This past week, AMC released the news that The Walking Dead actress Melissa McBride, who has played Carol on the flagship series since its first season, has departed the anticipated spinoff series that was set to focus on Carol and Daryl (Norman Reedus).
It wasn’t a huge shock to many fans, as McBride has said in interviews that she was anticipating the end of her 12-year run on TWD so she could spend more time with her kids and grandkids. But some fans were apparently very surprised and took to Twitter to somehow blame Norman Reedus for the split, as if he had something to do with her decision.
After a storm of negative comments made toward the actor, fellow Walking Dead star and good friend of Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Negan on the show, called out some fans for their behavior, saying:
“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.”
AMC then released an official statement on the subject as well, saying:
“A statement from AMC and TWD: 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. 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. 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.”
I’m glad they set the record straight. I don’t know why anyone would be angry with an actor for not signing on to do any intensive series after they finished a 12-year run on a show, much less why they would blame their co-star who is probably bummed about the change.
Sources are saying that the series will proceed, being just about Reedus’s character, Daryl Dixon, but stay tuned to find out how it will all pan out.