‘The Walking Dead’ Showrunner Shakeup

First Published: July 27, 2011 5:18 PM EDT Credit: Getty Premium

Caption Andrew Lincoln and writer/director/producer Frank Darabont attend AMC’s “The Walking Dead” panel at Comic-Con in San Diego on July 22, 2011

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- After news broke Tuesday night that Frank Darabont was stepping down as showrunner on AMC’s hit zombie series “The Walking Dead,” another series executive producer has reportedly been tapped for the gig.

On Wednesday afternoon, sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Glen Mazzara – second in command on the hit AMC series – will take over Darabont’s showrunner duties.

Darabont – who is also the show’s creator, executive producer and director – appeared at Comic-Con 2011 in San Diego last weekend. During a panel appearance at the annual fanboy festival he did not mention he was leaving his position.

In May, the zombie guru told THR that he feared budgetary woes could affect the series.

“Creatively I have no complaints thus far,” Darabont said at the time. “But I believe if they do move ahead with what they’re talking about [with budget cuts], it will affect the show creatively … in a negative way. Which just strikes me as odd. If you have an asset, why would you punish it?”

It is not known if Darabont will continue with his other duties on the series.

“The Walking Dead” returns for Season 2 on October 16 at 9 PM.

Check out Access Hollywood’s interview with “Walking Dead” star Andrew Lincoln from Comic-Con, HERE!

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