Fans couldn’t have been more excited about a Caryl (Carol and Daryl) spin-off of the original The Walking Dead show. But the happiness was short lived, as Melissa McBride was “forced out” of the show after they moved production to Europe.
Let’s start from the beginning. The Walking Dead, which premiered on AMC in 2010, ended its run with its eleventh season this year. But that wasn’t the last we were ever going to see some of the cast, because OG Carol (Melissa McBride) and Daryl (Norman Reedus) got their own spin-off. Which was a huge relief, because they were among the most interesting characters. Plus, a very big ship in the show’s history, which never happened. So fans had their hopes up for the Caryl spin-off.
But fans’ happiness was short lived, because Melissa McBride announced she would be leaving the show. But she was so into it at the beginning, what happened? Well, they are relocating to Europe. Which makes fans think that they kind of “forced” McBride out when she didn’t agree to move her family to a different continent.
The network announced the decision on Wednesday in a statement: “Melissa McBride has given life to one of the most interesting, real, human and popular characters in The Walking Dead Universe. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to participate in the previously announced spinoff focused on the Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier characters, which will be set and filmed in Europe this summer and premiere next year. Relocating to Europe became logistically untenable for Melissa at this time. We know fans will be disappointed by this news, but The Walking Dead Universe continues to grow and expand in interesting ways and we very much hope to see Carol again in the near future.“
However, the show will go on as a solo series with Reedus as lead actor. Fans had been speculating it might’ve had something to do with the fact that his partner, Diane Kruger, will be filming in France. The rumors will remain just rumors, though, and there’s no way to confirm he had anything to do with the relocation.
Then, the hell broke lose, even worse than the apocalypse portrayed on the AMC show. Multiple fans accused Reedus as being the main problem, and more, which prompted several responses from the cast and network.
One of them, from Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who played Negan on the show. He called fans “toxic” as he defended his co-star. He wrote on Twitter: “Some of you have gone WAY too far. Attacking Norm for crap he has NOTHING to do with? Melissa made a call that was hers alone. She wants/needs a break. Respect that. Factors involved that are nobody’s business. Norm, who’s given more than anyone to you all. Just SHITTY.”
Some of you have gone WAY too far. TOXIC. Attacking norm for crap he has NOTHING to do with? Melissa made a call that was hers alone. She wants/needs a break. Respect that. Factors involved that are nobody’s business. Norm, who’s given more than anyone to you all. Just SHITTY.
— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) April 29, 2022
AMC also shared a statement that pretty much sums up what Morgan said: “We would like to acknowledge the response to this week’s news related to the previously announced Daryl and Carol TWD spinoff. Norman Reedus is being unfairly targeted and attacked in social media for a decision he had no part in.“
It continued: “Melissa McBride decided she could not participate in the series because relocating to Europe became logistically untenable for her. It is inappropriate to direct negativity and anger at another cast member for a disappointing outcome he had nothing to do with.“
They ended: “Carol is a beloved & vital character and we are working to find a way for fans to again follow her story, as only Melissa could give life to, in the expanding universe around The Walking Dead. The fans have always been the driving force behind #TWDFamily and always will be.“
However, the show will go on without the “vital and beloved” character. Which made a lot of fans mad at AMC concerning the Caryl spin-off.
Also read: Norman Reedus Talks Upcoming Spin-Off, Shares Melissa McBride Is Taking “Time Off”
Yes, I know AMC hadn’t confirmed the location for the Caryl spin-off previously. But, according to Deadline, “scripts for the spinoff were pretty far down the line before McBride’s departure.” Which might indicate the filming location has just been announced, or has been changed recently, which made Melissa drop out for this exact reason.
Yes, I agree some fans take it to extremes and bully the stars, which is absolutely wrong, and I don’t condone any of this. Reedus might have something to do with the change, but then again, he might have not. He just might agree to keep playing Daryl for the sake of the fans. He was willing to relocate, whereas McBride wasn’t. Which is well within their rights. Obviously, there can be lots of reasons behind the relocation, and AMC didn’t give us more details into that.
But people can’t help but wonder why it’s more important to keep filming in Europe. Instead they could focus on keeping one of the promised lead stars on the show. Which does raise a lot of questions.
