With The Walking Dead‘s impending end in sight, fans are relying on the spinoffs and movies that promise to continue the tale after the series comes to a close.

The upcoming movies were announced back in 2018 after Rick Grimes left the show, promising a continuation of the post-apocalyptic hero’s story. However, the pandemic played a part in the delay in the production of the trilogy, pushing the release back further and further. Though the creators are taking their time developing the script, there is some information known about the upcoming films.

Rick Grimes’ Missing Storyline

There have been a lot of events in The Walking Dead that have changed Rick Grimes, making him the force he is when he disappears at the end of season 9.

It was hard watching the final episode of Rick Grimes’ storyline in the show, but leaving him alive left hope that fans would once again get to see him in action. Though the audience has missed his presence in the last few seasons, the movies will give them a chance to see what happened to him over those several years.

Production Delay

There are a lot of theories about what will happen after The Walking Dead concludes, but one thing is sure is that fans are going to have to wait a bit longer to find out what happens to Rick.

It has been confirmed by a few involved in the production of the movies, including Andrew Lincoln, that they’re taking their time developing the right storyline for the movies. Last April, it was confirmed they were still not filming, and there have been no other updates to the contrary.

Potential Trilogy

Fans are excited to see the missing years of Rick’s journey after he leaves the other survivors, and this has also left them with a lot of questions about what the movie will entail.

It has been discussed in most interviews on the topic of movie production that the plan is for three movies. While things often change between plans and the actual productions, the concept of a trilogy leaves the potential for the story to have a lot of detail in the plot.

Set In Philadelphia

Not much has been developed for the movies to show the audience what they’re going to get out of the film, but there have been some hints as to what to expect out of the first movie.

However, in July of 2019, a trailer for the first film was shown at the San Diego Comic Convention, revealing a silhouette of Philadelphia, where the CRM headquarters is. While there isn’t too much else known about the setting of the film, fans at least know where Rick’s story will begin.

Only On The Big Screen

The debut of the trailer revealed little to nothing about what the movie will be about, but it at least confirmed the setting and Rick as the central focus.

One other breadcrumb in the particularly brief trailer was that the movies aren’t going to be originally aired on AMC, as the show was. At the end of the trailer, it declared, “Rick Grimes Returns/Only In Theaters.” Whenever the movies make it to the screen, it’s going to be on the big one.

Andrew Lincoln In Atlanta

In February 2022, Andrew Lincoln was spotted in Atlanta, where The Walking Dead films, with Norman Reedus. Though it’s likely Lincoln and Reedus have developed a close friendship over the years they’ve starred together, it still makes fans wonder if he was seen in Atlanta because he was involved in the filming of the final season.

If he was involved in the ending of the series, there’s potential the audience will get a sneak peek into the storyline of the upcoming films.

The Breadcrumbs For Michonne

Michonne (Danai Gurira) was a beloved character in the show up until she left mid-season 10 after finding evidence Rick was still alive.

In the 13th episode of season 10, Michonne found a drawing on a phone screen of her and Judith with Japanese lettering confirmed to say, “Believe a little longer.” The question then is, did Rick write this hoping Michonne would one day find it, or was it just a message to encourage himself? Either way, Michonne’s journey to find Rick could mean she’ll make an appearance in the films.

CRM As The Antagonist?

The Civic Republic Military is the community that picked Jadis and Rick up from the creek after he blew up the bridge. In World Beyond and Fear the Walking Dead, fans learn that this villainous community is people that are have been picking off large groups to ensure they are the dominant power in the United States.

Though Rick Grimes has had a series of enemies throughout his story, the CRM is so powerful that he may meet his match in the films.

Robert Kirkman Involvement

Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead comic books, has written several episodes for the series and its spinoffs. He’s had an active role in the production of the series and it appears he’ll be involved in the films to follow.

At the 2021 Comic-Con, Kirkman spoke about his involvement in the project, though there wasn’t too much to reveal. However, since he spoke about how careful they’re being during pre-production to make the film the best it can be, it’s clear he’s going to have an active role in the creation.

Scott Gimple Involvement

Scott Gimple has been a part of The Walking Dead since season two, first being a writer and producer before becoming the showrunner in 2013. He’s spoken about the delay in production due to the pandemic, telling Collider, “It’s just that current circumstances have given us a little extra time that we seem to need anyways.”

He, like Kirkman, has emphasized his drive to make these films successful and captivating. Though the mystery of Rick’s missing years is enough to pull in the audience, his dedication to the project is all the more promising.