‘The Walking Dead’ will return for its 10th season on October 6 and Danai Gurira has confirmed this will be her last on the show…
Season 10 of ‘The Walking Dead’ is set to premiere on AMC on Sunday night, October 6 but the excitement about the upcoming episodes along with a new trailer were also met with some sadness at this past weekend’s San Diego Comic Con.
While the trailer showcased the upcoming battle between the survivors and The Whisperers, season 10 of ‘The Walking Dead’ will also serve as the final appearance for Danai Gurira as Michonne.
During the panel for the long running AMC series, Gurira confirmed rumors that she was exiting the show a year after Andrew Lincoln did the same when he walked away from playing Rick Grimes after nine seasons.
“I can confirm that this is the last season I will be on this amazing TV show as Michonne,” Gurira said during ‘The Walking Dead’ panel. “I would just like to say that this has been one of the purest joys of my life to play this role and to be amongst these people and those who are not here right now and amongst all of you. I’m very thankful for the experience I’ve had in ways I can’t state right now. My heart does not leave in any way, shape or form. The TWD family is forever. The connection between us never ends.
“It was a very difficult decision. It is not connected to my heart. My heart stays right here. It was about my calling and other things I feel called to. The opportunities I’ve had, exploring it as a creator of work. I’m filled with a lot of pain about leaving and a lot of gratitude. I am thankful to all of you. I love you guys, and I love this show. The TWD family is forever.”
In recent years, Gurira has been very busy outside of ‘The Walking Dead’ including her role in ‘Black Panther’ as well as ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’.
Her shocking exit from ‘The Walking Dead’ doesn’t mean she’s completely finished with the series.
Following the announcement that Gurira was leaving the show, ‘Walking Dead’ boss Scott Gimple hinted that her time with ‘The Walking Dead’ may not be completely finished, which likely means her potential inclusion in a trilogy of upcoming films that will also see Lincoln reprise his role as Rick Grimes.
‘The Walking Dead’ universe has grown exponentially in recent years beyond the main series with ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ going strong and a third television series already in the works at AMC. The film trilogy starring Lincoln will actually be released in theaters and it’s likely Gurira could appear in those movies as well after she leaves the main ‘Walking Dead’ series.
Gurira’s exit still has to be witnessed this season and the trailer for ‘The Walking Dead’ certainly ended with a bang as Michonne was seen wielding Lucille — the barbed-wire wrapped baseball bat that belongs to Negan.
Check out the new trailer for ‘The Walking Dead’ season 10 and get ready to see how Gurira ends her time as Michonne with the upcoming slate of episodes kicking off in October.
