We reported earlier this week that The Walking Dead executive Frank Darabont, an instrumental part of first season and the first half of the second, would be stepping down as showrunner, to be replaced by his fellow executive producer, Glen Mazzara. That mix-up has sent shockwaves through The Walking Dead's fan community. AMC has since released an official statement regarding Darabont's departure:

The Walking Dead’s Glen Mazzara, writer and executive producer, is expanding his responsibilities to assume the role of showrunner. AMC is grateful to executive producer, writer and pilot director Frank Darabont whose contributions to the success of The Walking Dead are innumerable. We continue to discuss his ongoing role with the series.

Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead graphic novels, executive producer and writer on the series, will remain in this role and will continue to steward the brand. Gale Anne Hurd will remain in her role as executive producer. The production continues on schedule for an Oct. 16 premiere.

So all we really learned from that is that Darabont isn't entirely off the project. Interestingly, TVLine is reporting that it wasn't Darabont's decision to step down, and was in fact "blindsided" by the choice. At a Television Critics Association session on Thursday, AMC refused to comment about why Darabont is no longer showrunner.

The Walking Dead season 2 premieres October 16 on AMC.