And when all was said and done, the directors I clicked best with were women.

Heather Cappiello had also just shot an episode ofFearand brought an incredible passion to our meeting.

So yeah, experience in the universe, while not at all critical, is definitely a plus.

Walking Dead: World Beyond

Alexa Mansour on ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’.Steve Swisher/AMC

What can you say generally about the direction in season 2?

I’ll say that the direction of season 2 feels more mature and psychologically complex by design.

Our characters have been through a lot.

Walking Dead: World Beyond

Aliyah Royale and Jelani Alladin on ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’.Steve Swisher/AMC

They’ve had to grow up fast and make some very hard decisions.