In a recent interview with Comicbook.com, executive producer and chief creative officer Scott Gimple delved into the truth behind a popular fan theory revolving around The Walking Dead's main character, Rick Grimes. As anticipation builds for the upcoming series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, fans have been buzzing with speculation about Rick's fate and the direction of the franchise.
Gimple confirmed that the highly anticipated series will indeed feature Rick's return, shedding light on his experiences since being captured by the CRM (Civil Republic Military). Alongside Rick, fan-favorite Michonne will also make her comeback as she embarks on a mission to bring her beloved partner back home to the Virginia Communities.
One persistent fan theory suggests that Rick is still in a coma from the very first season of The Walking Dead, and the entire story is his dream. However, Gimple firmly debunked this theory ahead of The Ones Who Live's release. Although he acknowledged his love for fan theories, Gimple clarified that Rick is very much awake and actively living in the post-apocalyptic world.
The theory stems from the fact that Rick was shot in the stomach before the zombie outbreak and woke up after the world had already succumbed to the undead. A subset of fans has suggested that Rick's current reality is merely a product of his imagination, with everything being a figment of his comatose mind.
Yet, this idea is swiftly challenged by the show's focus on other characters and their unique perspectives, which Rick wouldn't be aware of if he were still in a coma. The theory's credibility further diminishes in light of the numerous spinoff series and characters who have been introduced over the years.
The impending release of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live sets the stage for a larger universe and potential convergence of these spinoffs. With this expansion, it becomes increasingly obvious that the zombie apocalypse is, in fact, happening within the show's universe. The show's continuity and the various storylines explored across different shows make it clear that Rick's coma theory holds no weight.
While the fan theory about Rick's coma may not hold true, it doesn't diminish the excitement surrounding the upcoming series and the questions it will answer. The Ones Who Live, alongside other spinoffs like Dead City and Daryl Dixon, promises to delve into uncharted territories while providing fans with more concrete and fulfilling answers about the fate of their beloved characters.
As we eagerly await the premiere of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live on February 25, 2024, it remains unknown how exactly the franchise will conclude. However, given the ongoing expansion and potential convergence of the spinoffs, we can anticipate that the future holds even more surprises and thrilling developments for fans of The Walking Dead.
In summary, the fan theory suggesting that Rick Grimes has been in a coma this whole time is officially debunked by executive producer Scott Gimple. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live and the other spinoff series will continue to explore the intricate post-apocalyptic world, providing fans with new adventures and hopefully, the satisfying conclusions they have been waiting for.
