What I observed from watching Isle of the Dead filming

When news of The Walking Dead spinoff Isle of the Dead was announced, I was relatively surprised but excited. Negan was one of the characters, including Aaron, I was worried wouldn’t survive the end of the series.

Even though he does survive in the comics the series is based on, the show tends to change the story. Therefore, I wasn’t convinced he wasn’t going to die in some heroic fashion.

But now fans can be reassured that he and Maggie will survive alongside Daryl who is starring in his own unnamed spinoff taking place in France. When I heard Isle of the Dead would be filming in New Jersey, I knew I had to make the effort to watch some of it if possible.

I was born, raised, and still live in the state. I wasn’t able to watch any of The Walking Dead filming in Georgia so this would be perhaps my only chance.

The Walking Dead spinoff Isle of the Dead continues filming in New Jersey.

As I see it, TWDU (The Walking Dead Universe) won’t last forever and who knows if they will film in New Jersey again. My love and passion for The Walking Dead haven’t faded, regardless of which characters sadly don’t survive or how the story progresses.

My continued devotion to the show stunned many who know me as I don’t appear or seem like the type who would enjoy a story based on a walker (zombie) apocalypse. Truth be told, it wasn’t the walkers that drew me in but the story and characters.

That remains the truth as I am still enthralled by the continued transformation of characters since their first appearance, for better and worse. I had the chance to witness filming a couple of days, some with friends, ranging from the end of July and into August.

What I observed was beyond my expectations. Keep in mind I will not be spoiling anything that I feel would give away too much before the spinoff is released next year.

Even though there are several videos and photos online from other fans who have been watching filming take place, I rather not reveal what I saw outright. It may come as no surprise, but I feel it needs to be mentioned that the crew works tirelessly.

There are so many people involved, between sound, cameras, security, it is truly amazing to see how many people make something like Isle of the Dead happen. Especially when filming outdoors in the New Jersey heat, which did, no exaggeration get very hot.

I noticed where huge set lights were set up, how outdoor surroundings were changed, props, what the extras wore, and I even heard a specific Negan line of dialogue while they were filming somewhere out of eyesight. What’s more is seeing how dedicated Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan are to their work.

Acting is their job, but they take professionalism to a whole new level. I had seen both Morgan and Cohan from a long and short distance. While I’d love to meet them in person and I’ve seen others being able to do, I haven’t had the opportunity.

But I believe they respected my approach of waving politely and exchanging a friendly, hello, without inhibiting their work. They are in the zone, full focused, but acknowledge fans with genuine happiness.

The biggest thing worth mentioning was the opportunity to walk onto and view a set! No photos were allowed but I will not forget what I saw.

The attention to detail around every corner, left me impressed to say the least. I’m talking even the smallest details that make the scene work.

Things you might not think of, or maybe even notice while watching the show. Thank you to the crew member for the experience!

Do I think I know what will happen in Isle of the Dead? I think I have a few good ideas of some of the things that will happen from what I’ve seen and noticed about the filming locations.

I do not know why Negan and Maggie are teaming up to venture into New York and to be honest, I almost prefer it that way. I’d like for some things to be a surprise when the spinoff airs next year.

For now, I’ll enjoy what I can and look forward to more filming in my home state.

What do you think will happen in Isle of the Dead? Share your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to read them!