The Walking Dead: Dead City – Zombie Apocalypse in Manhattan the highly anticipated spinoff of the popular TV series, is about to take fans on an exhilarating journey through the streets of Manhattan. Departing from the rural landscapes and suburban settings of its predecessor, Dead City immerses viewers in the heart of New York, breathing new life into the zombie-infested universe. In an interview with Collider, Scott M. Gimple, the Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead universe, and Eli Jorne, the showrunner of Dead City, shed light on the decision to relocate the series to the iconic city and the intriguing possibilities it offers.
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The Cityscape as a Character
One of the most exciting aspects of Dead City is the opportunity to make the city itself a character in the story. Eli Jorne expressed his enthusiasm for this narrative choice, emphasizing the untapped potential of a city like New York. He stated, “The universe has never really lived in a city, the way it will, and in a city like New York, especially. Just environmentally and architecturally, there are so many new ways that we can experience walkers that you couldn’t have.”
The Verticality of Manhattan
Manhattan’s verticality becomes a key element in the evolution of the walkers and the survival challenges faced by the characters. The towering skyscrapers and multi-story buildings offer a unique perspective on the post-apocalyptic world. The walkers now pose a threat from all directions, lurking in the shadows of high-rise structures. Jorne highlighted the impact of this verticality, stating, “There’s the verticality of the city, and that alone has been the gift that keeps on giving with walkers.”
Surviving Amidst the Walkers
Surviving in a city overrun by walkers presents a whole new set of challenges. The characters must navigate crowded streets, narrow alleyways, and crumbling infrastructure while evading the relentless pursuit of the undead. The showrunners aim to explore the intricacies of this survival struggle. Jorne mentioned, “How do you survive in that city, with that many walkers, as we’ll come to see, and the way that they are? You’ll see interesting new walker experiences, but also those ripple effects of, how do you survive in a city with walkers?”
Beyond the Wilderness
Contrasting with the original series, which often showcased battles with walkers in vast forests and open landscapes, Dead City brings the fight for survival to an urban jungle. The previous expanses of the wilderness offered opportunities for camping and strategic retreats. However, in the city, such respites are scarce. Jorne pointed out, “In The Walking Dead, they fought a lot of walkers in the woods, but there were a lot of stretches of woods where you could just hike and camp out. You don’t get to do that as much in the city.”
Unveiling Terrifying Walkers
True to the spirit of The Walking Dead, Dead City introduces a fresh array of horrifying and grotesque walkers. Scott M. Gimple teased fans with the promise of an especially memorable and stomach-turning walker. He remarked, “There are some incredibly notable walkers this season. There’s one that I think will both invoke awe in people, but they also might throw up.” Gimple further alluded to a mind-bendingly horrific walker that viewers will encounter, advising them to keep something nearby in case they become queasy while witnessing its terrifying presence.
Sum It Up!
The Walking Dead: Dead City – Zombie Apocalypse in Manhattan ventures into uncharted territory by taking the zombie apocalypse to the bustling streets of Manhattan. With the city itself becoming a character and the verticality of the landscape presenting new challenges, viewers can expect a fresh and thrilling experience. The survival struggles in an urban environment and the introduction of unsettling walkers will keep fans on the edge of their seats. As we eagerly await the debut of Dead City, one thing is certain: the dead have found a new home in the concrete jungle.
