The Walking Dead has ended a long-running lawsuit with one of their ex writers.
AMC, which has aired the show in the US since its start in 2010, reached a settlement with Frank Darabont over his profits participation lawsuit.
It was announced yesterday (July 16) that the conclusion of the case will see AMC pay $200 million to Darabont and Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
The trial had reportedly been delayed multiple times due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Related: The Walking Dead's final season trailer invokes Rick Grimes and teases Commonwealth twist
CAA and Darabont sued AMC in 2013 over profits from the show after Darabont was fired from the show's second season. The writer – who was heavily involved in the initial development of the series as an executive producer and director as well – claimed he was wrongfully terminated and therefore entitled to proceeds from the show.
Darabont also alleged that AMC, which both produces and airs The Walking Dead, was involved in "the improper and abusive practice of self-dealing" by agreeing to sell the series to itself.
"The Settlement Agreement provides for a cash payment of $200 million (the “Settlement Payment”) to the plaintiffs and future revenue sharing related to certain future streaming exhibition of The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead," AMC said in the SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) filing (via TheWrap).
Related: The Walking Dead season 11: Release date, cast, trailer, spoilers and everything you need to know
"The Company has taken a charge of approximately $143 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2021 in consideration for the extinguishment of Plaintiffs' rights to any compensation in connection with The Walking Dead and any related programs and the dismissal of the actions with prejudice, which amount is net of approximately $57 million of ordinary course accrued participations."
It continues: "The Settlement Agreement also includes customary provisions included in such agreements, including providing for mutual releases, covenants not to sue, waivers, confidentiality, non-disparagement and indemnification for third party claims."
A second lawsuit was also filed by Darabont against AMC in 2018 which the network tried to get the claim dismissed last year. However, the dismissal was decided and both suits continued under the same case.
The Walking Dead will air season 11 beginning August 22, 2021 on AMC in the US. Meanwhile, UK viewers can now watch all episodes via STAR on Disney+, where season 11 will premiere on August 23.
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