The Walking Dead: What Comes After

The Walking Dead: What Comes After is 2026 post-apocalyptic horror drama film produced by AMC Studios and distributed by Sony Pictures. It is directed by Loren Yaconelli and written by Eli Jorné and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, with Frank Darabont returning from his work on the first season of the TV series as an Associate Producer. The film serves as the grand conclusion to the iconic television franchise The Walking Dead (2010-2022), as well as its several spin-offs. The film's story reunites beloved characters from the series, including Rick Grimes, Michonne, Negan, Maggie, Morgan, Carol, Daryl, and others, as they embark on one final assault to bring down the oppressive Commonwealth.

Plot Synopsis
The movie opens in a post-apocalyptic world where survivors must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with walkers and the tyrannical Commonwealth. Rick Grimes, who had been presumed dead, returns to lead the fight against this oppressive regime alongside his partner, Michonne. The film delves into the personal conflicts and struggles of the characters. Maggie, haunted by the memory of her husband Glenn's brutal murder at the hands of Negan, harbors deep-seated resentment. As the group reunites, tensions rise between Maggie and Negan, threatening to fracture their unity in the face of a common enemy. Rick, driven by a desire to create a safer world for his daughter Judith and future generations, forms a plan to dismantle the Commonwealth. He rallies his allies, including Morgan, Carol, Daryl, and other survivors from various communities, who bring their unique skills and unwavering loyalty to the cause.

The assault on the Commonwealth proves to be a formidable challenge, with the group encountering well-armed forces and strategic obstacles. Along the way, they face personal sacrifices and heartbreaking losses. However, their collective determination fuels their resolve to succeed. In the film's climactic battle, the survivors launch a full-scale assault on the heart of the Commonwealth. The stakes are high, and lives hang in the balance. In a selfless act, Negan sacrifices himself to save Rick, proving his remorse and redemption. His sacrifice galvanizes the group, infusing them with renewed determination to complete their mission. The survivors emerge victorious, dismantling the oppressive regime and liberating the people from the Commonwealth's grip.

The film then jumps ahead 20 years into the future, revealing a world that has rebuilt itself. Society thrives, nearly returning to its pre-outbreak state. A cure for walkers has been found, enabling people to live in relative safety. An older Judith Grimes, now a mother, recounts the tales of her late father, Rick Grimes, and her beloved uncle, Carl, to her own daughter. Their legacy lives on, inspiring future generations with stories of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit.

Cast

 * Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes
 * Danai Gurira as Michonne
 * Cailey Fleming as Judith Grimes
 * Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan
 * Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene
 * Lennie James as Morgan Jones
 * Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier
 * Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon
 * Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa
 * Josh McDermitt as Eugene Porter
 * Seth Gilliam as Gabriel Stokes
 * Ross Marquand as Aaron
 * Khary Payton as Ezekie
 * Cooper Andrews as Jerry