AMC Defends Norman Reedus Against 'Toxic' Fan Backlash

Earlier this week, fans of “The Walking Dead” learned that star Melissa McBride would not be starring in the long-awaited spin-off series with Norman Reedus. 

Frustrated fans immediately took to social media to blame Reedus for her departure.

On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter shared a statement by AMC, which stated, “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.”

They continued, “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.”

Although the show was first announced in 2020, the details of where the show hadn't been ironed out yet. It was only recently announced that the show would be filming in Europe, which seems impossible for Melissa to do at this time. The flagship series has been filming in Atlanta, Georgia, for the past ten years.

For some reason, fans felt that it was Norman's fault that the show was being filmed in Europe, and blamed him for causing Melissa to leave the show. Both AMC and Jeffrey Dean Morgan quickly took to social media to reveal that those rumors just weren't true.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who plays Neegan on the show, was clearly not happy about the fan backlash being thrown Norman's way.

"Some of you have gone WAY too far. TOXIC," he tweeted. "Attacking norm for c--- 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 S------."

Another user commented on his post, writing, "Can’t say I’m surprised how quick people turn on someone they’ve claimed to be fans of for years. People suck. Even IF Norman decided to relocate to be with his fam, that’s totally understandable. They supported him in Georgia. I doubt any decisions were made lightly."

JDM saw the post and replied, "Norman had nothing to do with picking location. That decision is all about story, ideas… MONEY. That’s studio/network. Not actors. We can say yes and do, or no, and not do… MAYBE. SOMETIMES. If we’re lucky and don’t have contract yet. Rarely does actor have that power."

On Friday, AMC also chimed in to make an official statement and set the record straight, confirming that Norman had absolutely nothing to do with Melissa leaving the show or the decision to film in Europe.

AMC also released a statement, saying, "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."

They 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 concluded, "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."

The spin-off series is still expected to be released sometime in 2023.