AMC Global Networks has reached a $120 million settlement with The Walking Dead's creator Robert Kirkman and franchise producers in a breach of contract lawsuit.
AMC Global Networks announced on September 8, 2026, that it has settled a breach of contract lawsuit with Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, and several producers involved in the franchise. The settlement agreement is valued at $120 million. According to Deadline, AMC had been facing the lawsuit since 2022, with the case on track to go to trial in October.
The settlement outlines specific payment arrangements. AMC will pay an initial cash amount of $85 million by September 18, 2026. The remaining $35 million is scheduled to be paid by January 31, 2027, and will be treated as an advance against future adjusted gross receipts participation amounts owed to the plaintiffs under their contractual agreements pertaining to both The Walking Dead and its spin-off, Fear The Walking Dead.
In addition to Kirkman, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit include producers Glen Mazzara, David Alpert, Gale Anne Hurd, and Charles Eglee. They will also continue to receive standard participation moving forward, although this will be offset by the advance payment.
The lawsuit emerged amidst ongoing disputes regarding profit-sharing agreements related to the Walking Dead franchise, which has been a defining element for AMC over the past decade. The original Walking Dead series ran for 12 seasons until 2022, and Fear The Walking Dead concluded in 2023, paving the way for several spin-offs, including The Walking Dead: Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and TWD: The Ones Who Live.
The situation escalated when a federal judge in California denied AMC’s motion to dismiss the case in 2024, affirming the plaintiffs' claims and the validity of the legal proceedings. This settlement effectively resolves a potentially contentious trial that was looming only weeks away.
As a direct consequence of this settlement, AMC is expected to incur a one-time charge of $85 million for its third-quarter financials. This significant financial obligation underscores the stakes involved in litigation concerning one of the network’s most lucrative franchises. The decision to settle before the trial highlights both the urgency and the potential risk management strategy employed by AMC to avoid further legal complications.
The Walking Dead has significantly shaped AMC's brand and financial trajectory over the years. Its success not only generated substantial viewership but has also allowed for a broad expansion into related content through multiple spin-offs. This agreement may stabilize relationships among key creators in the franchise, which is crucial for maintaining the future growth and sustainability of The Walking Dead universe.
The settlement allows AMC to mitigate the immediate legal risks while ensuring ongoing financial arrangements with the franchise creators. This development could enable AMC to focus resources on new and existing projects within the Walking Dead franchise, ensuring continued engagement with its fanbase and further development of the universe. The final figures associated with the advance payments will likely shape contractual practices for future installments of the franchise as it continues to expand.
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