It's no shock that The Walking Dead has officially been renewed for Season 4. In fact, given what a huge hit it is, it's odd it took this long for AMC to make it official. But there was a big surprise in the press release AMC just put out announcing the renewal: Executive Producer/Showrunner Glen Mazzara is leaving the series. Mazzara of course replaced original showrunner Frank Darabont, in what was a widely-publicized shakeup behind-the-scenes on the series.
The press release reads:
"AMC also jointly announces with Glen Mazzara today that for future seasons, the two parties have mutually decided to part ways. Glen guided the series creatively for seasons 2 and 3. AMC is grateful for his hard work. We are both proud of our shared success.
Both parties acknowledge that there is a difference of opinion about where the show should go moving forward, and conclude that it is best to part ways. This decision is amicable and Glen will remain on for post-production on season 3B as showrunner and executive producer."
Glen Mazzara has released the following statement: "My time as showrunner on The Walking Dead has been an amazing experience, but after I finish season 3, it’s time to move on. I have told the stories I wanted to tell and connected with our fans on a level that I never imagined. It doesn’t get much better than that. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey."
The Walking Dead's creator, Robert Kirkman, has released his own statement as well: "I am in full support of both AMC and Glen Mazzara in the decision they have come to and believe the parties came to this decision in the best interest of the future of the show. I thank Glen for his hard work and appreciate his many contributions to The Walking Dead and look forward to working with him as we complete post production on Season 3. I am also excited to begin work on another spectacular season of this show that I know means so much to so many people. This show has always been the result of a wide range of extremely talented men and women working tirelessly to produce their best work collectively. I believe the future is bright for The Walking Dead. Thank you to the fans for your continued support."
Lastly, Gale Anne Hurd, who continues on as an executive producer, said in her statement, "“I am appreciative and grateful to Glen for his hard work on The Walking Dead. I am supportive of AMC and Glen's decision and know that the series is in great hands with one of the most talented and dedicated casts and crews in the business. I look forward to the show's continued success.”"
For such a big hit -- this fall it achieved the astounding feat of becoming the biggest scripted series on television among among adults 18-49 -- The Walking Dead has been through a lot of creative turbulence in its three seasons on the air. Darabont was replaced by AMC in the first half of Season 2, with Mazzara (who was already writing for the series) taking his place as showrunner. It's not clear yet who will replace Mazzara for the fourth season and if it will be someone already working on the series or someone brand new to The Walking Dead.
Source : feeds[dot]ign[dot]com
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