A lengthy legal dispute between “The Walking Dead” producers and AMC Networks has concluded with a $120 million settlement. The five producers — Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, Charles Eglee, and Glen Mazzara — reached the agreement on Friday, preventing a federal trial scheduled to begin in October. AMC will pay $85 million this month, with the remaining $35 million due by January 31, 2027.
The producers initiated their lawsuit in 2017, claiming AMC’s accounting methods for calculating profits systematically reduced their earnings despite the franchise generating billions in revenue. An initial court ruling in 2022 favored AMC, but the network’s subsequent $200 million settlement with creator Frank Darabont and CAA provided new grounds for appeal. The producers argued this settlement triggered their contractual “most favored nation” clause, entitling them to comparable compensation.
A federal judge ruled in 2024 that the producers’ updated complaint could proceed, strengthening their position heading into trial. Both parties issued a joint statement expressing satisfaction with the resolution and stating they anticipate continued collaboration on the franchise’s future projects. The settlement significantly impacts AMC’s financial projections, reducing expected annual cash flow from $220 million to $150 million.
Originally reported by Variety →
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