Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira lead new ‘Walking Dead’ series
SAN DIEGO — There were no zombies but plenty of tears, memories, hugs and high-fives — plus a few surprises — as ‘The Walking Dead’ stars previewed the final eight episodes of an 11-season long run at Comic-Con.
“It’s not our show. It’s our show,” star Norman Reedus said, referring to the dedicated Friday panel crowd. The famed pop culture convention has been a frequent stop for the AMC doomsday drama over the years which is now coming to an end: the final batch of episodes are slated to air beginning October 2.
But even though the main show ends, the “Walking Dead” universe expands and brings back old friends. Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan are currently filming the “Isle of the Dead” spin-off, which will air next year and will feature Cohan’s Maggie and Morgan’s Negan facing off against the walking dead in what remains of New York City. and Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira surprised the Comic-Con crowd with the announcement of a new six-episode series premiering on AMC+ in 2023. (Lincoln’s Rick Grimes was last seen being taken in a helicopter in season 9, and Michonne de Gurira went looking for him.)
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“Personally, I can’t wait to get my cowboy boots back on and get the band back together,” said Lincoln, one of the original “Walking Dead” cast members alongside Reedus and Melissa McBride.
Much of the gathering, however, featured “Walking Dead” stars reminiscing about their final days on set and favorite members over 11 seasons, but also thanking fans for their support. “Without you guys, we wouldn’t be here,” said Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon. “What you feel for us, we feel for you.”
Reedus admitted it was “a very emotional moment” to film his last scene before the end, and Seth Gilliam (who plays Father Gabriel) said the actors would be sure to stop by for the death scenes of the actors and “that same vibe has returned, with people coming back to witness someone’s last day and show them some love.”
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Cailey Fleming wrapped up her last day in Georgia, then the 15-year-old actress (who plays Judith Grimes) hit Disney World. “She probably never ate an ice cream cone. What child has never eaten an ice cream cone? Fleming said of his character. “But she’s also this fierce fighter who protects her family, and I respect her for that.”
Deaf actress Lauren Ridloff, who first appeared as Connie on ‘Walking Dead’ in its ninth season 9 run and has since starred in Marvel’s ‘Eternals’, was a fan of the show. zombies – when she was a kindergarten teacher – before becoming a part of it.
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“I didn’t feel like I left the classroom. I felt the classroom became a lot bigger,” she said through an interpreter in American Sign Language. “We watch ‘The Walking Dead’ because it has been so important over the years and can be a reflection of our everyday lives.
“When COVID hit, a lot of people started asking me for advice. How do I survive? See, still teaching.”
McBride, who plays Carol, became emotional when speaking about her time on the show: “This whole experience needs to be amazing, out of this world I never thought it would become what it has become. . I’m so grateful.”
USA Today
