Although Rick Grimes’ return to The Walking Dead franchise proved to be successful, it did create one major issue with a potential crossover show.

With The Walking Dead‘s recent spinoffs finding huge success, rumors of a crossover show have continued to circulate, but Rick Grimes’ return has created a huge obstacle for the series. After the main show ended, The Walking Dead continued through spinoffs, which created speculation about a potential crossover show. While there has been no confirmation this series will happen, Andrew Lincoln responded to rumors about the crossover event with Scott Gimple also mentioning a potential Walking Dead crossover. Having two of the franchise’s most influential figures address this proposed idea means it could be on the cards in the future.

However, despite the crossover show’s potential, the concept now faces one major problem. Although there have been several hints at The Walking Dead‘s building towards a crossover event, The Ones Who Live may have just eliminated one of its most essential factors. Rick and Michonne returning to the franchise was a massive boost for The Walking Dead as it helped bring some nostalgia back to the series, but despite the spinoff delivering a powerful story for two of the franchise’s most important characters, it may have wiped out any chance of a crossover in the process.

The CRM Was The Perfect Walking Dead Crossover Villain – And Now It’s Gone

The CRM Looked To Be The Walking Dead’s Biggest Threat So Far Until Rick & Michonne Defeated Them

The CRM was perfectly poised to be the main villain in The Walking Dead crossover, but this can no longer happen. The Ones Who Live‘s ending showcased Rick and Michonne battling the CRM, with the protagonists successfully defeating the villainous faction. The spinoff’s finale suggested that, despite there still being some CRM spies in other communities, the main faction had been liberated and was now under the control of the Civic Republic. Therefore, Rick killing Major General Beale and foiling his plans to have one supreme community means the military group is no longer a threat.

Since the CRM subtly featured in season 1 of The Walking Dead, the franchise had clearly been building towards the CRM becoming the show’s biggest threat yet. They featured in the main show, Fear The Walking Dead, and World Beyond before Rick and Michonne’s spinoff, proving they were a big deal. The CRM was the most powerful and organized group in the US so far, positioning the villainous military faction to become the perfect villains for a crossover. However, they were defeated easily in The Ones Who Live, which leaves the franchise without a central antagonist.

Who Could Be The Walking Dead’s Crossover Villain Now?

The Walking Dead Still Have Some Interesting Choices For A Crossover Villain

Custom Image by Sam MacLennan

With The Walking Dead in need of a new villain, it raises questions over who will be the antagonist for the potential crossover. Designation 2 remains an option, as the group was teased in season 11 but never fully revealed. Lance Hornsby claimed he had powerful allies and while initial speculation suggested he could be referring to the CRM, he was most likely referring to Designation 2, who still have an element of mystery surrounding them. Daryl Dixon‘s villains could also pose an international threat, potentially becoming the antagonists of the crossover show through their personal connection with Daryl.

Genet and the Cause have proven to be a powerful force in France, and if they had similar numbers on an international scale, they could be a compelling villain for the crossover. The show could also expand to Canada, opening up brand-new possibilities for new villains and the country could have its own CRM equivalent. Although it may not be as inspiring after so many years, The Walking Dead could always use zombies as its crossover threat. The introduction of variants means the franchise’s main survivors could come together to take on the most dangerous versions of the undead yet.