Danai Gurira Is Leaving The Walking Dead Next Season

The Walking Dead is losing another cast member in Danai Gurira, but Michonne’s story isn’t over. THR reports that Gurira has signed a deal that will see her return for a limited handful of episodes in season ten before making her exit. She is then expected to move on to the Walking Dead film trilogy that will see Andrew Lincoln reprise his role as Rick Grimes.

Gurira’s exit from the main show will see her tenure end after seven seasons. Michonne has been a fan favorite character in both the comics and the television series. She remains a main focal point of the comic books alongside Rick and in the show was Rick’s romantic partner starting with season six.

AMC and Gurira’s reps have declined comment on the story. The Walking Dead has seen a revolving door of main cast members departing over the last few seasons including Lincoln (Rick), Lauren Cohan (Maggie), Chandler Riggs (Carl) and Lennie James (Morgan). Cohan exited the series this season, but hinted this week at the possibility of a spin-off for Maggie. James moved over to Fear the Walking Dead.

The show returns for the back half of its ninth season on Sunday at 9 PM ET/PT on AMC.