Norman Reedus Defends Melissa McBride’s Exit From The Walking Dead Spinoff

Melissa McBride is exiting the planned Walking Dead spinoff that would star her and Norman Reedus, and Reedus has spoken up to defend her decision. McBride confirmed last week that she had decided to step back from the spinoff, which will now proceed with just Reedus’ Daryl. The move was a surprise to many and while on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Reedus backed his co-star’s decision to step away.

“Twelve years is a grueling schedule,” Reedus said of their time on the main series. “She wanted to take some time off and she’s doing that. She deserves it.”

McBride’s decision to exit was a logistical one, with an AMC rep saying:

“Melissa McBride has given life to one of the most interesting, real, human and popular characters in The Walking Dead Universe. Unfortunately, she is no longer able to participate in the previously announced spinoff focused on the Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier characters, which will be set and filmed in Europe this summer and premiere next year. Relocating to Europe became logistically untenable for Melissa at this time. We know fans will be disappointed by this news, but The Walking Dead Universe continues to grow and expand in interesting ways and we very much hope to see Carol again in the near future.”

The Walking Dead is on its midseason hiatus right now, and will return for its final eight episodes in the fall.