AMC's Walking Dead Creator Steps Down

Can the Walking Dead survive without its head? Frank Darabont—creator, executive producer, and director of the critically acclaimed AMC hit series—has stepped down as its head honcho, reports Deadline Hollywood. It's unclear whether Darabont will depart the zombie show entirely or remain in another role.

Darabont—who made his name directing features like the Shawshank Redemption and the Green Mile—spent five years trying to bring Robert Kirkman's graphic novel to TV. This real-life drama isn't expected to delay the premiere of the second season on Oct. 16. WhatCulture! has more background on the production troubles heading into the second season. (More The Walking Dead stories.)