George A. Romero, Creator of the Modern Zombie, Offers Opinion on The Walking Dead

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The Big Issue

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George A. Romero, Creator of the Modern Zombie, Offers Opinion on The Walking DeadWhen you try to trace the origins of movie monsters, it’s usually a bit muddled. Werewolves came from this legend or that, this demon begat that one… and just try to trace the history of the vampire. But zombies as we know them, that’s easy. George A. Romero invented them.

Romero unleashed the modern zombie on the world, as we all know, in his classic 1968 film Night of the Living Dead. He was inspired by the vampiric creatures in Richard Matheson’s book I Am Legend and created ghouls for NOTLD. Those ghouls would go on to become the modern-day zombie. But interesting news recently arose. Romero was approached to work on the most popular zombie project in the world right now, “The Walking Dead.” And he said thanks, but no thanks.

In a recent interview with The Big Issue, Romero said, “They asked me to do a couple of episodes of ‘The Walking Dead,’ but I didn’t want to be a part of it. Basically it’s just a soap opera with a zombie occasionally. I always used the zombie as a character for satire or a political criticism, and I find that missing in what’s happening now.”

That’s quite a statement from the man who got the whole zombie ball rolling. Romero went on to discuss a topic that comes up often, the evolution of the zombie from slow shambling creature to damn near Olympic sprinter. “I guess Zack Snyder started that with the remake of Dawn of the Dead, fast-moving zombies,” Romero said. “But the zombies in World War Z, my God, they’re like army ants! But in all the adverts here they never called it a zombie film.”

So whether fans of “The Walking Dead” agree or disagree with Romero’s opinion on the show, one thing is for sure: We can all give George A. Romero a big thank you because without him there would be no zombies, no walkers, no biters, no Night of the Living Dead and Rick Grimes would still be patrolling the streets of Atlanta because without Romero we certainly would not have “The Walking Dead.”

“The Walking Dead” Episode 4.04 – “Indifference” (airs 11/3/13)
While on a supplies mission to a local college, members of the group run into multiple hurdles. Things at the prison are getting worse. Written by Matt Negrete and directed by Tricia Brock.

To stay up-to-the-minute on all things walker related, follow @WalkingDead_AMC on Twitter and visit “The Walking Dead” on Facebook. For more be sure to hit up the official “The Walking Dead” page on AMC.com.

The Walking Dead Season 4 on AMC TV

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