2025 was a monster year for Michael B. Jordan. Sure, he was only in one movie, but that just happened to be one of the biggest movies of the year. Now, with Jordan's only credit on the 2026 movie schedule a voice role in the animated movie Swapped, we're looking forward to early 2027 when his next sure-fire hit, a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair, will be released. Not only is Jordan starring in the movie, but it is his second time in the director's chair as well.

Of course, Jordan won Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars for his role in Sinners, which you can catch with an HBO Max subscription, but as someone who adores the 1999 version of The Thomas Crown Affair, this is one of my most anticipated Hollywood releases in the next year or so. The original Thomas Crown Affair, released in 1968, starred Steve McQueen as the titular thief and Faye Dunaway as the investigator trying to bust him. An excellent remake starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo was a hit in 1999. Both of those are available to watch with a Prime Subscription. Dunaway played a supporting role in that one, as well.

We're learning more and more about the 2027 release of The Thomas Crown Affair. Jordan talked about it a lot during awards season as he made the rounds, and every time he did, I couldn't help but get more excited.

When Is The Thomas Crown Affair Scheduled To Be Released?

The Thomas Crown Affair is still scheduled to be released on March 5, 2027, by Amazon MGM. It is also expected to be released in IMAX. If that seems like a while off, I agree, but considering that this movie was first announced in 2016, it now feels like it's just around the corner.

Filming wrapped in November, according to Jordan, in an interview with Vanity Fair. Filming took place in England and Italy, starting in July 2025. The film is in post-production, so it sounds like everything is on schedule for its release in about 11 months!

The Thomas Crown Affair Cast

Some of the cast of The Thomas Crown Affair has been revealed, but outside of Jordan playing Thomas Crown, we're still a little in the dark about who is playing whom. We can make some educated guesses about what characters some of the actors will be playing, though at this point, it's all conjecture.

Michael B. Jordan

Of course, Michael B. Jordan will be starring in the lead role, art thief Thomas Crown. In the 1999 version, the character is also an art thief who commits his crimes for the adrenaline rush, as he is already as wealthy as a man could be. In the original 1968 version, Crown is a bank robber in Boston looking for the same kind of thrill. That doesn't mean this version of Crown will be the same, as Jordan highlighted in a recent interview with the Awards Circuit podcast (via People):

That's certainly intriguing and could add some serious weight to the role. One of the great things about the previous versions of the character is Crown's aloofness; it's also something that makes the stakes low. Upping the ante, so to speak, could be thrilling.

Adria Arjona

6 Underground and Andor star Adria Arjona was named to the cast in July, replacing Taylor Russell, who left the production over creative differences. Arjona is thought to be playing an insurance investigator playing a cat-and-mouse game with Crown, while falling in love with the dashing thief. A similar role was played by Faye Dunaway in the original, and Renee Russo in the 1999 remake. It's worth noting that Dunaway also played a small role as Crown's psychiatrist in the later film.

Kenneth Branagh

One actor I'm always excited to see in any cast is the great Kenneth Branagh. His role in The Thomas Crown Affair has yet to be announced, though Deadline hinted that it would be a "villainous role." Perhaps a business rival to Crown? With Jordan teasing that the stakes would be higher, maybe this is the character that provides that.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone made her biggest mark on Hollywood thus far in Killers of the Flower Moon, and she's been announced as a member of the cast in The Thomas Crown Affair. Like most of them, we don't know anything about her role yet, and frankly, I'm having trouble even making a guess, but you can be sure that she will be fantastic.

Danai Gurira

While I eventually lost interest in The Walking Dead, one of my favorite characters in the early seasons I did love was Michonne, played by the wonderful Danai Gurira. She's also well known for starring as Okoye in The Black Panther films in the MCU, though she's not in the cast for any upcoming MCU films as of this writing.

Aubrey Plaza

In January 2025, it was announced that Aubrey Plaza would be joining the cast. 2025 was a tragic year for the White Lotus star, as her husband Jeff Baena died in January. The Thomas Crown Affair will likely be her first major role on screen (after a voice role in 2027's Animal Friends), after that tragedy, so I'm sure excited to see her return after being somewhat disappointed by 2025's Honey Don't.

Pilou Asbæk

Game of Thrones veteran Pilou Asbæk, who played Euron Greyjoy in the popular HBO show, has been announced as part of the cast, but again, we don't have much info on his character. Asbæk is Danish, so the rumors about the movie being set broadly across Europe make some sense with this casting, perhaps as an Interpol agent hunting the titular character.

Aiysha Hart

Aiysha Hart, who is best known for her role as Ariadne in the BBC show Atlantis. More recently, she starred in We Are Lady Parts, which can be streamed with a Peacock subscription. Hart's character is a wildcard to me, but I do wonder if she will play a forger, much like the Anna Knudsen role in the 1999 remake, as played by Esther Cañadas.

Paapa Essiedu

Paapa Essiedu, who is probably best known for his roles in The Lazarus Effect and his Emmy-nominated turn in I May Destroy You, is also part of the cast in another yet-to-be-named character.

What Will The Thomas Crown Affair Be About?

The plot is expected to be similar to the 1999 film, with Jordan playing a wealthy man who gets his thrills by stealing expensive art. It is expected to be set in London (or possibly more broadly across Europe), after being set in New York City in the Brosnan version. The original was set in Boston.

I'm glad that writer Drew Pearce seems to have stuck with art theft. It adds such a cool, elegant element to the remake that was a little lacking in the original version with a standard bank heist. There is something classier about an art thief than a bank robber. Jordan has also said that he loves the 1999 version, telling the Awards Circuit (via Variety) podcast:

He added that he also was struck by the original:

There is something to art theft that really lends itself well to heist movies. There is an elegance to it, and that hopefully means it will look incredible too. Jordan is confident that it will be. While on one of the many red carpets the Sinners star has found himself on this winter, he told The Hollywood Reporter:

Say no more, Mr. Jordan, we're sold! Let's steal some art!

Michael B. Jordan Is Directing And Drew Pearce Is Writing The Movie

The Thomas Crown Affair will be Michael B. Jordan's second turn behind the camera after he made his directorial debut with 2023's Creed III. Jordan had a clear vision of what he wanted it to be early on, once again telling the Awards Circuit podcast:

In January 2026, Jordan spoke to Deadline about the process. The film was in the editing process, and it seems like he's really been enjoying the whole process, saying:

Jordan also expanded on the film, and how it fits in with the previous versions of the story:

The movie is being written by Drew Pearce, whose previous films include The Fall Guy, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Iron Man 3, and Hotel Artemis, which he also directed. Pearce is also set to pen the upcoming Dredd film.

I'm sure we'll hear a lot more about the movie in the coming months, and I can't wait for new details!

Years have passed since Michael B. Jordan’s remake of The Thomas Crown Affair was first announced, and I’m still amped to know that it’s finally happening. News has come out that the film will start shooting next week, not too long after Jordan’s hit 2025 movie Sinners lit the box office up. As his acting/directing duties on the Amazon-MGM picture continue to align, some A+ casting has taken place - and a reported story detail has me just a little bit concerned.

Michael B. Jordan’s Thomas Crown Affair Remake Just Added An A+ Cast

Yes folks, The Thomas Crown Affair is a remake! Not only that, but it’s the second remake of the 1968 original, which starred Steve McQueen. The previous take from 1999 starred Pierce Brosnan as the New York based billionaire with a taste for the finer crimes in life; with Jordan stepping into that character for a planned March 5, 2027 release date. Which leads to that THR report that gave us these details:

Before we go any further, I need to express some excitement for this roster; especially when Ms. Gladstone is one of two cast members serving a mysterious purpose. Also, the Belfast director’s agent deserves a raise, especially after Branagh’s The Devil Wears Prada sequel casting.

Digging into the characters we have heard details on, a Black Panther reunion is underway, as Ms. Guirira and her former MCU nemesis will now be on the same side for once. Meanwhile, it already sounds like Michael B. Jordan and Russell will be the respective mouse and cat of this game.

Following in the footsteps of Faye Dunaway and Rene Russo, our Bones and All star just might be chasing her prey across the continent. I'm speculating here, but why else would the vague setting of "Europe" be invoked in these initial reports?

If that’s the case, this could be a great change to the original plot through current writer Drew Pearce. Yet with that thought in the air, there’s one thing about this still secretive story that I wish they’d changed for modern audiences who may have caught one or both versions of The Thomas Crown Affair through their Prime Video subscription.

I Really Wish Thomas Crown Was Stealing Something Other Than Art

As you look at the jump between the 1968 and 1999 incarnations of Mr. Crown’s affairs, you’ll notice that the object of his larcenous desire changed over time. Steve McQueen’s Thomas was after almost $3 million in cash in Boston, while Pierce Brosnan was the first to try and purloin a special Monet painting.

Going on its third round of snatch and grab is the perfect time for The Thomas Crown Affair to chase something else; rather than just stick to art. Even one of the two unmade Brosnan sequels understood that, as MI6-HQ reported 1964’s Topkapi as a supposed influence for the project. That concept would have swapped art for jewels, and Michael B. Jordan’s remake could have done something really different with that.

It’s still early days for this mysterious ball game, and sticking to art isn’t a deal breaker for a fan like me. At the same time, there are so many new things one could steal in the 21st century; including the realm of digital assets. Bitcoin may be intangible, but the stakes could still be sexy. If we're sticking to physical objects, vintage cars might have been something worth considering.

Just ask Dominic Toretto and his Fast Saga family, as they’ve nabbed everything from cherry autos and TV-VCR combos to weapons of mass destruction. Ok, now that I’ve said that out loud, maybe The Thomas Crown Affair’s decision to stick to art isn’t that bad of a move after all. We’ll have to wait and see, as Michael B. Jordan and company won’t hit the screen until March 6, 2027.

Warning! Spoilers ahead! 

AMC's massive hit The Walking Dead established earlier on that anything could happen at any time, including the worst. Still, a number of characters made it quite a long time. While none of the cast members on the show appeared in all 177 episodes of the show, here are the actors who appeared in the most episodes of The Walking Dead. 

Norman Reedus (175 Episodes)

Daryl Dixon, played by Norman Reedus, was a fan favorite almost from the very beginning, and by the end of the show, he was hands down the most popular character. Reedus was amazing as the gruff, tough-as-nails survivor and he appeared in more episodes than any other actor, 175 in total. He also returned in the follow-up show The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.

Melissa McBride (174 Episodes)

The character on The Walking Dead that had the most incredible character arc has to be Carol played by Melissa McBride. Carol was a fairly meek housewife to an abusive husband. She didn't stay the way and by the end of the show's run, and McBride's 175 episodes, she was someone you definitely wanted to have on your side against the zombies. 

Lauren Cohan (144 Episodes)

It's hard to believe that viewers didn't meet Maggie Greene Rhee until the second season when the survivors reached the farm. Still, actress Lauren Cohan appeared in the third-most episodes by the end, 144 in total. Though she had one of the most tragic story arcs, she comes out on top at the very end, proving how tough she really was.  

Christian Serratos (130 Episodes)

Fans of The Walking Dead aren't introduced to Rosalita, played by Christian Serratos, until Season 4 and Serratos didn't become a main cast member until the following season. From then on though, she becomes a key survivor right up until the very end when she becomes the final victim of the zombies on the show, after 130 episodes.

Josh McDermitt (130 Episodes)

Josh McDermitt's character, Eugene, is one of the most interesting characters on the show. At first, he's weak, selfish, and spineless, but he eventually grows into one of the most capable survivors on the show, using his smarts to help out in many ways. 

Danai Gurira (126 Episodes)

From the first time viewers see Michonne, played by Danai Gurira, until the end of the show, she was among the most beloved and awesome characters. Though she wasn't introduced until the end of Season 2, Gurira appeared in 126 episodes over the final 10 seasons. And she wasn't someone you ever wanted to mess with.

Seth Gilliam (125 Episodes)

Former cast member of The Wire Seth Gilliam plays one of the more controversial characters, the priest Gabriel Stokes. Though he didn't join the show until Season 5, he played a huge role, both good and bad, with the survivors over the final seven seasons. 

Andrew Lincoln (121 Episodes)

If there is a main character of The Walking Dead, at least in the first nine seasons, it's Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln. He's the de facto leader at almost every point in the show, and the father of two kids. At the end of Season 9 Grimes disappears and at the end of Season 11 it's revealed he's still alive, but only a little is revealed about where he ends up until the follow-up show, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.

Ross Marquand (116 Episodes)

Audiences first meet Ross Marquand's character Aaron when he recruits the survivors to join the community he's a part of in Alexandria. From Season 5, when he is introduced, until the end of the show, Aaron is a key character who appeared in a total of 116 episodes. 

Chandler Riggs (109 Episodes)

Carl Grimes was, other than his infant sister, the youngest member of the group of main survivors. Rick's son, played by Chandler Riggs, was a key character in both the TV and in the comic books, though his run on the show ended before the character's arc is over in the comic books. Riggs left the show in dramatic fashion after 109 episodes to attend college. 

Jeffrey Dean Morgan (95 Episodes)

The Walking Dead became known for introducing a big baddie in every season, but no one was ready for Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. As the leader of The Saviors, Negan is absolutely brutal, and within minutes of meeting him, he commits the two most horrific murders in the show's entire history. His character arc is fascinating, however, and it meant he lasted 95 episodes, right up until the end. 

Alanna Masterson (87 Episodes)

Tara Chambler, played by actress Alanna Masterson, starts out as a follower of the antagonist known as The Governor but soon realizes he's a bad person. During the attack on the prison by the survivors, Tara switches sides and ends up an important member of the survivors before she is attacked and killed in Season 9, after appearing in 87 episodes. 

Khary Payton (83 Episodes)

Khary Payton introduction as King Ezekiel in the seventh season was a big moment. Not only did was it a dramatic shot, with him sitting with his tiger, but it brought in a character that would become a key player over the next 83 episodes. 

Steven Yeun (81 Episodes)

The Walking Dead was famous for the brutal deaths of some of its most beloved characters and at the top of that list is Glenn's horrifying death at the hands of Nega in the Season 7 premiere. It was hard to stomach, and even harder to take, emotionally. Actor Steven Yeun's character was a fan favorite and after 81 episodes, suddenly he was gone. 

Cooper Andrews (81 Episodes)

Actor Cooper Andrews' character Jerry is the kind of character everyone loves. He's a bit of a goof, but dedicated and loyal to his people, and very capable. Though the character wasn't introduced until Season 8 and wasn't a main cast member until 10, Andrews still appeared in 81 episodes. 

Sonequa Martin-Green (70 Episodes)

Sasha, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, who appeared in 70 episodes was a character created for the show, rather than in the comic book from which The Walking Dead was adapted. Still, Sasha becomes an incredibly important character from Season 3 when we meet her until her heroic death at the end of Season 8.

Eleanor Matsuura (58 Episodes)

Eleanor Matsuura, who plays Yumiko, is a late joiner to the cast, not appearing until the 9th Season. Still, she proves her worth quickly and appears in almost every episode from there out, a total of 58. 

Nadia Hilker (56 Episodes)

One of the new characters introduced in Season 9 is Magna, played by actress Nadia Hilker. She's a tough customer who seemingly trusts very few people, and who can blame her after surviving the zombie apocalypse for as long as she has. She also survives the final battle in Alexandria at the of Season 11 and is seen living happily with her girlfriend, Yumiko, after 56 episodes on the show. 

Lauren Ridloff (56 Episodes)

Along with Magna and Yumiko, Lauren Ridloff's character Connie is a tough survivor who joined the show in Season 9. Like those characters Connie appears in most of the final three seasons, a total of 56 episodes. 

Callan McAuliffe (55 Episodes)

 Alden, played by Callan McAuliffe, was a member of the brutal Saviors when viewers met him, but he eventually switches sides and teams up with the Hilltop Community led by Maggie. In all, he ended up in most of the final shows in the final 4 seasons, a total of 55 episodes. 

Cassady McClincy Zhang (54 Episodes)

Lydia is a character who is quite different in the show than she is in the comics, mostly due to the changed story arc of her love interest in the books, Carl Grimes. In the show, she is introduced in Season 9 when she is taken captive by Michonne and Daryl. She ends the series alive, 54 episodes later. She was played by Cassady McClincy Zhang.

Cailey Fleming (53 Episodes)

The youngest member of the main cast was Cailey Fleming, who played the older Judith Grimes in seasons 10 and 11, a total of 53 episodes. Of course, the character appears in way more episodes going back to the very beginnings of the show, but for years, she was a baby, presumably played by different people and definitely not played by Fleming.

Lennie James (52 Episodes)

Morgan, played by Lennie James, is one of the earliest characters viewers meet in the show, though he remains an enigma and only occasionally appeared in the early days. James became a main character in Season 6, and in total appeared in 52 episodes over the first 8 seasons of the show before he leaves the group. The character became the protagonist in the first spinoff, Fear The Walking Dead. 

Emily Kinney (50 Episodes)

Emily Kinney played Beth Greene in 50 episodes of The Walking Dead. She was Herschel's daughter and Maggie's half-sister. She was introduced on the show when Rick and the rest of the survivors got to the Greene farm. Initially, Kinney had a much smaller role than those of her family members, but by Season 4 she had become a full-time cast member. It wasn't for long though, as Beth was killed by Dawn in one heck of a disastrous moment that also saw Daryl kill Dawn. 

Katelyn Nacon (50 Episodes)

The second-to-last episode of Season 10 of The Walking Dead is a brutal one. The mysterious character called Alpha proves to be a brutal baddie when it's revealed that her people, The Whispers, have killed a number of people, including Enid, played by Katelyn Nacon. Nacon portrayed Enid in 50 episodes, starting in Season 5. 

Tom Payne (45 Episodes)

The Hilltop Community becomes one of the most important settlements in the post-apocalyptic world and viewers of the show, and the core survivors, are introduced to it by Paul "Jesus" Rovia, who was played by Tom Payne for 45 episodes, starting in Season 7. Jesus is both a spy and an ambassador of sorts for the Hilltop folks, who ends up recruiting and fighting with Rick and the others against The Saviors. Sadly, he doesn't make it past Season 9 when he is killed by The Whisperers. 

Michael Cudlitz (38 Episodes)

What can we say about Abraham Ford? Played by the great Michael Cudlitz who first found major fame on TV as a member of the cast of Band of Brothers, Abraham was a fan favorite from the first time viewers met him in Season 4. That made his death in the Season 7 premiere, after starring in 38 Episodes, at the hands of Negan incredibly heartbreaking. 

Scott Wilson (38 Episodes)

Everyone loves their grandfather and in a way, that's who Scott Wilson's character Herschel Greene represented on the show. The patriarch of Maggie and Beth's family, Herschel is tough, he's fair, and he's righteous. Introduced on the farm in Season 2, Herschel is killed by The Governor in Season 4, after appearing in 38 episodes. 

Austin Amelio (36 Episodes)

Dwight, played by Austin Amelio, always seemed like a reluctant, if brutal, member of Negan's group, The Saviors. With his badly scarred face, he was a standout character for 36 episodes before Amelio left The Walking Dead to join the spinoff Fear The Walking Dead. 

Kerry Cahill (36 Episodes)

For a character that appeared in 36 Episodes of the show, Dianne, played by Kerry Cahill, is the least developed on this list. Cahill is first seen in The Kingdom, playing one of the community's best soldiers, a skill she later takes to the Hilltop Community. For the rest of the series, she is part of many battles, but we never learn too much about her. 

Sarah Wayne Callies (35 Episodes)

Sarah Wayne Callies plays Lori Grimes, Rick's wife, and mother to Carl and Judith. In the first three seasons, she's one of the most important characters on the show and gets herself stuck in a love triangle between Rick, whom she believed was dead, and Rick's best friend, Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal). During Season 3, Lori is forced to give birth to Judith via C-section, and without proper medical facilities, the procedure kills her in one of the hardest moments of the show to watch. In total, Callies appeared in 35 episodes.

Laurie Holden (35 Episodes)

Actor Laurie Holden is one of the original cast members of the show, playing Andrea from the earliest episodes. At the end of Season 2, she gets separated from the rest of the survivors at the farm and is saved by Michonne. Both end up at Woodbury with The Governor, who Andrea grows close to. Trusting him was a mistake as she is eventually taken prisoner by him which leads to her death at the hands of a walker towards the end of Season 3 after 35 appearances. 

Major spoilers below for the final episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live are below, so be warned if you haven’t yet watched on AMC or with an AMC+ subscription.

After years of waiting for Andrew Lincoln’s Rick and Danai Gurira’s Michonne to return to their post-apocalyptic franchise roots, that six-week return is already over, without knowing if or where the couple will show up again in any upcoming The Walking Dead shows, whether it’s The Ones Who Live Season 2 or another spinoff. They definitely can show up again down the road, considering both somehow survived their sabotage mission against the CRM, among other things. In the end, fans got the reunion that many were presumably hoping for, but it possibly only happened because RIck and Michonne are now immortal. Which seems unlikely, but let’s do some celebrating first.

The Grimes Family Reunion

The episode “The Last Time,” with its ominous title, sadly didn’t fully bring viewers back to Alexandria to potentially reconnect with Gabriel following his return in the episode where Jadis died. However, the most important reunion possible did indeed occur, with Team Immediate Family all connecting for the very first time. And it was amazingly just as, if not more, emotional as I could have hoped, considering Andrew Lincoln’s Rick hadn’t appeared canonically with either Cailey Fleming’s Judith or Antony Azor’s RJ.

I may not go out on a limb to say this scene is destined for award reels, but as a father who probably hasn’t been away from either of my daughters for more than 10 days at a time, I wanted to leap into my screen and be the other rim for the Grimes fam’s group-hug, especially when Rick tapped RJ’s Carl-eseque cowboy hat. Stop it with those last-minute emotional pulls, The Walking Dead. Because I’m still wondering how we got to a place where Rick and Michonne were still breathing by the time the credits hit.

That Explosion Should Have Made The Grimes Family Reunion Impossible

It could very well be that I just don’t have the proper understanding of the exact damage that dozens of lined-up grenades will do from within a partial enclosure. It could be that I am just way too gullible for thinking that the explosion seen in the picture above, which sent bodies flying every which way and seemed to instantly zombify the entire 3,000-unit squad waiting to fly out to Portland, might do a fair amount of damage to both Rick and Michonne, who were walking towards the future epicenter before darting off for three seconds. I must be lost in my imagination for thinking those scant seconds wouldn’t be enough to make any moves that could guarantee their survival in the face of…[checks notes]...all them ‘splosions and such.

I’m clearly dripping with sarcasm, but am genuinely confused about how dousing themselves in water beneath a tarp was a strong enough defense for them to both walk away pretty much unscathed, beyond some potentially awful breathing problems down the road. I can understand the concept of water keeping them from burning in a minor fire, but the shock waves should have buried them under at least ONE of those shipping containers.

Granted, Michonne made the choice to throw her and Rick from a helicopter, and Rick survived cutting his own hand off, and Rick bested Beale in less than a minute of combat, and Rick also somehow got swarmed by zombies AFTER surviving the explosion, and still walked away without getting bitten. Seemingly at least. He should have been a goner like 17 times over at least.

How Does It Make Any Sense That Thorne Survived?

This is basically the same point as the one above, but stated far wider eyes and a more shoulder-straining shrug. If science allows for Rick and Michonne’s wet tarp plan to secure them another day on Earth, so be it. But Thorne didn’t even have that. She was literally less than 100 ft from Zombified Beale when that massive wall of fire consumed him, with nothing to stop the blast from knocking her across the ocean into Paris for Daryl Dixon Season 2.

But did she die or get incapacitated in any way? Nope, and what’s more, she was the aggressor in locating Rick and Michonne amidst the rubble, and didn’t seem to question for a second whether they might be dead or not. Which, I guess if she made it through, she had no reason to think they got hurt.

Having said all this now, I’ve started to convince myself that this whole season has just been a flash-forward fantasy, similar to the heavenly family dinner where Glenn was still alive to meet Hershel, and Negan immediately got along great with everybody. Well maybe not the WHOLE season, but there are theories to be strung together from dust that could, in time, be strong enough to support the idea that Rick and/or Michonne died in the blast, and the whole “The CRM is over and now peace will reign, and here’s your long-lost children” victory was just a few fleeting thoughts before the ol’ brain synapses slowed to none. Is THAT what the episode title “The Last Time” means?

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live may be over for now, but fans can always stream it on AMC+ while waiting for future seasons of Dead City and Daryl Dixon. Head to our 2024 TV premiere schedule to see what else is coming soon, while our upcoming horror shows will provide a more curated bite.

Spoilers below for the fifth episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, so be warned if you haven’t yet watched on AMC or with an AMC+ subscription.

With the penultimate episode of what may be its only season, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live not only shocked audiences with Father Gabriel’s return, but also delivered the first major franchise death in a long while by killing off Pollyanna McIntosh’s Jadis. It was a somewhat shocking turn of events, but likely a necessary one in order to give Rick and Michonne a better shot at actually taking down the CRM. (#CoupleGoals.) A bigger shock, however, came during the preview for the impending finale, where a quick visual potentially set up a callback to one of TWD’s biggest mysteries: what happened to Heath?

Though former Walking Dead co-star Corey Hawkins didn’t actually appear in the new footage — which I can’t imagine anyone would have expected — one snippet features Lesley-Ann Brandt’s Thorne in front of a markerboard where a variety of different things are written. Most of the content either doesn’t show up well enough or is too generic to make sense of, but then there’s the oh-so-mysterious “PPP” abbreviation that hearkens back to “Swear,” the Season 7 episode in which Heath disappeared. Check out a zoomed-in look at the moment below.

For Walking Dead fans who maybe don’t remember, “Swear” followed Heath and Alanna Masterson’s Tara as they were out on an extended supply run. After being separated, Tara ends up connecting with the Oceanside community, while Heath…well, it’s not exactly clear. He presumably survived whatever walker attack happened, but the only evidence left behind was a keycard containing the ever-mysterious “PPP” marking.

Myriad theories about what those letters could mean surfaced in the months and years after Heath disappeared, without any real indication of what they meant coming either from the narrative or from the creatives. Former showrunner-turned-franchise overseer Scott Gimple told fans that Heath would be back somehow, and that his time within this universe was not complete, though that was years ago. 

The next big update came when fellow former showrunner Angela Kang confirmed in 2022 that Heath was taken by the CRM, and that the writers had planted those seeds with the hopes that Hawkins would return to The Walking Dead at some point. Unfortunately for viewers, if not for the actor himself, Hawkins started landing big role after big role, and seemingly hasn’t put much direct effort into closing out Heath’s story.

But with Episode 5 surprisingly bringing Seth Gilliam back as Father Gabriel, it’s certainly not impossible to consider the idea that Heath could actually appear in the Ones Who Live finale. Not that I’d have a surefire idea for how he’d factor into things, and I still don’t have any clue what “PPP” stands for. 

If there were more readily identifiable words and phrases on the board, that might help, although I’d gather most of it is just random set design, with the in-focus bits being the only important thing. Of all the P words I can think that would be applicable, “Portland” and “Protection” seem in line, and possibly “Program” or “Procedure.” I could keep those guesses going all day, really. But even if we knew what it meant, it’s a whole other thing to then speculate on what it means to be a PPP exception.

The only other time the mysterious keycard has appeared was in the Tales of the Walking Dead episode “Davon,” in which Jesse T. Usher’s titular character is also seen to be in possession of one of the keycards. That said, zero info is given about it otherwise.

Does anyone else think we might get to see Heath one last time in the Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live finale? Be sure to tune in when it hits AMC on Sunday, March 31, at 9:00 p.m. ET. Head to our 2024 TV premiere schedule to see what else is hitting the small screen soon.

Major spoilers below for anyone who hasn’t yet watched The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live on AMC or with an AMC+ subscription.

Rick and Michonne went through the wringer in the fourth episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, but celebrated a big win as they seemingly staged a successful escape from the CRM. The fifth installment, “Become,” proved that all victories are short-lived in this world, as Jadis was successfully able to track the couple’s through their wake of walker guts. That cat-and-mouse game made for a pretty fun ep, despite the generic zombie bait introduced, but I think we can all agree the biggest highlight was the return of Seth Gilliam’s Father Gabriel! There was a deadly lowlight too, but more on that below.

With all the Walking Dead characters who were publicly revealed to be taking part in one of the various spinoffs — such as Melissa McBride’s confirmed return for TWD: Daryl Dixon Season 2 — it remains unclear what became of plenty of other characters who survived the emotional series finale. And I don’t know if what this episode showed audiences specifically counts as an update, considering much of what we saw was via flashbacks, but it was still a much-welcomed return for any long-time fans of this franchise. 

What We Learned From Father Gabriel's Return

In a surprising move for a character who seemingly didn't have much of an emotional core these days, if ever, Jadis apparently went out  of her way to reconnect with Gabriel years after she disappeared with Rick in Season 8. He revealed to her that everyone in Alexandria appeared to believe that Rick was dead, and she didn’t exactly step up to immediately correct him. She also didn’t step up to offer him any help, perhaps understandably saying the CRM wouldn’t allow such things. 

She continued to visit him at the same spot for the next two years, and continued to deal with Gabriel’s pleas for her to join him in Alexandria, which she continued to refuse, even though she appeared to genuinely want to return to that life, if the possibility existed. But it didn’t present itself before then, and it certainly can’t do it now. 

Perhaps most importantly for this spinoff's main couple, Gabriel gave Jadis a ring he'd found and intended to give to Rick to propose to Michonne on the very bridge that was blown up as a safety precaution. By the end of the episode, that ring made its way into Rick's possession.

Did Father Gabriel Die?

Seth Gilliam talked with CinemaBlend in the past about Walking Dead fans always being ready for Gabriel’s death, given how many times the character appeared to be destined to fly through death’s door. Lo and behold, even though “Become” attempted to fool audiences into thinking the holy man would be killed off by Jadis herself, it didn’t happen. 

It’s possible that Jadis should have offed him, as far as her own CRM goal is concerned, but I’m very thankful that it didn’t happen. Because Father Gabriel’s return sets the stage for even more familiar characters to pop up again in the finale, “The Last Time.” That’s the rose-colored glasses version of events, anyway.

So Who Died?

With no viable way for Rick and Michonne to make it back to Alexandria in a world where Jadis would return to the CRM, this final encounter necessarily had to take someone out of the picture, and Pollyanna McIntosh’s semi-villain was the one bitten and bullet-ridden by the episode’s end. 

Before she died, Jadis thankfully revealed the possible key to Rick and Michonne making a clean getaway by sharing the location of the dossier she kept on them. Not that they’re going to use it so wisely, with Michonne dead-set on taking down the entire CRM. So, you know, good luck to her with that. The preview for the finale made it look like a potentially doable mission, but that's pretty effing lofty for one episode.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is set to air its season finale on AMC on Sunday, March 31, at 9:00 p.m. ET. Check out all the other upcoming 2024 horror TV shows to look forward to when Rick and Michonne are gone once again.

Spoilers below for anyone who hasn’t yet watched The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live live on AMC or with an AMC+ subscription.

The Walking Dead fandom has long been vocal about wanting to see Rick and Michonne sharing the screen again, but the first three episodes of The Ones Who Live couldn’t really allow for a ton of adorbs romance, what with the CRM blowing up everything that shows side-eye. It was one of the gripes critics had with the latest TWD spinoff. Thankfully, Episode 4 was basically The Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira Hour, and followed the long-separated lovers after the third episode’s helicopter-escaping cliffhanger, wrapping with a totally unexpected happily-ever-after final scene.

In fact, “What We” may boast the most unabashedly positive ending of any episode in any Walking Dead series, from the flagship to its various spinoffs. There wasn’t a literally setting sun, but they hyper-figuratively drove off into the sunset with enough fuel to potentially get them back to Judith and R.J. without issue. Except for, you know, the extremely vital issue that drove Rick’s point through all the tense and emotional arguments that led up to that concluding shot. But am I wrong for thinking Rick was technically on the right side of things the whole time?

Nearly Everything Michonne Said Was Valid, But She Lacks Scope

As a parent myself, I would be nutso to think Michonne was overexaggerating when persuading Rick to return to Alexandria to reunite with Judith and other loved ones, especially as he was only just coming around to the idea that he now had another son. None of her intentions are off-base or based on any kind of ill will, and a lot of her anger with him is entirely justified, considering how much she suffered during her trek to find him, with the CRM being responsible for much of it. 

In a real-world fight under normal circumstances, Michonne would hold all the cards without question. But nothing about their current predicament can be categorized as normal, and she is at a major disadvantage here in that she barely knows anything about the CRM, and yet blindly believes that the weaponized and militarized group can be outwitted and out-maneuvered. I can understand bravado, but even the limited time she was within the CRM’s borders should have been enough to convince her how impossibly vast a threat it is. 

Michonne Correctly Unearthed Rick's Real Problems, But To What End?

I wasn’t necessarily a fan of the way Michonne just kept going low with her angry comments, questioning Rick’s love and devotion to his family even though she knows damned well how much he cares. In the end, though, she did manage to chip at his shell enough that he eventually broke down and identified his overarching mental hurdle. 

He’d worked so hard to cope with losing Michonne, Judith, and Carl’s memory that the thought of going through it all again sounded worse than any amount of joy he might feel from returning to the risks of Alexandria and other outside communities. And he’s also felt self-conscious about returning to Team Family after all those years, especially after having cut his hand off.

With those details pinpointed, Rick seemingly turned over a new leaf, and was suddenly feeling wildly optimistic about where things could go next. So from her perspective, Michonne must have been feeling like a certified genius, considering how hopeless it seemed earlier in the episode. But could either of them be murdered in cold blood by “Rick forgetting what Carl looks like?” No, but they can be murdered by the threats that kept making Michonne call him a liar.

For all that Michonne’s intentions were pure and family-minded, she wasn’t doing anyone any favors by seemingly dismissing the very genuine threats that Rick brought up each time he defended his way of thinking. Even if she was used to living in a sizable community, she had far fewer people around during her year of recovery, and I dare say she lost some perspective during that time. 

Meanwhile, Rick has spent the better part of a decade suffering and surviving through life within the massive CRM community, with firsthand knowledge and experience with just how much power and the group boasts, as well as how far that power can be spread around the country. They’ve eliminated thousands in mass bombings, and would likely experience zero hesitation in doing the same to Alexnadria, Hilltop and any other communities whose locations are known. 

Sure at this point, Rick and Michonne are thinking that the helicopter’s crash and the targeted building bombing will convince the CRM that they’re dead and not on the run, but this isn’t exactly a community that settles for assumptions. As well, Jadis' return and overall existence remains the key threat in that respect, since she would be able to guide the helicopter pilots, and I don’t have much faith in Rick and MIchonne discovering and destroying whatever evidential insurance would be sent to CRM higher-ups in the case of her death.

So while I can hope that The Ones Who Live will close things out with a pair of extremely happy-go-lucky installments, I can't help but feel such hoping is a fool's errand. As long as the CRM exists, Rick and Michonne will probably never be able to live safely without looking over their shoulders for anyone wearing those dreaded three circles.

With two episodes left to go, and the future still up in the air for this and other Upcoming Walking Dead shows, The Ones Who Live airs Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Spoilers below for anyone who hasn’t yet watched the latest episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live on AMC or with an AMC+ subscription.

After so many years of waiting for Andrew Lincoln’s Rick Grimes and Danai Gurira’s Michonne to share the screen together again, the post-apocalyptic spinoff is already halfway through its six-episode debut season, and I’m pretty sure things aren’t supposed to be going this quickly. Thankfully, the third episode “Bye” was the best installment yet. Jadis delivered more gap-filling exposition following Ep 2’s big final scene, and a source was revealed for Rick’s phone messages, all ahead of that whopper of a cliffhanger ending, which saw Michonne making the bonkers decision to yoink Rick out of a helicopter flying through a torrential storm. Say what?

It’s the kind of character move that comes across as completely illogical in the moment, because who jumps out of a helicopter at any time, much less during hellacious weather as captive of a huge militarized group? Well, clearly Michonne does, and star Danai Gurira explained to EW exactly what was going on in the character’s brain at the time, and in the space leading up to that ending, that drove her over the edge, both metaphorically and literally.

Gurira explained that both Michonne and Rick hit their limits in this ep, with the latter trying to send her back to their family and friends in  order to keep them all out of the CRM’s crosshairs. Of course, she refuses, and puts herself right back in harm’s way on the off chance that another opportunity will arise for them to escape the group’s clutches together. And as the longtime Walking Dead franchise actress put it, they both have a “crazy switch” that activates under extreme duress, and Michonne’s went off during the hectic helicopter ride, largely due to Rick’s empty attempts to drive her away by claiming things were hopeless. In her words:

At that point, even with the situation looking as bleak and dire as could be, Michonne still had it in her head to knock some damned sense into the bearded dingus that she worked so hard to track down. Doesn't he have any idea what she had to go through, just so he could try and trick her into leaving without him? Not cool, Rick. Not cool indeed. I gotta think next time he'll think twice about his word choice, especially if they're not on solid ground.

So not only is she now trying to get them both safe, she also has to re-convince him that their love is still worth fighting for, even if they'd survived so long without it. (And for what it's worth, Andrew Lincoln completely agrees with Michonne's actions.) That said, there's certainly a difference between "talking some sense into a discouraged loved one" and "jumping from a flying vehicle without a parachute."

But even in that moment, Michonne still had one canny eye on the future, despite it looking like the rashest of escape attempts. As she put it:

Very good on Michonne for being aware of what the helicopter was traveling over, since the weather made it seem impossible to tell where they were in the darkness. I mean, even if you know you've over water, the vehicle's speed and the height could still have made that leap as deadly as one without made any forethought.

With The Walking Dead franchise's creative chief Scott Gimple behind that decision, one can only assume that both characters will survive the experience without any debilitating injuries. I mean, beyond Rick's already debilitating hand injury that would likely make surviving this fall even more complicated.

Find out exactly how Michonne and Rick survive their drop when The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live airs new episodes Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET, with even more upcoming Walking Dead projects on the way.

Spoilers below for anyone who hasn’t yet watched The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’s series premiere on AMC or with an AMC+ subscription, so be warned!

After years of keeping fans waiting to reconnect with Andrew Lincoln’s post-apocalyptic hero Rick Grimes, the latest Walking Dead spinoff finally arrived on the small screen and gave fans a pair of huge reunions between the former lawman and Danai Gurira’s Michonne, though only one happened outside of his imagination. The premiere of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live also delivered a remix of a wildly infamous moment from Robert Kirkman’s comic book series: Rick getting one of his hands chopped off. But considering how long it took to finally get here, and everything that happened in the interim, I can’t help but think this was a “too little, too late” kind of callback. Let’s discuss.

Rick’s Reason For Losing His Hand In The Comic Makes Way More Sense

In the source material, it’s the sadistic Governor who’s responsible for Rick losing a limb, though the protagonist is technically just as much at fault, since it’s his insistence on not giving up the location of the prison (and the other survivors) that convinces the villainous leader to sever Rick’s handiest appendage. So on the page, Rick’s protective act of defiance in the face of an imminent threat is the reason why he has to learn how to do everything left-handed from that point forward.

On the TV show, however, that motivation is slightly more skewed. Rather than another character doing the chopping, it’s Lincoln’s beloved hero who consciously chooses to sacrifice his hand in an attempt to escape his CRM-connected captors. Which, as a way to get rid of a tracker, is definitely a ballsy move. But that choice is instantly watered down by the reveal that it didn’t actually lead to his permanent escape. So rather than The Governor using it as an unsuccessful act of torture, Rick uses it as an unsuccessful escape tactic.

Plus, it happens so early in the Ones Who Live premiere, when the exposition is in full swing, that it wasn’t immediately obvious when it was happening, or what the overall impact was. Time jumped forward, and he was rocking custom gloves and other fitted attachments, without much of a sense of struggle on his part to grow accustomed to such a huge change to his body.

The Walking Dead Already Remixed Rick’s Hand Amputation With Aaron

At this point in The Walking Dead’s live-action existence, many fans are already aware that its longtime star was one of the main proponents of his character losing a hand in the AMC series, and we’ve reported on Andrew Lincoln’s attempts to convince the producers to bring that comic moment into the live-action series. Unfortunately, those plans failed to materialize at the time David Morrissey’s Governor was around, with the reasoning being that it would have been too costly and difficult to make it appear as if Rick’s hand was gone in every single scene he was in. The idea of having to fall back on constant green-screen tech being needed was more stress-inducing than it would have been worth.

And so, despite sporadic moments in later seasons when it seemed like Rick might lose his hand to Jadis or Negan or another humanized threat, that character modification never came to light while Lincoln was still a series regular. On the contrary, the show actually ported the missing-limb element to Ross Marquand’s Aaron, whose arm is crushed beneath a pile of logs in Season 9’s “The Bridge,” and is then amputated. It’s an injury that Rick actually apologizes to Aaron for - as if he knew that it only happened because Rick never dealt with it himself - but was supposedly put in place before the Rick comparisons were realized.

Granted, it wasn’t until the flashforward in Episode 906, which took place after Andrew Lincoln’s final Rick episode, where Aaron was able to bring some badass adornments to the table, such as his patented ball of spikes, which he was able to use with success in the flagship series’ final few seasons. 

As such, it feels…strange, if not simply repetitive…for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live to double down on severed limbs among this franchise’s leads at a time when many fans had already stopped expecting the TV universe to acknowledge that particular piece of the source material. Plus (for understandable reasons), as opposed to Comic Rick losing his dominant right hand, the live-action characters both lost their left hands. Which maybe isn’t so much an issue for Rick, who has long appeared to be just as capable as a lefty, but still.

Nothing Is All That Different About Rick’s Hand At This Point

For anyone expecting or hoping for Andrew Lincoln’s Rick to earn a slightly similar appendage upgrade similar to Aaron’s in The Walking Dead proper, The Ones Who Live has the potential to make the latter’s spiky ball look like…a toy spiky ball? The CRM is the largest organized organization in the country, and seems capable of producing most things competently, so there was an opportunity missed in not showing off any cool add-ons in the premiere. 

Rick’s own rebellious behavior no doubt had higher-ups nervous about equipping him with anything too deadly, but it was still mildly disappointing to see him largely rocking a hand-shaped attachment and a bladed one. Now that Rick appears to be successfully out of the CRM’s clutches, having reunited with Michonne after the military helicopter was shot down, he’ll presumably need to fashion his own arsenal of weapons to attach to his left arm as the season goes on. In fact, Andrew Lincoln had to stop himself from spoiling where things go on that front when talking to THR, saying:

I can’t be the only one out here hoping for a future The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live episode to introduce Chekov’s chainsaw in the opening act, only to bring it back in the third act for Rick Grimes to go all Evil Dead 2 on somebody by somehow jamming the chainsaw onto the end of his left arm. Rick Grimes + Ash Williams = the undead’s worst nightmare. 

So I’ll allow for the idea that Scott Gimple & Co. still have lots of time to deliver some truly amazing and Grimes-approved mayhem by way of whatever Rick modifies his left arm with, and I’ll keep the faith that it’ll be worth the wait the same way it was worth waiting for their emotional shockwaves upon reuniting in the premiere’s final moments.

For my money, I would have liked to have seen The Ones Who Live set up Rick’s new normal in a way that put an additional emphasis on how vital his hands were for everyday duties, so that his eventual decision to lop it off would have had more specific ramifications for his daily duties. Maybe I’m asking for too much. If so, I’ll blame that on the comic book’s excellence. 

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live airs Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET.

The Walking Dead (which is available with a Netflix subscription) has grown into a behemoth franchise over the years, with a number of spinoffs airing following the flagship series' 11-season run. For most of its run Andrew Lincoln starred as Rick Grimes, although he departed TWD for its final few years. But he's finally back in his signature role in the new spinoff The Ones Who Live. And critics seem pretty mixed on Lincoln and Danai Gurira's return to the franchise.

While Rick Grimes was going to get a theatrical movie, the Walking Dead OG will first return to the apocalyptic series in The Ones Who Live. While it's not released to the public just yet, critics have seen the first few episodes... and the reception is mixed. Variety called the new show "skippable." They wrote:

Collider also took umbrage with some of the choices made in The Ones Who Live, specifically its pacing. And if the show ends up having more than one season on the air, they seemingly have work cut out for them. As the publication wrote: 

Pacing seems to be a common criticism for the new Walking Dead series, especially since fans of the franchise have waited a number of years for answers related to Rick, Michonne, and the mysterious CRM. ScreenRant took aim at this long wait, saying:

That being said, there is some praise coming to The Ones Who Live, especially related to the performances by Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira. IGN found some merit in the new series, with their write-up saying:

The Wrap found both good and bad in the first four episodes of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. While they thing the spinoff is worth the watch, there's still some criticism. As they posted:

Luckily for fans, they'll be able to make their own judgements about the The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, as it'll premiere February 25th on AMC. While we wait, check out the TV premiere list to plan your next binge watch. 

Moms always deserve more credit than they get, and that goes for the wonderful matriarchs who have graced our television screens over the years. Characters like Carol Brady and Clair Huxtable are names that easily come to mind when thinking about the best TV moms, but there are so many more that deserve to be mentioned.

Sometimes mothers make mistakes despite trying their best. Others show their love in more unconventional ways, and some just seem to always get outshined by other members of their family. For one reason or another, below are some fantastic TV moms who never got enough credit.

Ruth Fisher (Six Feet Under)

Ruth Fisher’s whole life changed when her husband was killed in a car accident in the Six Feet Under series premiere. Not only was she tasked with continuing to run her family’s funeral home business, and come to terms with her own guilt, loneliness and identity, she had to help guide her grown children through their own grief. Ruth (Frances Conroy) wasn’t perfect — no issue on the HBO drama was black-and-white — but there was no question that she had put her children’s needs first for her whole life. 

Beth Pearson (This Is Us) 

When your mother-in-law is the indomitable Rebecca Pearson, it’s pretty easy to get overshadowed as a mom, and that’s precisely why Beth Pearson (Susan Kelechi Watson) on This Is Us never got enough credit. Her husband Randall was definitely a good partner, but Beth was the real MVP of the parenting dynamic duo, often able to anticipate her family’s emotions and sniff out any scheming going on with their three daughters. She even became a mother figure to many more by opening her own dance studio. 

Sarah Braverman (Parenthood) 

Parenthood gave viewers plenty of different family dynamics to dissect, and Kristina Braverman was tough to beat as a mother, going so far as to open up a charter school for children with special needs. So it's no wonder that her sister-in-law, former wild child Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham), was never given much credit. Sarah struggled to raise Amber and Drew as a single mother, and boy did they not make it easy on her. She may not have always had all the answers, but she loved her kids first, and in the end they figured it out together. 

Rainbow Johnson (black-ish) 

Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Johnson) on black-ish deserves all the flowers, serving as the model of a successful working mom. Rainbow juggled being a doctor and raising five children, whom she respected as individuals. She put their problems ahead of her own to make sure they had a better life than she did as a kid. 

Lorelai Gilmore (Gilmore Girls) 

Lorelai Gilmore’s daughter Rory could always count on her mom for a snappy joke or pop culture reference, but Lorelai (Lauren Graham) certainly didn’t have it easy. Her relationship with her own parents was strained after getting pregnant at just 16 years old, making it all the more impressive when she made a life for her and Rory in Stars Hollow. She struggled at times to be patient with her own daughter’s mistakes, but she wasn’t too proud to accept her parents’ help when it benefited Rory. 

Marge Simpson (The Simpsons) 

Would the Simpson family even survive without Marge? Easily the most underappreciated of the family of five, Marge never got any help from Homer over the decades, as she raised three extremely different and never-aging children. In fact, Homer was more of a fourth child in that equation, and still Marge loved her husband and her kids. I don’t think there’s a person in the world who could blame her for the occasional frustrated grunt. 

Michonne (The Walking Dead) 

Despite her own trauma of losing a child in the walker outbreak, The Walking Dead’s Michonne (Danai Gurira) adopted Carl and Judith as her own (before going on have her own child with Rick Grimes), and she never hesitated to put her own life at risk to save them. 

Penelope Alvarez (One Day at a Time) 

Despite being a war veteran struggling with her own PTSD and depression, Penelope Alvarez (Justina Machado) was always able to give her children the attention they needed on One Day at a Time. She made the time, even while working as a nurse and living with her traditional Cuban mother. 

Morticia Addams (The Addams Family) 

Morticia Addams (portrayed in the 1964 sitcom The Addams Family by Carolyn Jones) was the epitome of unconventional, but was there ever a TV mom who encouraged her children to be themselves more than her? Never bending to the expectations and societal norms of those around her, Morticia was always loyal to and protective of her family, if not a bit macabre. 

Jane Villanueva (Jane the Virgin) 

Talk about life taking you in unexpected directions! Gina Rodriguez’s Jane Villanueva on Jane the Virgin had her own matriarchs to thank for being able to figure things out when she got pregnant by accidental artificial insemination. Such grace in the most unique of situations. 

Claire Dunphy (Modern Family) 

Nobody said you had to have everything together in order to be a good mom. Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen) of Modern Family often struggled with how to approach the myriad hurdles of her blended and extended family, but fans found her relatable, and she deserved a lot more credit than she got. 

Gemma Teller Morrow (Sons of Anarchy) 

The characters in the world of Sons of Anarchy all knew one thing: Don’t mess with Gemma Teller Morrow (Katey Sagal) or her family, including any of the members of SAMCRO. Gemma was willing to kill or die for her son Jax, and boy did she prove it.  

Laurel Park (The Summer I Turned Pretty) 

Often the less-fun mom in comparison to her BFF Susannah, Laurel Park (Jackie Chung) was undoubtedly more responsible of the two in the book-to-screen adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty. Even when grief drove her and Susannah’s kids to make some pretty bad decisions, she handled the teens with understanding and grace. 

Skyler White (Breaking Bad) 

Boy did people give Skyler White (Anna Gunn) grief during Breaking Bad’s run on AMC. Sure, she was complicit in some of Walter White’s money laundering, but it’s not like she was left with much of a choice. Always doing what she thought was best for her family, she was fiercely protective of her kids — even when that meant standing up to her husband when he was at his most dangerous. 

Peggy Bundy (Married… With Children) 

Peggy Bundy (Katey Sagal) had a lot of qualities you might not look for in a good TV mom on Married… with Children. She was lazy, obsessed with the television and didn’t exactly set the best example for the kids. She still deserves more credit than she gets, though, because she was unapologetically herself and nurturing in her own way. 

Roseanne Conner (Roseanne) 

Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr) wasn’t perfect on her self-titled sitcom, but what family is? Her and Dan’s struggles to make ends meet while still wanting more for their kids was what made her relatable to so many. Her blunt and brutal honesty was what made her so funny.  

Chilli Heeler (Bluey) 

Chilli, better known as “Mum” to the Bluey viewing audience, definitely doesn’t get as much credit in the fun department as Bluey and Bingo’s dad Bandit, but somebody’s got to remember to pack the goggles, towels and sunscreen for a day at the pool, right? Chilli takes care of a lot of the “boring” stuff, which apparently is not just a thing for human moms. 

Harriette Winslow (Family Matters)  

Harriette Winslow (played by Jo Marie Payton until the middle of the final season) may not get brought up in the “Best TV Moms” conversation all that often, but she definitely should. If for no other reason, she kept her patience with Family Matters fan favorite Steve Urkel a lot longer than many would have. 

Linda Belcher (Bob’s Burgers) 

Sometimes when it comes to moms and their eccentric families, it’s hard to understand how they fit in. That’s not the case with Linda Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, who may be the matriarch, but she’s as big a mess as any of them, and I mean that in the best way. Linda is wild and funny while still being incredibly loving and supportive. 

Jean Weir (Freaks and Geeks) 

Helping your children navigate their formative years is not an easy task, and Jean Weir (Becky Ann Baker) on Freaks and Geeks definitely had her work cut out for her with her polar-opposite kiddos Lindsay and Sam. While her efforts were hit-and-miss, she wanted to connect with them so badly, and you just had to appreciate her goofy, sometimes-overbearing personality. 

Rebecca Donaldson Katsopolis (Full House) 

Of course Rebecca Donaldson (aka “Aunt Becky”) would go on to have twins with “Uncle Jesse” Katsopolis, but Lori Loughlin’s character on Full House was earning mom points years before that, as she gave motherly advice to Michelle, Stephanie and especially DJ after their own mom’s passing. The importance of her role to them can’t be overstated. 

Jessica Huang (Fresh Off The Boat) 

Jessica Huang (Constance Wu) may be the queen to her kids’ pawns in the chess game of life, but the high expectations the Fresh Off the Boat matriarch set for her children just showed how much she believed in them. She was firm but devoted, and sometimes we forget those tough moms have just as much love to give. 

Carol Foster-Lambert (Step By Step) 

Anybody who successfully blends families the way the Fosters and Lamberts did on Step by Step deserves some major mom snaps, especially given the spectrum of personalities Carol Foster-Lambert’s children and stepchildren exhibited. There were growing pains, of course, but it couldn’t have worked without the endless love and support of Suzanne Somers’ character. 

Jane Chapman (Big Little Lies) 

Given the trauma that Jane Chapman endured on Big Little Lies, there’s no wondering why she’s slow to trust people, or why she’s so protective of her son Ziggy. Never as perky or interesting or seemingly perfect as the other moms around her, her strength to survive and provide for Ziggy shouldn’t go unheralded. 

Kitty Forman (That ‘70s Show) 

We all know that one mom who unofficially adopts all of her kids’ friends as her own, and on That ‘70s Show, it was Eric and Laurie’s mother Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp). It speaks volumes that everybody always felt at home there, despite her husband Red’s eternally grouchy disposition. She may not get enough credit as a great TV mom, but she’s unrivaled in infectious laughter. 

Carmela Soprano (The Sopranos) 

All moms have a lot on their plates, and let's face it: Parenting is just plain hard. So Edie Falco's Carmela Soprano on The Sopranos probably deserves some extra credit for also being married to a mob boss. Even if she didn't deserve it, I'd give it to her anyway.

Annie Marks (Good Girls) 

Good Girls shows just how far moms will go when they’re desperate to provide for their children. Mae Whitman played young single mother Annie Marks, but despite Annie's dangerous lifestyle, she prioritized her child and was a beacon of support during an emotional coming out story. 

Christy Jolene Plunkett (Mom) 

A special shoutout to the moms who are figuring it out after not having a particularly good role model themselves. This was the case for Christy (Anna Faris) on Mom, who always did her best as she faced her own struggles with sobriety and the complex relationship with her mom Bonnie. 

Amy Sosa (Superstore) 

Amy Sosa’s kids may not have been the central focus of Superstore, but America Ferrera’s character gave a voice to many mothers out there through her storyline about having to return to work after 48 hours because the store didn’t offer maternity leave. 

Cindy Walsh (Beverly Hills, 90210) 

Good role models seemed to be severely lacking on Beverly Hills 90210, so that should have made Cindy Walsh (Carol Potter) stand out more as one of TV’s greatest moms. She kept Brandon and Brenda grounded, while providing support as needed to their friends. Cindy put her own pain aside, only rarely showing that she, too, had struggled with the move from Minnesota to the sunny West Coast. 

Samantha Stephens (Bewitched) 

It can’t be easy being a witch living in a non-magical world, but that’s the reality Elizabeth Montgomery’s Samantha Stephens was faced with on Bewitched. Both of her and Darrin’s children also had the nose-twitching powers, and while it’s debatable whether those abilities were best kept under wraps or not, it’s obvious that Samantha just wanted to keep her husband happy and do what was best for the kids. 

Sam Fox (Better Things) 

Loosely based on Pamela Adlon’s own life as a single mom of three daughters, Better Things’ Sam Fox was the perfect combination of protective but not overbearing. She was willing to lay down the law, but the lines of communication were always open for honest conversations about real — and sometimes tough — issues. 

Nora Walker (Brothers & Sisters) 

Nora Walker (Sally Field) isn't often mentioned in the same sentence as TV mom icons like June Cleaver or Clair Huxtable, but she should be. In the wake of her cheating husband's death, Nora didn't have just her own problems to deal with, but she took on those of her grown children as well. In addition to being graceful, honest and loving through all the ups and downs, Nora knew how to keep the wine flowing too.

This is really just a handful of TV moms who don't get enough credit, because if we're being honest, can we ever really show too much appreciation for the women who doled out life lessons from the television screen? I didn't think so. 

As one of the more popular pop culture brands of the past 20 years, The Walking Dead franchise has given audiences a vast number of ways to experience the post-apocalypse. But somehow, none of the video games to date have offered up a straightforward zombie adventure on consoles letting fans step into the shoes of all the TV show’s most popular characters, from Rick to Daryl to Michonne. Regardless of how long it took to get here, The Walking Dead: Destinies will soon arrive with its own unique spin on AMC’s live-action universe, although before all that happens, we really need to talk about some of these character designs. 

For you see, even though The Walking Dead: Destinies will give players the opportunity to play Jon Bernthal’s morally questionable Shane and reverse the moment in the show when he gets killed, allowing for a TWD timeline where the former cop remained the group’s leader over time, it doesn’t appear as if the actors themselves were involved in any motion-capture for the character designs. Which allows for an amusingly jarring array of familiar faces that just don’t look quite right, as if TWD took place in the same universe as Polar Express. 

Let’s look at all of the characters’ digital makeovers below, while keeping in mind that this is all in good-hearted jest, and not an attack on everyone busy busting their humps at developer Flux Games to get this game into fans’ hands. Regardless of any jokes cracked, I’m gonna play the shit out of this game when it comes out, because I want to make a Rick Grimes walker happen. Now without further ado…

Rick And Shane

I can't lie, if I was on a horse and being chased by walkers, and we galloped past a group of uninfected humans, and my eye quickly glazed past two dudes in the back that looked like the duo above, I might after a few beers tell a stranger whom I know I'd never cross paths with again that I definitely saw Rick and Shane. But if I'm looking directly at them, with or without beer and horses, I'd think I was looking at the cover band version of both. 

I kinda feel like both of their heads are the exact same size --- dudes gotta have equal-sized heads to be true protectors --- and that they're both too uniformly round and potato-esque to be real people. Which they're not, so it's okay. It's also a little strange seeing Shane with a half-staff afro after mostly picturing him with his shaved head. All in all, both are B-level and not too shabby. 

Lori And Carl

I can't really say too much about Lori, since that's a pretty good and mostly natural look for a human being, even if it doesn't entirely mirror former star Sarah Wayne Callies. She's almost a mix between Lori and Maggie, with the latter character not included in the line-up of playable characters. 

Carl, however, is something else entirely. I don't think that his true lineage ties back to Lori, Rick or Shane in this universe. Maybe this is the actual Coral Grimes in the flesh, in reference to Andrew Lincoln's wavering pronunciations. There's a little bit of Chandler Riggs' youthful look in this version, but if given a choice, I would guess that this was actually from test footage of I, Robot where they were going to use a de-aged Jason Marsden instead of Haley Joel Osment. 

Michonne And Carol

I think Michonne may be the best looking character in this bunch, both in general terms and in halfway looking like Danai Gurira in the role. It's not quite there, but should be considered a masterpiece in comparison to...well....Carol. 

Heaven help me, I cannot look at this version of Carol without blinking myself away from the image. While many of The Walking Dead: Destinies' other designs went heavy on the characters' foreheads and hairlines, Carol appears as if her face forgot to keep rising up all the way. Really, she looks like the subject of one of those "This person died in the year 1, and here's what we think they would have looked like" pictures. That poor woman cannot catch a break, but maybe players will be able to give her a life of good times and luxury, relatively speaking.

Glenn And T-Dog

Admittedly, nothing about Glenn or T-Dog's video game looks really sticks out as being overtly weird, disturbing or flat out wrong. I think T-Dog has the most impressive angered brow out of anyone. 

Glenn looks a little too plain, maybe, like a create-a-character default before the details are added. His lips are possibly a bit too perfect, so maybe those were also unused Maggie lips that got combined with his look. At least we won't have to see his eyeball dangling down on purdy those lips, since the game will only go up to Season 4.

Daryl And Merle

I have to imagine that playing as Norman Reedus' Daryl is one of the first things that comes to any fan's mind when the topic of a Walking Dead game comes up, and the new release offers up both of the Dixon brothers to play with, although you might want to silently sidle past them without saying anything, given how they look above. 

Daryl's eyes make it seem like he's taking a troublesome shit in his sleep, or having an orgasm in church, which has never been my first thought upon looking at any other video game character in my history with the medium. (Although it'd make for some interesting scenes in AMC's The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon spinoff.) And Merle looks less like actor Michael Rooker, and more like the actor's third cousin who's got a side gig playing Merle at birthdays and bachelorette parties. 

The Governor

Last but not least, we have TWD's first iconic villain, The Governor, as portrayed in the TV show by David Morrissey. This is probably second to Michonne in my eyes, even if it's also not an exact duplication. Although with the understanding that he might lose a few points if that eyepatch wasn't there. Hopefully players get to jab that eye out during gameplay.

Though no specific release date has been locked down just yet, The Walking Dead: Destinies is now available to pre-order now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. And stay tuned for more info on playable characters, as more are set to join the 11 above. 

While waiting for TWD: Destinies to arrive, don’t sleep on one of the best gaming experiences of 2022 for horror TV fans, The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners - Chapter 2: Retribution. And then check out all the upcoming Walking Dead live-action shows that we’re waiting patiently for.

After 11 seasons on the air, The Walking Dead signed off with its emotional series finale last fall, marking the end of an era. While its flagship program may be done, the zombie-centric franchise is far from over. In fact, it's flourishing and The Walking Dead has a number of spinoffs on the way. One of those is the highly-anticipated Rick and Michonne series starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira in their respective, beloved roles. The series is currently in the early days of production, and we've now learned that the two lead actors will be joined by a Lucifer alum!

Lesley-Ann Brandt is best known for her role as the demon Maze, Lucifer’s right-hand demon and a bounty hunter on the Fox's (and later Netflix's) supernatural drama. Now, Brandt is going to be involved with some other kinds of creatures, as she’s signed on to play the recurring role of Pearl Thorne on the upcoming Walking Dead spinoff, according to Deadline. Details about Thorne are unknown at this time, so it’s hard to say if she'll end up serving as an ally or an enemy to Rick and Michonne. 

Pearl will mark Lesley-Ann Brandt's first major TV role since Lucifer ended in 2021. She’s also starred on The Librarians, Single Ladies, CSI: NY, and Spartacus as well as the TV movie Zombie Apocalypse, funny enough. With so much time left before the limited series premieres, fans are sure to spending plenty of time speculating about Pearl and how she comes into the lead heroes' orbit. But whatever is planned for the newcomer though, I'm confident that Brandt will crush it.

The untitled WD spinoff will follow Rick and Michonne after their respective final appearances on the main show, and their romance will be a key component of the six-episode series. And as the synopsis shared by the trade insinuates, the pair are going to have to ask themselves some tough, existential questions as they fight a new war. Production recently kicked off in New Jersey, so it’s likely that additional casting information could drop as work progresses.

Little by little, fans have been learning news about other upcoming Walking Dead series. There's a good chance that the the Daryl Dixon spinoff is will find a place on the 2023 TV schedule if all things continue move along as planned for the Norman Reedus-led series. Meanwhile, Dead City has yet to have an official release date announced and, all the while, photos from the Negan and Maggie spinoff have fans excited.

Andrew Lincoln and Dania Gurira's show is arguably the most anticipated, though and I can't wait to see what's in store for their characters and now Lesley-Ann Brandt's. Let's hope the show lives up to the hype!

A premiere date has yet to be announced for the Rick and Michonne spinoff, but it's been confirmed that it'll bow in 2024. In the meantime, stream all 11 seasons of The Walking Dead using a Netflix subscription, and you can check out Lucifer there as well.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a massive place, but a few franchises stand out as fan favorites. Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther is in that category, which is why Wakanda Forever was the most hotly anticipated upcoming Marvel movie ahead of its release. Coogler left a number of questions for fans after the acclaimed sequel, especially related to the future of the fictional country’s leadership. And a deleted Black Panther 2 scene had a different character in mind to replace Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda. 

One of the most heartbreaking scenes in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever came when Queen Ramonda was killed by Namor while saving Riri Williams. In addition to earning Bassett an Oscar nomination, this plot twist once again left the Wakandan throne open. While the ending of Black Panther 2 hinted that M’Baku might be the next King, a deleted scene from IGN shows that there’s another contender: Danai Gurira’s Okoye. Check out the sequence for yourself below:

Well, my mind is blown. It looks like the Border Tribe might help to install Okoye as Queen of Wakanda. Of course, she’d first have to do the traditional duel, presumably in a battle against Winston Duke’s M’Baku. We’ll just have to wait and see if this matchup ever actually happens in the main MCU timeline; Ryan Coogler might have different plans for Black Panther 3 sometime down the line. Only time will tell.

The above clip from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever seemingly opens up new narrative doors for Okoye. Fans were shocked when Queen Ramonda removed her from the Dora Milaje, although she did end up getting some awesome gear as a Midnight Angel. And it seems like she just might end up taking the Throne herself, although it would no doubt be another fight for power within the fictional country. But as his scene points out, she’d likely have the support of the people themselves.

Prior to the release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Letitia Wright’s Shuri seemed like the logical choice to lead the country and become the next Panther. While she would indeed recreate the heart-shaped herb and become a superhero, T’Challa’s younger sister didn’t actually take the throne. M’Baku’s final scene setup that he could rule, but now it seems like he might have some competition. How long do we have to wait for a threequel?

Of course, the future leadership of Wakanda is made all the more complicated given Black Panther 2’s post-credits scene. In the emotional sequence it was revealed that T’Challa and Nakia actually had a son. And as such, he might have a claim to the throne once he gets a bit older and leaves Haiti for Wakanda. The succession of leadership was a huge plot point in the first movie, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the third movie returned to form in this way

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will hit Disney+ on February 1st, and the next MCU movie hitting theaters is Ant-Man 3 on February. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

SPOILERS are ahead for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, now playing in theaters. 

Of the many powerful Black women at the center of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is Danai Gurira’s Okoye, who is the general of Wakanda’s Dora Milaje. In the sequel, Okoye finds herself in a difficult situation when she is not successful in protecting Princess Shuri from their new enemies, Namor and the Talokan. In an emotional throne room sequence between the actress and Angela Bassett, she is stripped from her prestigious rank. According to Gurira, a deleted ending signaled an uncertain future for Okoye. 

During the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ending, Okoye reemerges as a warrior in her Midnight Angel armor after losing her rank to break out Martin Freeman’s CIA Agent Everett Ross out of his custody. Gurira recently spoke to a deleted scene from the Black Panther sequel that would have touched more on the character’s future, perhaps in upcoming Marvel movies. 

While speaking to Deadline, Danai Gurira shared the deleted scene and said that she’d be excited to explore where that question mark leads Okoye moving forward. Per the moment that never happened in Wakanda Forever, Okoye would let go of her position in Wakanda following Queen Ramonda taking it away from her, and perhaps started anew on another chapter. But, what would that be? 

Perhaps it was deleted because Marvel needed more time to decide if it truly wanted Okoye to say goodbye to Shuri at the end of Wakanda Forever, or there was so much happening in Wakanda Forever, it was simply cut for time. No matter the reason, it’s interesting to know the loose ends of the sequel planned for Okoye. It could very much play into what comes next for Okoye. Maybe she is done with the Dora Milaje and will take up a new title in the MCU. 

Wakanda Forever had the massive job of passing the torch to Shuri as Black Panther following the death of Chadwick Boseman. As Ryan Coogler recently shared, the original story would have been father-son centric, but instead the storyline regarding T’Challa’s son was moved to an emotional end-credits scene that had Shuri meeting her nephew.  

Looking to the future, we don’t yet know where the Black Panther characters will show up next. The MCU will kick back up on February 17 with the release of Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. 

SPOILER ALERT: The following article contains key spoilers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. If you have not yet seen the film, proceed at your own risk!

In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Okoye takes one emotional punch to the gut after another. The film begins with the death of King T’Challa – the man she is sworn to protect and keep safe at all costs – and while on duty to protect Princess Shuri on an overseas mission in the aftermath, she is once again devastated when the young royal is kidnapped. And as though circumstances aren’t bad enough, she then becomes the target of Queen Ramonda’s fury, and is stripped of her role as commander of the Dora Milaje.

It’s all heavy material for the character’s arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it was a product of a close partnership between Danai Gurira and writer/director Ryan Coogler.

Prior to the theatrical release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever last month, I had the opportunity to discuss Okoye’s journey in the film with Gurira during the Marvel blockbuster’s Los Angeles press day. I asked about her work with Ryan Coogler in carving out the character’s path in the latest chapter of her story. Dancing around spoilers, she explained,

As previously established in Black Panther and the last two Avengers movies, Okoye is passionate about her responsibilities in the world of Wakanda, and it’s a devastating blow to her in the new film when Queen Ramonda takes away her role within the Dora Milaje. (It’s one of the most incredible scenes in the movie, and one that came from terrific collaboration between Danai Gurira and Angela Bassett.)

Continuing, Gurira highlighted her character’s personal need for control, and noted that part of her process was properly determining what events would drive her to do:

Those who have seen the film know that Okoye doesn’t just sit on the sidelines after losing her ranked position. While it’s unclear what her exact status with the Dora Milaje is at the end of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she notably suits up for a super powered role in the blockbuster’s third act battle – wearing the Midnight Angel armor from the comics.

And it wasn’t all just broad strokes either. Danai Gurira noted that she worked closely with Ryan Coogler on every line of dialogue making Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – taking full control of her franchise role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She added,

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiered over a month ago, but it continues to be the top movie at the box office and is still playing in theaters everywhere. For more reading about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, check out our Upcoming Marvel Movies and Upcoming Marvel TV guides to learn about everything that’s on the way from the franchise. You can also discover where the latest MCU title fits into the canon with our Marvel Movies In Order feature.

It’s no secret Marvel movies have ruled the film industry over the past two decades. But ever since prestigious Taxi Driver and Goodfellas filmmaker Martin Scorsese shared a few years ago that he doesn't think the big-budget blockbusters are considered cinema, it’s been an ongoing conversation for the industry to discuss. The latest to comment is Black Panther: Wakanda Forever actress Danai Gurira, who memorably plays Okoye in the MCU. 

Danai Gurira is not only the leader of the Dora Milaje in Wakanda, she also had a major and long-running role in The Walking Dead and is a playwright who’s seen her work go to Broadway. With that unique perspective in mind, the actress had to say about whether Marvel movies are cinema:   

While speaking with GQ, Gurira shared that her experience under Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has been “deeply cinematic in every way” to her. She and the cast put everything they can into making their Marvel movies, and from her perspective they're certainly not phoning it in when it comes to trying to bring a memorable experience for audiences at the movies. 

Martin Scorsese’s comments about Marvel movies to Empire Magazine initially went viral over three years ago. Following a lot of commentary on his thoughts, the director wrote an opinion for The New York Times where he explained his controversial thoughts further. 

There, he shared that modern film franchises are “market-researched, audience-tested, vetted, modified, revetted and remodified until they’re ready for consumption,” whereas movies by directors like Spike Lee, Wes Anderson or Paul Thomas Anderson always make something “absolutely new” and “unexpected.” For example, Scorsese recently praised Ti West’s Pearl for making a horror movie that “enthralled” him to the point of having trouble getting to sleep. 

Other major filmmakers like James Cameron and Quentin Tarantino have gone on to make their own criticisms of the movie industry these days, as Marvel are often the most seen films on big screens from year to year. Cameron shared that he thinks Marvel characters in movies “all act like they’re in college.” Tarantino said that these days there are no longer movie stars, just popular characters like those in the MCU.  

No matter what these filmmakers say, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is certainly going strong. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever just had its third weekend at No. 1 after receiving positive praise from both reviewers and audiences. There’s also obviously so many upcoming Marvel movies on the way following the latest MCU installment. So no matter what, this train is still very much rolling. 

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is packed with emotional moments that punch directly at the heart, and there are few quite as powerful as the exchange between Danai Gurira’s Okoye and Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda in the Wakandan throne room. The former reports to the latter that Shuri (Letitia Wright) has been kidnapped by the warriors from Talocan, and the passion that is expressed in the moment from both performers physically pushes you into the back of your chair. It’s some of the best acting featured in the film, and that can in part be credited to the awesome collaboration between the stars.

Speaking with the cast and filmmakers of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever during the movie’s Los Angeles press day late last month, I specifically asked Danai Gurira about the scene in question – both in terms of the emotional perspective of her character and working with Angela Bassett. She began by explaining what the moment means for Okoye, as Shuri’s kidnapping is a painful failure for the character given her position as the leader of the Dora Milaje – and yet she also doesn’t anticipate the consequences that are delivered. Said Gurira,

In the context of the scene (which I won’t further spoil here), the kidnapping of Shuri is just the latest tragedy to befall Wakanda – and Okoye is already weighed down with guilt and mourning following the death of King T’Challa. It’s a hard time for her, and the horrible energy of everything explodes when it collides with the intense pain felt by Queen Ramonda, who fears that her entire family has been ripped away from her.

