The Walking Dead: World Beyond might have just set up the Rick Grimes movies, with details from Jadis suggesting there’s a rebellion brewing within the CRM. Ever since Andrew Lincoln’s exit from the main Walking Dead series as well as AMC’s subsequent announcement of a Walking Dead movie trilogy three years ago, virtually nothing has been revealed about what those films will entail — or when they will release. But The Walking Dead and now World Beyond have shed some light on what to expect.
Although not explicitly the reason for the series existing, The Walking Dead: World Beyond is fans’ primary look into what the CRM is and where they fit into the overarching franchise. Years ago, the CRM was first introduced via a helicopter randomly appearing in one scene, later becoming colloquially known as the helicopter group, but over time, more and more details have been revealed about what the Civic Republic does. The Walking Dead: World Beyond helped forward that plan exponentially. And now with only a handful of episodes left, there’s a chance for the series to have a tie to the movies.
In The Walking Dead: World Beyond season 2, episode 8, “Returning Point,” Dr. Leo Bennett and his family escaped the CRM facility along with the organization’s civilian scientists and all their data. According to Jadis, who’s been promoted all the way up to Warrant Officer, the Bennetts’ actions aren’t merely an escape attempt but a rebellion. In truth, she’s right — and this is the perfect opportunity to set up Rick Grimes’ movies. He could very well lead that rebellion, should it spark.
Very little has been revealed about what Rick Grimes has been up to since he departed the main Walking Dead series, but based on information that Michonne found in season 10, it seems Rick has kept his family close to his heart. There’s virtually nothing he would do to get back to them, and working for groups like the CRM isn’t his forte. In all likelihood, World Beyond’s entire story could be laying the foundation for a rebellion within the Civic Republic that would carry over into the theatrical films. If so, then the movies would have something more than just survivors fighting against zombies.
Still, there are two episodes left of World Beyond‘s final season before the CRM series wraps up for good. Combining that with the fact that The Walking Dead ends next year along with Fear The Walking Dead‘s CRM story fizzling out, the group’s future in the franchise is looking bleak. There’s so much more story left to be told, including where this potential rebellion goes next, so hopefully the Rick Grimes movies happen sooner rather than later as excitement for the projects could wane.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond releases new episodes on AMC on Sundays.
