The Walking Dead cast had to go to ‘zombie school’ before filming

After 14 years of continuous airing, the special effects team behind The Walking Dead had honed their craft to perfection, particularly in the art of creating the quintessential zombie. By the third season, special makeup effects creator Greg Nicotero was already discussing how they had evolved and improved their techniques based on the lessons learned from each preceding season.

In a 2012 interview with CNN, Nicotero reflected on their process, stating, “I sat down and made a list of what I thought worked successfully in season one and what I thought we could refine.” He highlighted the continual refinement of zombie aesthetics, including enhancements to the look of the zombies, the design of contact lenses, and the creation of dentures. With each new season, they sought to elevate the quality of the undead creatures. “Every time I watch an episode, I’m always thinking about how we can refine it, how it can be better,” Nicotero emphasized.

Elaborating on their methods, Nicotero mentioned the crucial role of “Zombie School” at the beginning of each season. This process involved auditioning a large number of extras, typically ranging from 150 to 200 individuals. These auditions focused on two primary criteria: appearance and performance. Nicotero stressed the importance of maintaining a specific visual aesthetic for the zombies, emphasizing their thin, gaunt, and emaciated appearance. They preferred casting thinner individuals with distinct bone structures to ensure that the prosthetics seamlessly integrated with their features.

Furthermore, Nicotero emphasized the significance of performance in bringing the walkers to life. He highlighted the necessity for authenticity and genuineness in their portrayal, ensuring that the actors effectively conveyed the essence of the undead. “The actor has to bring it to life. It’s very important that our walkers are genuine and authentic,” Nicotero affirmed, underlining the meticulous attention to detail that contributed to The Walking Dead’s reputation as one of the premier horror series.