Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, recently opened up about the emotional toll of killing off beloved characters, especially Glenn Rhee (Steven Yeun), whose brutal death in Negan's lineup remains one of the most shocking moments in TV history.
The Walking Dead has killed off its fair share of characters over the years, with the brutal death of Glenn at the hands of Negan being one of the most memorable and bloody events in the comic's almost 200-issue run. Being the one responsible for all the death and dismemberment that takes place on the page, The Walking Dead’s creator, Robert Kirkman, has revealed that despite all the harrowing situations he puts his characters through, their deaths affect him almost as much as if they were real people.
Premiering in 2003 and ending 193 issues later in 2019, The Walking Dead, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, reinvigorated the zombie genre, with its AMC-produced television series catapulting Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors into the pop culture stratosphere.
Kirkman’s Emotional Confession:
"It still haunts me," Kirkman admitted that even years later, he sometimes reflects on Glenn’s death and the impact it had on fans.
"You don’t take it lightly" – While character deaths drive the show’s tension, Kirkman revealed that writers and producers do feel the weight of those decisions.
"But the story demands it." – Despite the emotional cost, he stands by the creative choice, believing it was necessary for the narrative’s raw authenticity.
Why Glenn’s Death Still Hurts:
💔 A Fan Favorite – Glenn was one of the most compassionate and relatable characters, making his loss devastating.
💔 The Brutality of It – His death (via Negan’s barbed-wire bat, Lucille) was one of the most graphic and unflinching scenes in the series.
💔 Maggie’s Aftermath – The ripple effect on Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and the group added long-term emotional stakes.
The Legacy of TWD’s High Stakes:
Kirkman’s willingness to kill major characters became a hallmark of the series, keeping fans on edge—but he acknowledges that it wasn’t easy, even for him.
Do you think Glenn’s death was necessary for the story? Or was it too much? 💀 #TheWalkingDead #GlennRhee #RobertKirkman #TWD
