The Walking Dead’s former producer, director, and creator, Frank Darabont, is suing the AMC network for $280 million. He was fired from the show in 2011, during its second season, and says that this was a breach of his contract. He alleges that the reason for the breach was to avoid paying him his fair share of the show’s profits.
For six years, it’s been the most popular show on television, so those profits would certainly be substantial. In addition to its sky-high ratings, which bring in revenue from advertisers, there is also a significant amount of merchandise associated with the show, including video games, t-shirts, action figures, costumes, and even its own convention, the Walker Stalker Con.
For their part, AMC released a statement saying:
The plaintiff’s damages claim has no basis in reality, and we will continue to vigorously defend against this lawsuit.”
The trial may have to wait a while, though. It’s currently in the back of a long line, thanks to your standard red-tape foot-dragging. The case may not even be heard until 2018.
Do you believe that Darabont deserves what he’s asking for? Or do you think he’s just trying to cash in on the show’s enduring popularity? Let us know in the comments!
Source: THR