The Paley Museum hosted a thrilling installment of its acclaimed PaleyLive series, titled Walking and Talking: An Evening with The Walking Dead: Dead City, held in New York City last week.
As fans eagerly await the season two premiere on May 4, attendees were treated to an exclusive first look at the debut episode, followed by an insightful and entertaining panel discussion. Featured on stage were executive producer and chief content officer of the Walking Dead Universe, Scott M. Gimple, and series stars and executive producers Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“Negan”) and Lauren Cohan (“Maggie”), alongside Gaius Charles (“Perlie Armstrong”), Kim Coates (“Bruegel”), and Dascha Polanco (“Col. Lucia Narvaez”). The lively conversation was expertly moderated by entertainment journalist Josh Wigler, who helped guide the evening’s behind-the-scenes revelations and emotional reflections.
The panel offered fans a glimpse into both the artistry and camaraderie that define Dead City’s upcoming season. Gaius Charles lightened the mood early on by sharing a humorous anecdote about being corrected by Lauren Cohan: “We don’t say zombies here, we say Walkers,” he recalled with a smile. That inside joke set the tone for a night of memorable quotes and heartfelt moments. Lauren Cohan became visibly emotional while discussing the creative process behind season two, calling the storyline “so beautifully cobwebbed” and expressing deep pride in how the characters evolve.
One of the standout moments of the evening came when Lauren Cohan spoke about her directorial debut in the new season. She described the experience as a career highlight, saying it was both incredibly fulfilling and one of the most challenging undertakings of her life. Co-star Jeffrey Dean Morgan praised her for stepping behind the camera, describing her work as “outstanding” and applauding her leadership on set. The panel also showcased the distinct personalities of the cast: Kim Coates joked that in the season premiere, his eyes did all the acting, while Dascha Polanco remarked that being in the Walking Dead universe felt even more intense than her time in Orange Is the New Black.
The Knockturnal was on the red carpet to cover this unforgettable evening, speaking with the cast ahead of the screening and panel. As the franchise continues to expand and evolve, events like this reflect the enduring fan devotion and creative energy fueling the Walking Dead universe. With emotional performances, bold storytelling, and new directorial voices like Cohan’s, season two of Dead City promises to deepen the show’s legacy and deliver another gripping chapter in this post-apocalyptic saga.
