From The Walking Dead to Invincible: Robert Kirkman's Evolution as a Storyteller
The Walking Dead creator, Robert Kirkman, revealed during a masterclass at Annecy that he initially wanted to kill off characters, including Norman Reedus' Daryl Dixon. Despite his early inclination to eliminate key characters, Kirkman ultimately refrained from doing so, allowing the Daryl Dixon spin-off to thrive and become a significant success for the franchise.
Kirkman acknowledged his admiration for Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin, who he considers a master at killing off characters. He also discussed the challenges of adapting The Walking Dead from his graphic novels, expressing frustration with the predictability of the source material and the need to deviate from it to maintain suspense and surprise for viewers.
In contrast to his experience with The Walking Dead, Kirkman approached his Prime Video adult animation series, Invincible, with a different mindset. He emphasized the importance of valuing the characters and creating impactful and memorable moments in the show. Kirkman shared that Invincible, a project he had been developing for years, has surpassed The Walking Dead in popularity.
Reflecting on his past attempts at writing an Invincibles movie script for Universal Studios, Kirkman admitted that the screenplay was subpar and ultimately prevented the project from moving forward. However, he learned from the experience and has since found success with Skybound producing Invincible in-house and Prime Video ordering multiple seasons of the series.
Overall, Kirkman's journey from The Walking Dead to Invincible showcases his evolution as a storyteller and his commitment to creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. His willingness to take risks and learn from past mistakes has led to the success of his latest projects, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.