Is 'The Walking Dead' a Rip-Off of '28 Days Later'?

The beginnings of 'The Walking Dead' (TWD) and '28 Days Later' share some thematic and narrative similarities, both centered on post-apocalyptic worlds overrun by zombies or infected individuals. However, it is important to note that 'The Walking Dead,' based on the comic series by Robert Kirkman, began publication in October 2003, while '28 Days Later,' directed by Danny Boyle, was released in November 2002.

Chronology and Release Dates

While '28 Days Later' was released first, it introduced the zombie apocalypse scenario with a focus on the rapid spread of infection. In contrast, 'The Walking Dead' developed its story and characters over time in a serialized format. Neither work can be said to have directly copied the other; they both stand as unique products of their respective creative contexts.

Similar Opening Scenes

The opening scenes of many movies and TV shows often share similar elements. For instance:

In the 'Resident Evil' movies, the main character Alice typically wakes up unconscious and naked, often on a metal table. In the 2016 TV show 'Van Helsing,' the character Vanessa is also found in a comatose condition on a hospital metal bed. In 'Z-Nation,' the character Murphy is wide awake and being chewed on by zombies before being saved and dragged across the nation.

Interestingly, while these shows and movies share these opening scenes, they are not necessarily the first to do so. The idea of a protagonist waking up in a frightening and uncomfortable situation is quite common in the genre.

Origins of the Idea

Both openings can be traced back at least to John Wyndham's novel The Day of the Triffids, published in 1951. The concept of a zombie outbreak, while not new, might have been present in literature long before either of these works.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while both 'The Walking Dead' and '28 Days Later' share thematic and narrative similarities, they each stand as distinct creative entities. The opening scenes of many works may share common elements, but the true originality lies in the way each story develops and how it addresses its themes.

It is bullshit to suggest that one work ripped off the other, as each story is a unique product of its own creative context and development.

References:

[1] Day_of_the_Triffids