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Why Glen Mazzara Is Departing THE WALKING DEAD

First Frank Darabont and now Glen Mazzara; is the Walking Dead turning over showrunners in an effort to remain fresh or is there something else going on behind the scenes? Reportedly, a clash between comic book writer Robert Kirkman and Mazzara led to his departure.

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By Mark Julian - 1/9/2013


THR reports that Robert Kirkman is 'very protective' of his comic book property and that played a hand in Mazzara not returning for future seasons of The Walking Dead. Some producer peers of Mazzara have come to his defense, stating that AMC essentially jumps to Kirkman's tune and that it was the comic book writer who was the main decision maker behind Mazzara's firing. Kurt Stutter, producer on Sons of Anarchy, stated that AMC had sent him "a gift basket filled with … broken promises and the marinated tongue used to lick Kirkman's ass."

Of course, Kirkman created The Walking Dead and its his property and he probably signed a deal with AMC that allows him to do whatever he wants with The Walking Dead. However, the main point that Mazzara's producing pals are making is that while Kirkman is a talented comic book writer, he knows little about tv and thus should defer to his showrunner.

Robert Kirkman took the high road stating on Twiter, that Stutter "is brilliant and Sons is my favorite show on TV. Still, it's upsetting to see him ranting about things he knows nothing about."



AMC's The Walking Dead returns in February, Sundays at 9pm EST.


RELATED CONTENT:
Robert Kirkman Reveals His Original Idea (Now Scrapped) For How The Zombie Apocalypse Started In THE WALKING DEAD





Running Time: 60 minutes (45 min actual air time)
Release Date: October 14 (Season 3-premiere)
TV Rating: TV-MA for sex & nudity, violence & gore, profanity, alchohol/drugs/smoking and frightening/intense scenes
Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal,Sarah Wayne Callies,Laurie Holden, Jeffrey DeMunn, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs, Norman Reedus
Creators: Frank Darabont (show) Robert Kirkman (comic)
Written by: Frank Darabont, Charles H. Eglee, Jack LoGiudice, Robert Kirkman, Glen Mazzara, Adam Fierro, Charlie Adlard, Tony Moore, Evan T. Reilly

Source: THR
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29 Comments
Ha1frican - 1/9/2013, 7:17 AM
Idc who is running the show as long as its still good. I wnt be worried until Kirkman swears it off
DrHorrible - 1/9/2013, 7:26 AM
LOL Kurt Sutter is amazing.



SpecialKail - 1/9/2013, 7:26 AM
I'm going to go ahead and assume this is for the best. They've done plenty of things different than the comic book, so it doesn't seem like kirkman has been digging his heels in over every little thing. Most likely he has prevented a bunch of stupid bullshit.
SpecialKail - 1/9/2013, 7:28 AM
It also seems like sutter needs to mind his own [frick]ing business. I'm sure he has as much creative control over his creation, sons of anarchy, as kirkman does with his creation.
BlueHawaiiSurfer - 1/9/2013, 7:30 AM
Seems like there is always drama near or at the end of every season.
Bojac - 1/9/2013, 7:38 AM
It's Kirkman's friggen story.
ATrueHero1987 - 1/9/2013, 7:45 AM
Isn't Kurt Stutter the same person that wrote the bad Punisher script that made Thomas Jane quit??
DrHorrible - 1/9/2013, 7:59 AM
By the way, guys:

Kurt Sutter has worked with Glen Mazzara in the past and they are friends. He is essentially venting for him and defending him.

By the way, I think that Kirkman needs to back off. Sure, it's his baby and he's probably being very anal about everything regarding the show.

The problem is, when you're an overcontrolling douchebag, people tend to distance themselves from you...
Bark4Soul - 1/9/2013, 8:04 AM
I agree, not like the pencils and inks tell him how to write the comic, so Kirkman should have a littttle faith that the best show on TV won't suddenly jump the shark, even though I see this really hurting season 4 and beyond.
SpideyQuad - 1/9/2013, 8:05 AM
Really?? Two separate ads running at the same time for the same movie?
Dev7 - 1/9/2013, 8:07 AM
The show has gone to shit ever since Season 2 and getting worse in Season 3 so far anyways so maybe this is a blessing in disguise this guy has gotten fired.
GetsugaTensho22 - 1/9/2013, 8:19 AM
LOL at the Fanboys calling Kurt Sutter names.

