Danai Gurira Confirms She’s Leaving The Walking Dead at Comic-Con

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2019 Comic-Con International - "The Walking Dead" Panel
Danai Gurira and Norman Reedus speak at "The Walking Dead" 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)

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 showโ€™s San Diego Comic-Con panel today.

NOOOOOOOOOO!

โ€œI can confirm that this is the last season I will be on this amazing TV show as Michonne,โ€ Gurira said.

2019 Comic-Con International - "The Walking Dead" Panel
(L-R) Danai Gurira and Jeffrey Dean Morgan speak at โ€œThe 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)

โ€œI 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. Iโ€™m very thankful for the experience Iโ€™ve had in ways I canโ€™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.โ€

Gurira went on to call it a difficult decision, saying:

โ€œIt 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 Iโ€™ve had, exploring it as a creator of work. Iโ€™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.โ€

2019 Comic-Con International - "The Walking Dead" Panel
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)

Showrunner Angela Kang impressed on the crowd what Guriraโ€™s contribution to the series was, saying:

โ€œWe will miss the hell out of herโ€ฆ.The mark sheโ€™s left, the excellence she brings every day, the way her professionalism and passionโ€ฆ itโ€™s been a remarkable journey. Itโ€™s been remarkable seeing her spread her wings out in the world as well. On the writing side, we take the responsibility very serious. Itโ€™s 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 havenโ€™t screwed it up. We put her through her paces this year. Sheโ€™s a spectacular actress. She brought her A++ game, as she always does. Iโ€™m very excited to share what sheโ€™s doing.โ€

2019 Comic-Con International - "The Walking Dead" Panel
Angela Kang and Danai Gurira speak at โ€œThe 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)

Watch the Season 10 Trailer for The Walking Dead below.

YouTube video

The Walking Dead Season 10 premieres Sunday, October 6 at 9/8c on AMC.