THR reports that Robert Kirkman is 'very protective' of his comic book property and that played a hand in Mazzara not returning for future seasons of The Walking Dead. Some producer peers of Mazzara have come to his defense, stating that AMC essentially jumps to Kirkman's tune and that it was the comic book writer who was the main decision maker behind Mazzara's firing. Kurt Stutter, producer on Sons of Anarchy, stated that AMC had sent him "a gift basket filled with … broken promises and the marinated tongue used to lick Kirkman's ass."
Of course, Kirkman created The Walking Dead and its his property and he probably signed a deal with AMC that allows him to do whatever he wants with The Walking Dead. However, the main point that Mazzara's producing pals are making is that while Kirkman is a talented comic book writer, he knows little about tv and thus should defer to his showrunner.
Robert Kirkman took the high road stating on Twiter, that Stutter "is brilliant and Sons is my favorite show on TV. Still, it's upsetting to see him ranting about things he knows nothing about."
AMC's The Walking Dead returns in February, Sundays at 9pm EST.
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Robert Kirkman Reveals His Original Idea (Now Scrapped) For How The Zombie Apocalypse Started In THE WALKING DEAD
Running Time: 60 minutes (45 min actual air time)
Release Date: October 14 (Season 3-premiere)
TV Rating: TV-MA for sex & nudity, violence & gore, profanity, alchohol/drugs/smoking and frightening/intense scenes
Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal,Sarah Wayne Callies,Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus
Creators: Frank Darabont (show) Robert Kirkman (comic)
Written by: Frank Darabont, Charles H. Eglee, Jack LoGiudice, Robert Kirkman, Glen Mazzara, Adam Fierro, Charlie Adlard, Tony Moore, Evan T. Reilly