Hey @AMC_TV, did you ever consider defending Melissa McBride even once over the past 12 years from all the abuse she faced or just your male lead for being rightfully called out? For the record, you didn’t. Keep defending your ageism and misogyny tho. We see you @WalkingDead_AMC
— Lex (Pascal Siakam 4 All-NBA) (@garyssidestep) April 30, 2022
Well, hello there. Both Angela Kang and Melissa McBride put in situations that made working on this project untenable. Imagine that. 👀
— Sarah J. Crist (@ubiquitousurn) April 30, 2022
“[New] deal was sealed in recent weeks” // “Scripts for the [Caryl] spinoff were pretty far down the line”
WE BEEN KNEW 💯 #Caryl pic.twitter.com/JbQUMEqjuS
where are the stans who said melissa mcbride always knew it would he set in europe now that publications are saying scripts were ready before they suddenly moved the spin-off to europe? i guess it’s easier to blame women even after the info was confirmed many times 😁
— ari (@queencarolpls) April 30, 2022
When the male actor receives harassment you immediately defend him when Sarah Wayne, Melissa McBride, Lauren C, Lauren R, Danai Gurira, Laurie Holden, Emily Kinney and many other actresses were constantly harassed, it was just another day at work. Double standards https://t.co/0s9Ivyys2o
— Sunshine_Dreamer🐬🌺🌸 (@MandellaMary) April 30, 2022
Some are concerned that we’re looking to force @mcbridemelissa back into this. Not our intention 💗 We want to ensure that she hasn’t been strong armed into making a decision. We want WHATEVER Melissa McBride wants & will keep dialogue open until she expresses otherwise. https://t.co/6YJdixfGvk
— WeAin’tAshesCollective (@WeAintAshesCLTV) April 30, 2022
By uniting fans that feel cheated out of Carol/Caryl’s story, we hope that if this wasn’t Melissa McBride’s choice alone, it forces @AMC_TV to look at their actions & reopen negotiations to her. We can’t ensure she speaks, as it’s likely hard for her right now, but if we’re [1] https://t.co/CuVOhbgWGO
— WeAin’tAshesCollective (@WeAintAshesCLTV) April 30, 2022
AMC lacks credibility. A network that no longer delivers the stories fans want & aren’t loyal to the female talent. Melissa McBride, Angela Kang, Laurie Holden, Sarah Wayne Callies + SO MANY MORE deserved better. Where was the supportive intervention when it counted most? https://t.co/AbtKEL7gKl
— eloise she/her (@MustBeMythtaken) April 30, 2022
Don’t betray your most passionate fanbase. Melissa McBride is so loved. She’s the heart, the hook that keeps us coming back. She’s that one of a kind spark this story needs to continue! Don’t underestimate her worth or the loyalty of her fans. Fix this @AMC_TV or lose us #caryl https://t.co/FeEVL5Kh9s
— eloise she/her (@MustBeMythtaken) April 30, 2022
Norman Reedus made a decision to continue with the show knowing Melissa McBride could not. That decision had everything to do with him. And instead of repeating yourself maybe explain WHY the show was moved to Europe, knowing one half of the show could not move there? https://t.co/u6XZoLv4LS
— Ikkleosu (@IkklesaTwit) April 29, 2022
What is your take on it? Let me know in the comments below.
That’s more drama than the show has
How’s Daryl gonna get to Europe on his bike? Another headboard floating out there and no room for Carol?
I have not watched since Rick departed ( as Andrew Lincoln was show impo) but keep up with news. Why film in Europe when show is American legend?
Beats me, really. I doubt he’ll find a plane or boat with enough fuel to cross the ocean, but who knows?
I loved the Carol character, but, if it’s pissing off all the Liberal Feminazis, then it’s a great thing. Y’all live way too much through make believe people and believe the Actors and their Characters, are one and the same. Not every actor is like their character, but you people think they are. Get a life & Grow up. Maybe, just maybe, the actress knew all along and none of it was made public. They don’t owe us a damn thing!
It’s also a possibility that McBride knew all along, but AMC did argue that she opted out because of the relocation.