The cast and crew of AMC‘s The Walking Dead dodged having to field questions about stuntman John Bernecker’s tragic death by cancelling all press opportunities at San Diego Comic Con the following week. They would also cancel an event at the Television Critics Association’s press day in favor of attending Bernecker’s funeral.
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Writer and creator of the series Robert Kirkman attended the TCA press event, promoting his Secret History of Comics series, where he would be asked about Bernecker’s passing. Speaking to a room full of reporters, Kirkman kept the details to a minimum but did respond to the questions.
“No storylines were changed, you know, that was a tragic accident,” Kirkman said. “It wasn’t story related, it was just a freak accident that happened on set and it’s something that we’re dealing with, but it hasn’t affected the storyline in any way.”
The executive producer of the series went on to say that each member of The Walking Dead‘s family is “dealing with it. It’s a tragedy, so it’s something that everyone is dealing with in their own way, and it’s something that will continue to stick with us for years to come.”
To start AMC’s panels at the TCA event, the network president Charlie Collier called attention to the tragedy and paid respect to the stuntman and his family. “I want to take a moment to address the fact that today we’re no longer able to present our panel with executive producers of The Walking Dead,” Collier said. “Unfortunately, today is the funeral for stuntman John Bernecker and Scott Gimple and others are there. Of course our hearts and our thoughts continue to go out to John’s family and friends.”
Collier’s comments are not unlike showrunner Scott Gimple’s which kicked off the show’s San Diego Comic Con panel just over a week earlier.
MORE WALKING DEAD: Why Morgan Is Next Season 1 Character To Die / AMC Releases Statement On John Bernecker’s Death / The Walking Dead Music Being Released / FearTWD Wraps Production On Season 3 / The Walking Dead Halts Season 8 Production
Fear the Walking Dead returns September 10. The Walking Dead will return for its eighth season on October 22, 2017. For complete coverage and insider info all season long, follow @BrandonDavisBD on Twitter.
(via Deadline)
