‘The Walking Dead’: Is there a contender on the cards? The future of the franchise is taking an unexpected turn as reports indicate that Season 12 is in the works

The “Walking Dead” franchise may be approaching one of its most anticipated projects yet. The long-rumored revival or crossover series is said to be now in advanced development, though it has not yet been officially given the green light.

The update marks the first significant movement on the project in a long time.According to industry insider The Beyond Reporter, although the original series ended nearly four years ago after eleven seasons, the broader universe has continued through numerous spin-offs, many of which have already spawned several seasons of their own.

‘The Walking Dead’: What a revival could look like

While “Daryl Dixon” and “Dead City” gave characters like Daryl, Carol, Maggie, and Negan new stories, “The Ones Who Live” wrapped up Rick Grimes and Michonne’s story, effectively ending the story of the broader TWD Universe.

With two spin-offs still in the works, long-time fans have wondered what the franchise’s final ending would be.

The rumored project will essentially serve as Season 12 of the original series, a limited revival primarily led by Rick Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira’s Michonne, Norman Reedus’ Daryl Dixon, Melissa McBride’s Carol Peletier, Lauren Cohan’s Maggie Rhee, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Negan. These six characters are the main characters of the three newest installments, and their individual stories never received an official conclusion in the original series’ finale, being designed to set up the various spinoffs instead.

‘The Walking Dead’: Unfinished business across the franchise

Although Rick and Michonne’s story is largely over in “The Ones Who Live,” many themes remain open. Rick never had the chance to reunite with Daryl and Carol, who are in different parts of Europe in the story, and he never got to see Negan’s redemption like he had hoped. Reviving the crossover would allow the franchise to finally tie up these loose ends.

What insiders and creators said about ‘The Walking Dead’ revival

Although a project like this has been rumored for some time, this marks the first major update in a while, and comes at an especially relevant moment considering that “Daryl Dixon” is set to conclude with its fourth and final season this fall.

Prior to this report, several insiders, including the highly regarded Daniel Richtman, had indicated the existence of such a project.

This possibility has not been acknowledged by those behind the franchise either. Walking Dead Universe Chief Content Officer Scott M. Gimple has previously addressed the possibility of such a crossover. Longtime executive producer Greg Nicotero also recently confirmed that the idea exists “It’s been talked about for a few years.”

What’s happening in the world of “The Walking Dead” now?

Many are hoping for an official announcement soon, with “Daryl Dixon” ending this fall, and there could be another return to San Diego Comic-Con this summer. Season 3 of The Walking Dead: Dead City will air on July 26, and Daryl Dixon’s Season 4 is coming later this fall.