Reports circulated earlier this year that actress Danai Gurira, who plays the role of Michonne, would depart The Walking Dead series after its upcoming 10th season.
The actress confirmed the news at the showโs San Diego Comic-Con panel today.
NOOOOOOOOOO!
โI can confirm that this is the last season I will be on this amazing TV show as Michonne,โ Gurira said.

โI 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. Iโm very thankful for the experience Iโve had in ways I canโt 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.โ
Gurira went on to call it a difficult decision, saying:
โIt 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 Iโve had, exploring it as a creator of work. Iโm 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.โ

Showrunner Angela Kang impressed on the crowd what Guriraโs contribution to the series was, saying:
โWe will miss the hell out of herโฆ.The mark sheโs left, the excellence she brings every day, the way her professionalism and passionโฆ itโs been a remarkable journey. Itโs been remarkable seeing her spread her wings out in the world as well. On the writing side, we take the responsibility very serious. Itโs important to the fans and to us. When we worked on the exit for Andy, we took it just as seriously. We want to do right by this incredible actress and this story. I hope we havenโt screwed it up. We put her through her paces this year. Sheโs a spectacular actress. She brought her A++ game, as she always does. Iโm very excited to share what sheโs doing.โ

Watch the Season 10 Trailer for The Walking Dead below.
The Walking Dead Season 10 premieres Sunday, October 6 at 9/8c on AMC.
Danai Gurira and Norman Reedus speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (L-R) Angela Kang, Danai Gurira, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Cailey Fleming speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (L-R) Chris Hardwick, Angela Kang, Danai Gurira and Jeffrey Dean Morgan speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Angela Kang and Danai Gurira speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (L-R) Danai Gurira and Jeffrey Dean speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (L-R) Danai Gurira and Jeffrey Dean Morgan speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (L-R) Angela Kang, Danai Gurira, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Cailey Fleming speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) (L-R) Angela Kang, Danai Gurira, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Cailey Fleming speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Danai Gurira and Norman Reedus speak at โThe Walking Deadโ Panel during 2019 Comic-Con International at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Actress Danai Gurira arrives for the The Walking Dead panel at the convention centre during Comic Con in San Diego, California on July 19, 2019. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP / Getty Images)