SDCC 2017: Fear The Walking Dead Panel
Zombie killers took over as AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead gave fans in Hall H exclusive sneak peeks and a lot of love on Saturday afternoon’s sessions.
As they were back-to-back panels, there were similarities and differences in each block. The Walking Dead, now approaching it’s eighth season, hosted a Q&A panel that catered to the fans’ burning questions about characters whom they have been following for nearly a decade, whereas Fear was teasing the developing story as the series is still in its infancy with just three seasons. Still, both highlighted everything that all Deadheads of the highly successful Robert Kirkman series admire so much.
Present at the first panel for Fear the Walking Dead were Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Mercedes Mason, Colman Domingo, Dayton Callie, Sam Underwood, Daniel Sharman, Michael Greyeyes, Dave Erickson, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Dave Alpert and special effects master Greg Nicotero. Of course No Dead panel would be complete without our favorite moderator, Chris Hardwick, who also runs The Talking Dead, ushering all of the emotions that need to be assessed after every episode.
Starting with a more somber tone, Hardwick addressed the recent passing of the primary show’s stuntman, John Bernecker. Bernecker was fatally injured on the set of Walking Dead on July 14, 2017. Facing the packed crowd, he explained that much of the cast and crew were still in mourning, creating uncertainty as to whether they should appear for San Diego Comic-Con at all. They came to the conclusion that in the end, the best way to honor Bernecker was by keeping the fans in the forefront. It was important to them that everyone knew Bernecker passed while doing what he loved – bringing stories to life. From here, Hardwick asked for a moment of silence.
The memorandums continued as Nicotero, who brings our zombies to life, also paid a tribute to George Romero, legendary special effects pioneer. Nicotero gave us insight at the impact that Romero had on both show’s zombies. Fans learned that Romero once said to Nicotero that he “loves the imperfections of life” and that what makes effects special are, in many instances, the reaction of the human characters in contrast to the broken, rotting arms and faces of the undead.
Kirkman then opened the panel by joking that his goal is to create as much “false” news about the upcoming seasons as possible. He enjoys making light of the fact that devotees eat up showrunners’ statements like hungry walkers. This theme lasted the entire panel.
The first instance came from the development of Dickens’ character, Madison, and how she may be related to TWD’s Daryl Dixon since they are both from the South. Numerous fans asked if the Fear story will somehow cross the plot lines of TWD in the near future, and in an answer with a touch of annoyance, Kirkman says, “In the next season, Madison actually calls Daryl on his magic phone, and I’m sure fans will be really happy to see that!” Hardwick warns the crowd, “Don’t believe that! It’s not canon folks!” then turns to Kirkman and says, “You know these people hang on to your every word!” which ensued a huge roar of laughter from Hall H.
There was also much to joke about when the subject of the British invasion of actors in the casting of Fear came up. About 80% of the panel present are actually of British heritage, and Hardwick yelled out sarcastically that they’re “taking jobs from us hard-working Americans!” The panel in amusement simply expressed their gratitude for being a part of a phenomenon of a series.
The actors exclaim their excitement at the turns that their characters are taking while the zombie apocalypse heats up. What was revealed as truth is that the third season will revisit a lot of issues that make certain individuals want to keep going, and just like in TWD, audiences will see that the main roadblock in the zombie apocalypse are the other survivors. Its apparent that the new season of Fear the Walking Dead will include big surprises, and a lot of betrayal.
As the cast said their thank yous and left the stage, Hall H took a short break as volunteers to set up for the next panelists. Fan art was shown on the screen as everyone waited with anticipation for the original inspiration of the show, The Walking Dead.
For anyone who missed the panel, but are excited to see the show, eager fans can catch season three of Fear the Walking Dead when it returns to AMC on September 10, 2017.
Written by: Stef Bautista
