'Walking Dead' Writer Tells New York Comic Con: Showrunner Change 'Wasn't Even Really A Hiccup'

Getty Images; AMC

NEW YORK - The departures of Walking Dead showrunner Frank Darabont hasn't had a major effect on the AMC show, writer Robert Kirkman told New York Comic Con here on Sunday.

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Asked how much impact the departure had on the series and the direction of season two, Kirkman said "not a lot actually."

Describing the departure as "a really unfortunate situation," he said "I miss Frank on the show - it was a lot of fun working with him."

But "the transition from him to Glen Mazzara was seemless," he added, highlighting that he and both men had plotted out the second season together early this year. "It wasn't even really a hiccup."

Kirkman also pointed out that showrunner changes just happen in television, mentioning several changes at Dexter.

Addressing budget concerns that some people had written about online, Kirkman said he had none. "I have seen 10 episodes of the second season, and it's going to blow you guys away," he told the New York Comic Con crowd. "The production values are top-notch, and there is all kinds of crazy stuff that you wouldn't expect to see on television."

Kirkman also told fans that "we don't know if there will be a season three yet." But given that the second season premieres Sunday night, "we'll probably find out on Monday."

One attendee of the event ask Kirkman if it was true that The Walking Dead could leave AMC.

"Don't start a rumor you've never heard," he said in response. "That is never going to happen."

Kirkman also lauded AMC for giving him creative freedom to be edgy and push the envelope. And he recalled being frustrated when  working with Marvel's comic book unit in the past by the placement of ads and other issues that bothered him.

Asked about his favorite TV shows, Kirkman said he likes watching Sons of Anarchy with his wife after they put their two kids to bed, he likes Breaking Bad, Always Sunny in Philadelphia and American Horror Story.

Kirkman also highlighted that a Deadman Walking video game will be released early next year.

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai