Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira to return for The Walking Dead spin-off

The pair will reprise their roles as Rick and Michonne Grimes for the AMC+ series in 2023, which will replace the Rick Grimes movies that were announced when Lincoln left the show in 2018.

Announcing the news during a surprise appearance at Comic-Con, Andrew, 48, said: “This is kind of overwhelming. Because you are the hardest of the hardcore fans, we have something we want to tell you first.”

Danai, 44, added: “We are, Mr. Rick Grimes himself and Mr. Scott Gimple in an amazing bolo tie today, got together and have been cooking something up for you all because we missed you and we owe you the conclusion of this story of Rick and Michonne.”

Andrew said: “So next year, there’s going to be six episodes on AMC+ airing in 2023, so next year there’s going to be a lot more to talk about.

“I personally can’t wait to get my cowboys boots back on and get the band back together.”

According to Entertainment Weekly the six episodes will be “the first season of a continuing series starring the duo”.

The Walking Dead Universe’s Chief Content Officer Scott M. Gimple will serve as showrunner for the series, with Lincoln and Gurira as Executive Producers.

Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, said in a statement: “This is a moment fans of ‘The Walking Dead’ have been waiting for since Rick disappeared in the helicopter early in Season 9, and Michonne journeyed away on a quest to find him the following season.

“What a great surprise for the fans at this final Comic-Con for the series that launched this universe and made television history. We couldn’t be more excited for a truly epic series finale later this year and to see Andy and Danai return in a new series they helped create, one of three new series coming in 2023 that continue the stories of so many iconic and fan-favorite ‘TWD’ characters.”

Andrew said: “This has been the most extraordinary journey playing Rick Grimes for the best part of a decade. The friendships I’ve made along the way are deep and lasting, so it’s fitting that I finally get to complete the story with Danai and Scott and the rest of the ‘TWD’ family. I’m so excited to be returning to the screen as Rick, reuniting with Danai as Michonne, and bringing the fans an epic love story to add to the ‘Walking Dead’ Universe.”

Danai added: “Michonne and this ‘TWD’ family has meant so much to me, and to continue the journey of these beloved characters, alongside Scott and Andy, both creatively and in front of the camera, and bringing ‘The Walking Dead’ fans something truly special is just glorious. I can’t wait to pick up the katana again.”