'Walking Dead' legal battle finally ends with huge $120M settlement

Key Points:

• AMC settled a long-running profit participation lawsuit with "The Walking Dead" creator Robert Kirkman and producers for $120 million, resolving claims related to profits from the original series, its spinoff "Fear the Walking Dead," and the aftershow "Talking Dead."
• The settlement, paid in two installments ($85 million in 2023 and $35 million in 2024), concludes a dispute that began in 2017 and was part of broader legal battles over profits tied to the franchise.
• AMC had previously faced lawsuits from Frank Darabont and CAA, who claimed wrongful termination and withheld profits from early seasons of "The Walking Dead," alleging AMC engaged in self-dealing by selling the show to itself.
• The legal complications included AMC's failed attempt to dismiss Kirkman’s lawsuit after settling with Darabont, due to a Most Favored Nations clause requiring similar treatment for all parties.
• Overall, AMC paid approximately $320 million to resolve profit disputes related to the franchise, supported by a lucrative $500 million licensing renewal with Netflix.