With a previously reported rumor about Jon Bernthal being cast in Frank Darabont's new show for
TNT,
L.A. Noir, people began to speculate if Shane would soon meet the same fate as he did in the comics. Adding to the speculation was a rumor that one of the cast was upset with Darabont's departure and asked to be released. Robert Kirkman addressed these rumors while talking to
The Hollywood Reporter and stated that even if Bernthal was involved, that did not necessarily mean Shane had to die:
Last year Lenny James was on The Walking Dead, Human Target and Hung as well as doing a show in the U.K. for the BBC. It’s not unusual these days for people to be on multiple shows at the same time. The way shooting schedules work for cable, it really does open doors for that. The Walking Dead stopped shooting in early November and doesn’t resume until almost summer, so there’s a huge gap in there for people to do other projects. I wouldn’t let any casting rumors make you think that it’s spoiled any show, especially this one. In the case of Jon Bernthal, who’s to say he survives that first pilot? Maybe he dies in the first episode.
While Kirkman was dodging part of the question, Bernthal remained tight lipped for the most part while talking with
GQ:
Listen, man, there’s not so much I can say about it. All I can say is ‘My, oh my.’ The idea that I could potentially work with Frank again just thrills the hell out of me. It would be such an honor. But there’s nothing I can say right now. I love the man with all my heart though.
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