The highly anticipated debut of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is just around the corner, and executive producer Scott Gimple is setting the record straight on a popular fan theory. In an interview with ComicBook.com, Gimple addresses the theory that Rick Grimes is still in a coma from season 1 and that the entire franchise will culminate with him waking up. Gimple debunks this theory but expresses his appreciation for fan theories nonetheless. He assures fans that Rick has indeed awakened and that the upcoming series will explore his journey since being captured by the CRM. Additionally, Michonne will make a comeback as she embarks on a mission to bring Rick back home to the Virginia Communities.

The "Rick Coma Theory" suggests that Rick has been dreaming since awakening in a world ravaged by zombies after being shot and falling into a coma. However, this theory falls apart when considering the varying perspectives of other characters within the show. It is evident that the events taking place in the series are not figments of Rick's imagination. The recent series finale and the introduction of multiple spinoffs confirm that the zombie apocalypse is a reality in The Walking Dead universe.

While The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live and other spinoffs such as Dead City and Daryl Dixon will provide answers to some questions, the ultimate conclusion of the franchise remains a mystery.

As the new spinoffs converge in the future, fans can expect more definitive and satisfying resolutions in the years to come.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, created by Scott M. Gimple and Danai Gurira, premieres on AMC and AMC+ on February 25th. The series serves as a sequel spin-off, continuing the story after Michonne's departure from the original series as she embarks on a quest to reunite with her beloved, Rick Grimes. Meanwhile, Rick finds himself in the midst of another battle between the living and the undead.