As one production wraps, another begins forThe Walking DeadstarJeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays the villain with a 180 redemption arc, Negan Smith. On July 17 the actor teased the start of production to his next project with the TWD Universe,Isle of the Dead, which he will be starring in with co-starLauren Cohen,who plays Maggie Rhee. For fans of the post-apocalyptic series, Morgan may have dropped a few sneaky hints on his Twitter in regard to theIslecast, as well.
Collider first reportedon the new addition to the TWD world in March, when news broke that following the conclusion of the hit AMC seriesThe Walking Dead’s eleventh and final season, the two stars would be heading an all-new project titledIsle of the Dead. With the final season coming to an end in the fall, Morgan posted a photo of the brand-new script for their upcoming miniseries spinoff, the fifth in the franchise, to let fans know that the end doesn’t necessarily have to mean goodbye. The script for the pilot episode, the first of six, includes writerEli Jornéand the director of the episodeLoren Yaconelli, and Morgan captioned it, “Here we go… xxJD…”
Isle of the Deadwill feature Morgan, CohenandGaius Charlesserving as the antagonist. Charles is best known for his role as Brian “Smash” Williams inFriday Night Lights, and is said to play the character of Perlie Armstrong, a ruthless family man who serves up unflinching justice, as he sees fit. Described as patient, with interspersed humor, Armstrong sounds like someone you don’t want to make an enemy out of. The miniseries will take place in New York City, specifically in a crumbling Manhattan, where the latest cast of survivors and walkers have created their own new world. How Negan and Maggie’s reception will be handled is yet to be revealed, but if it’s anything like Negan’s first impression, their welcome may not be so warm.
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When the series was first announced, Morgan had high praise for the upcoming spinoff:
“I’m delighted that Negan and Maggie’s journey continues. It’s been such a ride walking in Negan’s shoes, I’m beyond excited to continue his journey in New York City with Lauren. Walkers in an urban setting has always been such a cool image, but 5th Avenue, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty? The greatest city in the world?? The backdrop is amazing, but it’s the story that Eli Jorné cooked up that is even better. Buckle up folks,Isle of the Deadis going to reinvent the TWD Universe. Huge thank you to Dan McDermott, Scott Gimple and AMC for having us back for more… we simply can’t wait.”
Though a full cast has not been announced yet, Morgan did slyly suggest that fans of the franchise’s L.A.-based spinoffFear the Walking Deadmay be in for a surprise. After a seven-season run,FearstarAlycia Debnam-Careyannounced her exit from the show, to many fans' disappointment. Shortly after, Morgan posted a tribute to “…the incredible Debnam-Carey,” on his Twitter, musing what might be next for the actress. Along with praise for her work, Morgan quipped that the AMC family would miss Debnam-Carey, and mysteriously added that they would “patiently await” her return. Clearly Morgan is a fan of riling fans up because he then asked, “How do you feel about New York?”
According to the script’s cover on Morgan’s Instagram, the first episode ofIsle of the Deadwill be directed by Yaconelli, who has previous experience with the AMC apocalyptic world. Prior to the “Warlords” episode ofThe Walking Dead, Yaconelli directed a number of episodes for the spinoffThe Walking Dead: World Beyond, which focused on the generation that grew up during the post-apocalypse years.Isleis written by Jorné, best known for his work with FX seriesWilfredstarringElijah Wood.
The final season ofThe Walking Deadwill premiere on AMC on August 22, following theirpanel at the 2022 San Diego Comic-Con. Check out Morgan’s post below, and check out the trailer for the TWD franchise’s next spinoffTales of the Walking Dead, premiering August 14, ahead of the season finale:
