The Walking Dead has seen a lot of changes in the past year or so, and another one is confirmed to be coming in Season 10. Danai Gurira rose to worldwide fame as Michonne on The Walking Dead, but she has since found success on other platforms, including in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During 2019 San Diego Comic-Con, Gurira confirmed she is leaving The Walking Dead in the upcoming 2019-2020 Season 10. Here's what she told the SDCC crowd:
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. ... My heart does not leave in any way shape or form. The beauty of this show is that TWD is family is forever... The decision I made was a very difficult one and it's not connected to my heart. My heart stays right here. It was about my calling, in a sense, and other things I feel called to. ... So, all I'm filled with is a lot of pain about leaving and a lot of gratitude and thanks to all of you. I love you guys, I love this show.
Danai Gurira was crying a bit as she confirmed her exit. Rumors of her departure started spreading in February, but this is the first time the actress has spoken about leaving The Walking Dead as Michonne.
Back in February, THR stated Danai Gurira would return for The Walking Dead Season 10 in a limited numbers of episodes interspersed throughout the season. In that respect, her deal sounded similar to Andrew Lincoln and Lauren Cohan, who appeared in a few episodes of Season 9.
There's hope to see Maggie Greene-Rhee again on The Walking Dead, since she's alive and not missing in the storyline. Andrew Lincoln's Rick Grimes is missing to the characters, but we know he's alive -- and he'll be getting his own movies (which will apparently be released on the big screen). Will Danai Gurira's Michonne be part of those movies, so Rick and Michonne can finally reunite?
What about Judith and baby RJ? The Walking Dead already killed off Carl Grimes, plus Judith's mom Lori (and her biological dad Shane). Is Judith going to have to take care of RJ or will they go with Michonne wherever she leaves -- if she leaves and isn't killed off? Also, how many characters can The Walking Dead lose and still be recognizable as The Walking Dead? At some point, the main show is going to start looking like one of its own spinoffs.
There are so many questions that still need answering. The Walking Dead Season 10 just revealed its trailer at SDCC, and announced several new characters who are joining the 2019-2020 cast. Season 10 will premiere Sunday, October 6 on AMC.
