Robert Kirkman and his fellow producers of The Walking Dead secured a huge legal battle win. The post-apocalyptic horror series has become one of the biggest franchises, spawning multiple installments and spin-offs. As many fans know, Kirkman is the co-creator of the original comic book series and has also been the producer on several projects within the franchise. 

While the franchise continues to remain strong, there has also been a major legal battle that has been quietly going on behind the scenes. Kirkman and four other producers have been involved in a legal fight against AMC Networks for nearly a decade. Now, after several years, the producers have finally managed to close the chapter with a massive win.

Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, Charles Eglee, and Glen Mazzara are the five producers of The Walking Dead who sued AMC Networks over unpaid profits. A federal trial was scheduled to begin in October this year. However, before that, both parties were able to reach a $120 million settlement. 

As released in a securities filing, AMC Networks is expected to pay $85 million this month and another $35 million by January 31, 2027. Now, this settlement comes after a lengthy nine-year legal battle that began when the producers first sued AMC Networks in 2017. They alleged the company used “modified adjusted gross receipts,” a method they claimed was designed to reduce what they were paid, as per Variety. 

Similar allegations were reportedly made earlier by show creator Frank Darabont and CAA. In 2022, a judge ruled that AMC Networks did not cheat the producers. However, around the same time, AMC settled with Darabont and CAA for $200 million. This settlement saw the producers’ lawyers raise questions about it and the producers’ “most favored nation” clause. This has now ended with the group securing a $120 million payout. 

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While the legal battle is finally over, The Walking Dead franchise continues to move forward. It remains active, with one of its popular series expected to wrap up next year.

During San Diego Comic-Con 2025, AMC announced that The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon would return for a fourth season. This will also be the show's final season. This upcoming season will focus on Daryl and Carol as they continue their journey through Spain and attempt to find their way home. 

Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride are expected to reprise their roles. While AMC has not announced an exact release date, Season 4 is expected to arrive in 2027. AMC has also released the first few looks at the upcoming season, hinting at what to expect from the final chapter.

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