'Walking Dead' Creator Robert Kirkman Says Rick Grimes Movie Could Be Positively Affected By Pandemic

For the past decade, AMC's "The Walking Dead" has been bringing new life to the zombie genre. However, following Rick Grimes' (Andrew Lincoln) departure from the drama in 2018, some fans wondered whether or not a movie centered around the show's former lead would ever come to fruition. Now, creator Robert Kirkman has shed new light on what the future of the character's story could hold.

During Skybound Xpo virtual panel on July 18, Kirkman discussed what's next for "The Walking Dead" as it pivots from episodic installments to a full-length film.

READ: 'Walking Dead' Creator Robert Kirkman Gave The Zombie Apocalypse An Official Name

When prompted by a fan question about what kind of update could be given about the Rick movie, film producer David Alpert kicked off the response by saying that they were "coming along in a big way." He then added that due to the climate caused by the coronavirus pandemic it has prevented "The Walking Dead" cast and crew from shooting. However, he said there is something "really exciting, really unique, really different" planned.

Kirkman then echoed those sentiments during the panel.

"There's tons of stuff going on behind the scenes. I don't want anyone to think that we're just kind of waiting around for this pandemic to end," he stated.

"I would say that, if anything, the pandemic is going to make a lot of movies better. I think the Rick Grimes movie chief among them, just because we're getting a lot more time to cook this thing and make sure it's perfect," he said, adding, "But when things do quiet down, you guys are going to hear a ton more about this movie."

The entire conversation can be seen below.

As for where the TV version of "The Walking Dead" stands amid the COVID-19 shutdown, Forbes reported on Sunday that post-production work on the Season 10 finale was not able to be finished, which is why it did not air earlier this year. As for when fans can expect the finale to be released, the showrunner has promised an update "soon." At this time, some anticipate that it could air in August as it seems as though those behind the scenes have developed a suitable work from home option to complete the new episode.