The Walking Dead Creator Files Lawsuit Against AMC

It's a zombie legalpocalypse.

By Matt Davidson

AMC is heading for the courts regarding its handling of The Walking Dead - again.

Following original showrunner Frank Darabont's lawsuit last year, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that series co-creator (and original creator of the comic book series) Robert Kirkman, along with producers Gale Anne Hurd, Glen Mazzara and David Alpert, are suing for damages, citing breach of contract, tortious interference (essentially 'messing with someone else's contract') and unfair or fraudulent business acts.

The lawsuit stems from a disagreement over the show's profits. The accusation is that AMC are selling the rights to the show for less than they're worth, whilst also overstating production costs, resulting in lower estimated profits - and since the producers are owed a certain percentage of profits made, they argue that AMC's alleged smudging of these figures is leaving them seriously underpaid.

What sets this apart from Darabont's lawsuit, which centres on similar claims, is that he filed for damages after he and AMC parted ways. In this case, all of the plaintiffs (with the exception of Glen Mazzara) are still actively working on the show, resulting in a potentially awkward working relationship until the situation is resolved.

The consequences here could be huge - Darabont is claiming that he was underpaid by $280 million. If Kirkman and the other producers are suing for similar (or likely larger, given the greater length of time they've been working on the show) amounts, this lawsuit could conceivably threaten to cost AMC over a billion dollars.

It's important to note that the suit does not yet specify how much is being sought in damages, and AMC are vigorously denying the claims whilst also professing their "respect and appreciation" for the producers, as well as pledging to continue to work with them while the lawsuit is contested.

Regardless of real-world drama, the eighth season of AMC's zombie drama premieres Sunday, October 22 on AMC.

Matt Davidson is a freelance writer for IGN who would rather face down a horde of zombies than a horde of executive lawyers. Follow him on Twitter.

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