Michael Cudlitz on a Walking Dead return: Abraham's Untold Story!
Michael Cudlitz: Ready for Another Walking Dead Adventure!
Fans of The Walking Dead adore Michael Cudlitz, who played the unforgettable Abraham Ford! He's been part of that awesome zombie universe since season 4. And who could forget that brutally epic death? Abraham goes down fighting Negan, fearless 'til the end. But could we see him back?
We talked to Cudlitz (during an exclusive interview while he was promoting Superman & Lois season 4). He mentioned the idea of returning to The Walking Dead, also discussing a scrapped Abraham origin story project. He stated it in this incredibly straightforward manner; "Yeah, 100%. We've talked about this before - I love that world. I had a great time in it. I don't think I've had as much fun on a set prior or since. It was a wonderful world to be part of and there was talk, at one point, about something with The Walking Dead universe. The Tales of the Walking Dead, I think they called it. They did six episodes of that where it was almost like a Black Mirror-type, alternate universe thing. I think one of the scripts they had - and still have, - is sort of an Abraham origin story, and they've talked about that prior. If they came to me with that, and the timing of everything worked out, absolutely. I love those guys, I had a wonderful time doing it."
Could Abraham Return? Exploring the Possibilities
After Abraham's death in season 7, Cudlitz returned to direct several episodes in seasons 9-11. After The Walking Dead's conclusion, there's a ton of spin-offs— but these continue storylines, not prequels. They showcase beloved characters – Daryl, Maggie, Negan (in Dead City); Rick and Michonne (in The Ones Who Live). This would also make the chances for a return much smaller, unless there were other changes in those development and creative pipelines.
An Abraham limited series is unlikely—these appear to focus on continued story arcs rather than new origins; hence creating additional storylines which have higher importance due to existing expectations from audiences regarding these pre-established plots; making the chance for these kinds of prequels almost nonexistent. However, there's one huge possibility Cudlitz hints at; The Tales of the Walking Dead, a sort of "Black Mirror" style episodic anthology.
Our Take: An Abraham Origin Story Episode – The Perfect Return
Abraham is wildly popular among Walking Dead fans. So another appearance is possible! But given the death he has experienced already, another main limited series would've failed from that basic storyline already and most of his backstory's already revealed. So an episode in the anthology format seems far more credible and could provide enough for an interesting and critically appealing episode.
We already know parts of his history. But there’s so much to explore. And what could've easily remained under-explored–this creates those important emotional experiences that this story relies on; a unique insight that hasn’t been available before. This alone should justify itself, in addition to the appeal of getting another dose of Cudlitz portraying such an awesome and critically acclaimed role.
Conclusion: The Walking Dead's Undead Legacy Continues!
The Walking Dead is gigantic–comics, the main series, spin-offs; all created through the hard work and dedication of many writers, animators and many other people; they even created a new and hugely successful model for expanding those fictional storylines across different platforms! There are still plenty of opportunities to revisit this incredible world; revisiting those fan-favorite characters like Abraham. Cudlitz’s comments? These definitely open up some interesting discussions; possibilities that viewers will greatly enjoy. That Tales of the Walking Dead option? That really is perfect. It’s possible for any returning characters; creating more unexpected ways to see them return to audiences everywhere.
