behind the Scenes

The magic of "The Walking Dead" happens both in front of and behind the camera. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts that might surprise you.

11. Zombie School: Actors playing zombies had to attend "zombie school" to learn how to move and act like the undead.

12. Makeup Mastery: Greg Nicotero, the show's special effects makeup artist, has worked on numerous horror films, including "Day of the Dead."

13. Filming Location: The series is primarily filmed in Georgia, taking advantage of the state's diverse landscapes.

14. Walker Extras: Many of the extras who play walkers are fans of the show, eager to be part of the "Walking Dead" universe.

15. Realistic Effects: The show uses a mix of practical effects and CGI to create the gruesome walker scenes.

Plot Twists and Turns

"The Walking Dead" is known for its shocking plot twists and heart-wrenching moments. Here are some facts about the show's most memorable twists.

16. Sophia's Fate: The reveal of Sophia as a walker in season 2 was one of the show's most shocking moments.

17. Governor's Eye Patch: The Governor's eye patch was inspired by the comic book character, who also loses an eye.

18. Terminus Cannibals: The storyline involving the cannibals at Terminus was directly lifted from the comics.

19. Negan's Introduction: Negan's brutal introduction in season 6, where he kills Glenn and Abraham, is one of the most talked-about scenes.

20. Rick's Departure: Rick Grimes' departure in season 9 was a significant turning point for the series.

Cultural Impact

"The Walking Dead" has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Here are some ways the show has influenced the world.

21. Zombie Craze: The show's success sparked a renewed interest in zombie-themed media, including movies, books, and video games.

22. Merchandise: "The Walking Dead" has spawned a vast array of merchandise, from action figures to clothing.

23. Fan Conventions: The series has inspired numerous fan conventions, where fans can meet cast members and participate in themed activities.

24. Spin-Offs: The success of the original series led to spin-offs like "Fear the Walking Dead" and "The Walking Dead: World Beyond."

25. Parodies: The show has been parodied in various media, including "Saturday Night Live" and "Robot Chicken."

Awards and Recognition

"The Walking Dead" has received numerous accolades over the years. Here are some highlights of its achievements.

26. Emmy Awards: The show has won several Emmy Awards, particularly for its outstanding makeup and special effects.

27. Golden Globe Nominations: It has also received Golden Globe nominations for Best Television Series – Drama.

28. Saturn Awards: The series has been a frequent winner at the Saturn Awards, which honor science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

29. People's Choice Awards: "The Walking Dead" has won multiple People's Choice Awards, reflecting its popularity with viewers.

30. Critics' Choice Awards: The show has also been recognized by the Critics' Choice Television Awards for its performances and production quality.

Fun Facts

Let's end with some fun and quirky facts about "The Walking Dead" that you might not know.

31. Walker Cameos: Some of the show's producers and writers have made cameo appearances as walkers.

32. Daryl's Crossbow: Daryl Dixon's crossbow has become an iconic weapon, and Norman Reedus has kept several as souvenirs.

33. Walker Blood: The blood used for walkers is made from a mix of corn syrup, food coloring, and other edible ingredients.

34. Hidden Messages: The show often includes hidden messages and Easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans to spot.

35. Zombie Sound Effects: The eerie sounds made by walkers are created by voice actors and sound designers.

36. Dog's Role: In later seasons, Daryl's dog, named Dog, became a fan favorite and even has his own stunt double.

37. Comic Book Differences: While the show follows the comic's general storyline, there are significant differences, including character fates and plot points.

38. Theme Song: The haunting theme song was composed by Bear McCreary, who also worked on "Battlestar Galactica."

39. Walker Evolution: The appearance of walkers has evolved over the seasons to show their gradual decay.

40. Final Season: The eleventh season, which aired in 2021, marked the end of the main series, but the "Walking Dead" universe continues to expand with new projects.

Final Thoughts on The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead has captivated audiences for over a decade with its gripping storylines, complex characters, and intense survival scenarios. From the iconic zombie apocalypse to the intricate relationships between survivors, the show has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Fans have been treated to countless memorable moments, shocking twists, and emotional farewells. The series has also spawned spin-offs, video games, and a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow. Whether you're a long-time viewer or new to the world of walkers, there's always something new to discover. As the series evolves, it remains a testament to the resilience of humanity and the enduring fight for survival. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride through this post-apocalyptic world. The journey may be over, but the legacy of The Walking Dead lives on.