Kurt is an absolute genius, and has more creative control than Kirkman. Why? he Writes, directs AND stars in it.
stutx - 1/9/2013, 8:35 AM
ohh wow Getsuga didnt know that kurt sutter is otto and that he created SoA. man love when those involved with the creating of the show are in the show.. its always sunny in Philadelphia and the office come to mind
LorenzoVonMatterhorn93 - 1/9/2013, 8:41 AM
dont really care whos in control of the show so long as its awesome
pepe - 1/9/2013, 8:45 AM
Show is getting better all da time... Hope it gets even better
GLprime2814 - 1/9/2013, 8:54 AM
It's a money thing, the more this show grows in popularity the more money they make so by switching show runner and not renewing their contract they don't have to pay him more, so by adding new people they can start them low and repeat the prices and kirkman and the producers get it all.
SUPERSHADOWBAT - 1/9/2013, 9:09 AM
I like the fact that Kirkman who created TWD has a good amount of say into the show. People on Cbm are always complaining of how CBMs aren't done right because the people who created or publish the property are not more involved in the tv or film end. The Walking Dead has been s great show do far, if this keeps it fresh and close to the comic property then thus is a good thing.
Fishandchips - 1/9/2013, 9:13 AM
@Dev7 - you really think so? First person I've heard who thinks season 3 isn't good, I think everyone agrees season 2 was a little slow but it was still good, although (slightly different topic) I was talking to someone earlier who didn't like Carl because he needs a haircut and that made me laugh.
LAXtremest - 1/9/2013, 9:15 AM
I thought season 2 was pretty bad, but so far season 3's been awesome.
mrteaspoon - 1/9/2013, 9:16 AM
I have zero trust in Kirkman's 'protectiveness' if he's putting his seal of quality on the first 2 seasons of TWD.
kevberg - 1/9/2013, 9:18 AM
Damn Right the season 2 was good and season 3 is better than i expected. I expected the governor to be kinda hackneyed, but they fleshed him out much better than the comic.

Kurt Stutter sounds like a big mouthed b@tch thats attacking the show for dubious reasons at best.
kevberg - 1/9/2013, 9:22 AM
Kurt Shitter just figures he needs a bit better ratings and WD is a great target to attack.

kevberg - 1/9/2013, 9:27 AM
Mrteaspoon --wow so you jacksh@t about the quality then, ..considering its Viewership has CONSISTENTLY went up each season and rivals national network shows.
mrteaspoon - 1/9/2013, 11:00 AM
kevberg, are you seriously going to equate numbers with quality? Do I really need to go to Wiki and list you, for example, some of the top selling albums of all time that are absolute crap?
kirynthemighty - 1/9/2013, 11:10 AM
I love SOA and I love Kurt Sutters work. I love all of Kirkman's work and have read all of the comics multiple times. I think that Kirkman has EVERY right to have the control he does because it keeps them in check and he created it, if not he could walk and AMC is not going to let that happen. I am guessing Mezzara wanted to do something that Kirkman didn't agree with that was out of context and wouldn't back down on it and Kirkman pulled that card, I say rightfully so. I trust Kirkman with the show and everyone else should to.
As to the Sutter thing, him and Mezzara are old friends and hes just taking cheap shots at Kirkman based soley on that. Its a douchey move, but thats all it is. I agree with SpecialKali and think he should just mind his own business, hes not involved.
plasticman - 1/9/2013, 11:52 AM
@dickbelt- get on board. Darrell is like a relative of you or something. Admitted. Season 2 is set at a slower pace than 1 it still has it's reason for playing out the way it does. Season 3 picks back up. One of my favorite grown-up shows to watch late at night when the kids are done plastering my TV with Spongebob and Wordgirl.
LoudLon - 1/9/2013, 11:57 AM
I highly doubt Kirkman has that kind of control. Writers very, very rarely do. TV and movies are all about the producers and actors; my guess would be that Mazzara wanted to do some things with the show that the higher-ups disagreed with. If Kirkman does have that kind of control, it's almost unprecendented. I doubt such a precedent has been set by a comic book writer.
Nivekian - 1/9/2013, 12:36 PM
Kurt Sutter knows his stuff when it comes to consistant, engaging tv, Kirkman. Much more than you do, comic book guy.
BlueDemon - 1/9/2013, 4:06 PM
Both shows are [frick]ing epic!!! It sucks to see them bickering

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