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Old Man Carl Theory
| Fan Theory | |
|---|---|
| Fan Theory: | Old Man Carl Theory |
| Synonyms: | Old Man Carl |
| Origin: | Youtuber MOVIEidol |
| Fandom(s): | The Walking Dead |
| Dates: | 2017 |
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The Old Man Carl Theory was a fan theory in The Walking Dead fandom. The theory states that the entire series is a story being told by an elderly Carl Grimes, who is recalling his days as a child in the early years of the zombie apocalypse. The theory appears to be thought of, and fleshed out, by MOVIEidol, who made a YouTube video about the theory in January 2017, and it soon gained popularity among The Walking Dead fan community. MOVIEidol may have been inspired by the artwork of M.J. Hiblen, who created pieces featuring a mature Carl Grimes in November 2016, and whose artwork featured heavily in his theory video. The theory was debunked on the television series after the death of Carl in season 8. The comic series doesn't end with old man Carl, but it does end with an adult Carl reading a book about his father Rick Grimes to his daughter, so perhaps partially confirming the theory.