One could imagine that just a single take of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever exchange between the characters would be enough to wipe out the performers, but it took much more than that, and it only makes the moment in the blockbuster greater knowing the lengths to which Danai Gurira and Angela Bassett went in order to ensure the work was perfect. When the scene was being captured from multiple angles, it didn’t matter who was on camera and who wasn’t; both of them gave it their all in every take. Said Gurira,

It seemingly wasn’t something that either actor had to ask for – it was just about both of them doing their part as members of the production. She continued,

Also featuring terrific performances from Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, and Martin Freeman, the critically acclaimed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now playing in theaters everywhere.

For more about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you can read our ranking of the MCU movies, and learn about the intricacies of the Marvel timeline. To learn about all of the projects that are in the works from Marvel Studios, check out our Upcoming Marvel Movies and Upcoming Marvel TV guides.

After 2018’s Black Panther was such a massive box office success, Ryan Coogler already had a big job ahead of him to continue the story of Wakanda and its king. Chadwick Boseman’s shocking death from colon cancer in 2020, however, made that task absolutely herculean. To say anticipation has been high to see how Black Panther: Wakanda Forever continues without T’Challa would be an understatement, but with the release date finally upon us, the reviews are in to give fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies a taste of what to expect.

The final movie in the MCU’s Phase 4 will see the leaders of Wakanda fighting to protect their nation in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. The sequel stars Letitia Wright as Shuri, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Tenoch Huerta as Namor, Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Martin Freeman as Agent Everett K. Ross, and Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia. First reactions to the new MCU blockbuster were promising, so let’s see what critics are saying about the film and how it honors Chadwick Boseman, starting with CinemaBlend’s review of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Eric Eisenberg rates the movie 4.5 stars out of 5, calling it an “utterly beautiful” expression of mourning that is equal to its predecessor: 

In his spoiler-free video review of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, CinemaBlend managing editor Sean O’Connell says Ryan Coogler tackles a lot of plot, but does a good job of juggling it all. He rates it 4 out of 5 stars, explaining why he calls it a “cathartic” drama: 

Charles Pulliam-Moore of The Verge also uses the word “cathartic” to describe the film, saying that while it is “a moving farewell to Chadwick Boseman,” it doesn’t dwell in the past, continuing Wakanda’s story with grace and care that’s uncharacteristic of comic book movies. The critic says: 

In absence of King T’Challa, Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly says she was struck by the powerful queendom that rules Wakanda from the top down and notes that Ryan Coogler also has talented women working behind the scenes. The critic grades the Black Panther sequel a B+: 

Brian Truitt of USA TODAY rates it 3.5 out of 4 stars for the way the movie is able to celebrate and honor Chadwick Boseman while still proving that Wakanda and its story are in capable hands going forward. More from the review: 

It sounds like the critics agree that this Marvel sequel strikes a good balance between paying homage to Chadwick Boseman and T’Challa while also providing a compelling story. You can catch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in theaters beginning Friday, November 11. In the meantime, check out CinemaBlend’s interviews with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's filmmakers and stars, including Ryan Coogler, Danai Gurira and more, and see what upcoming Marvel movies lie ahead in Phases 5 and 6.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a super popular empire, but certain franchises like Black Panther stand out as fan favorites. Ryan Coogler’s sequel Wakanda Forever is one of the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movies, and is nearly upon us. And the movie’s cast recently spoke to the “powerful” new story that puts Black women in the spotlight.

The story of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was changed by Ryan Coogler and company following the unexpected death of franchise star Chadwick Boseman. The upcoming movie will honor both the late actor and his character T’Challa, with the cast no doubt channeling their real-life emotions into the performances. This is especially true for the outstanding women of the movie: Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, and Lupita Nyong’o. Actor Winston Duke (aka M’Baku) recently spoke to Ebony about the focus on the franchise’s cast of Black women, saying:

Is it November 11th yet? The wait for Black Panther 2 has been hard for the generations of fans out there, myself included. And these types of comments tease how emotional and fresh the story of Wakanda Forever will be. And that’s seemingly because supporting characters from the first movie are taking more of the spotlight this time around. After all, Angela Bassett’s Queen Ramonda has been heavily featured in the movie’s trailers and marketing campaign. 

Much of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s contents are currently a mystery, as Marvel Studios is known for its tight security. But art is seemingly going to imitate life, with moviegoing audiences mourning both T’Challa and Chadwick Boseman himself. Fans have been wondering who would take on the mantle of the Panther and the ruler of the fictional country, although all signs point to one returning character in particular. And smart money says some of those fans will be rewatching the Marvel movies in order.

In the same interview with Ebony, Okoye actress Danai Gurira also spoke to the power of Black Panther 2’s focus on the franchise’s cast of Black women. While Ryan Coogler’s first movie broke new ground in regards to representation, the sequel will follow suit in a different way. As the Walking Dead actress put it,

Exactly how these stories will play out remains to be seen, but it seems like we’re going to get an even deeper understanding of Wakanda and its inhabitants throughout the course of Black Panther 2’s 161-minute runtime. As a reminder, you can check out one of the most recent trailer below:

Some early screenings of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have already occurred, and the reception has been quite positive. And with anticipation being further buoyed thanks to a new song by Rihanna, smart money says it’s going to be another box office smash. Luckily the wait is nearly over.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will hit theaters on November 11th. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

The cast of Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” including Danai Gurira (Okoye), Alex Livinalli (Attuma) Mabel Cadena (Namora), Producer Nate Moore, and the famed director himself are here to discuss making the epic Marvel sequel. Watch as they discuss filming the emotional and powerful scenes with stars Angela Bassett and Tenoch Huerta, where this film sits in the MCU’s timeline, and what’s next for the characters and Coogler himself.

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Intro / ‘Rise Talocan’ Tease
00:15 - What’s Happened In Wakanda Since We Last Saw It In ‘Avengers: Endgame’
01:35 - Where “Wakanda Forever” SIts Within The MCU Timeline
02:16 - Danai Gurira Describes How Director Ryan Coogler Helped Her Catch Up With Okoye
03:44 - What Ever Happened To Daniel Kaluuya’s W’Kabi? Danai Gurira and Ryan Coogler Know
04:20 - Danai Gurira On Filming Extremely Emotional Scenes With Angela Basset
06:03 - Alex Livinalli And Mabel Cadena On Embodying New Representation In Their Marvel Roles
08:03 - What It Was Like Working With Tenoch Huerta, According To His Costars
09:14 - How Namor’s ‘Wakanda Forever’ Introduction Became A Reality
12:13 - Creating Talocan And It’s Chilling War Cry, ‘Rise Talocan!’
14:15 - How Will ‘Wakanda Forever' Set Up Riri Williams For Disney+’s ‘Ironheart?’
15: 08 - Will Ryan Coogler Direct An ‘Avengers’ Film One Day?
16:33 - Outro / Danai Gurira On Stealing Her Dora Milaje Uniform

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is likely one of the most anticipated of the upcoming Marvel movies, particularly after the success of the 2018 blockbuster. The Oscar-winning superhero movie is considered among the best Marvel movies, but as development of the sequel began, plans had to change when star Chadwick Boseman died of colon cancer in 2020. The decision was made not to recast T’Challa, and the final movie in the MCU’s Phase 4 will see the leaders of Wakanda fighting to protect their nation in the wake of the king’s death. The movie has screened ahead of its November 11 release, so let’s see what people are saying about Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. 

Ryan Coogler returns as the writer and director of this MCU sequel, and a number of the first movie’s actors will reprise their roles, including Letitia Wright as Shuri, Danai Gurira as Okoye, Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda, Martin Freeman as Agent Everett K. Ross, and Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia. Those who were able to screen the movie have taken to social media to expand what we know about Black Panther 2, and CinemaBlend’s own Sean O’Connell tweets that Chadwick Boseman’s loss is definitely felt in this story of legacy: 

Fico Cangiano of CineXpress also says the sequel is a beautiful tribute to Chadwick Boseman and audiences should be sure to stay for a moving mid-credit scene: 

“Cathartic” is a word used by multiple of the film’s early viewers, including Perri Nemiroff of Collider, who also lauds the film’s ensemble. She specifically names Winston Duke and Letitia Wright, and says they couldn’t have found a better actor than Tenoch Huerta to suit up as Namor: 

Film critic Josie Marie says Tenoch Huerta exceeded her expectations, and moviegoers should be sure to bring their tissues for this one: 

Brandon Davis of ComicBook.com is definitely on the Tenoch Huerta bandwagon as well, saying he kills it as one of the MCU’s best villains: 

Germain Lussier of Gizmodo also mentions the mid-credits scene, calling it the best in Marvel’s history. The movie overall is ambitious and rewarding, and he says Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is as epic as sequels get: 

Agreeing with the above assessments, Emily Murray of BBC Radio 5 simply says Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is something to be treasured: 

The movie also gets high praise from critic Orlando Enelcine, who notes that Black Panther remains the crown jewel of the MCU, and the actors give some of the best performances he's seen all year:

It sounds like fans will get a good dose of emotion to go with their action in the Black Panther sequel. We’ll know even more when critics’ reviews come out on November 8, so be sure to check back to CinemaBlend for more then. In the meantime, take a deep dive into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and see how to watch all of the Marvel movies in order. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters on Friday, November 11, and see what else is coming to theaters soon with our 2022 Movie Release Schedule. 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is full of successful properties, but a few stand out as fan favorites. Black Panther was definitely in that category, and the sequel Wakanda Forever is one of the most hotly anticipated upcoming Marvel movies. The studio has been keeping the movie’s contents under wraps, but a new Black Panther 2 clip shows Okoye leading the Dora Milaje.

The Dora Milaje are an elite fighting force in Wakanda who serve the King. The group made a strong entrance in the first Black Panther movie, as well as The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Fans are eager to see how they factor into the action of Wakanda Forever, as the nation prepares for war. A clip from the sequel recently made its way to YouTube, showing Danai Gurira’s Okoye alongside Florence Kasumba’s Ayo and Michaela Coel’s newcomer Aneka. Check it out below:

The Dora Milaje are back, and they’ve got some new blood involved. This clip shows how Okoye helps to lead that private army, who we all know have jurisdiction wherever they find themselves to be. And I’m curious to see how the Dora are changed throughout the course of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, especially if this small clip is any indication to their story.

This video is short, but offers a glimpse at what type of plot lines will be happening throughout Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s 161-minute runtime. The movie will follow as the titular fictional nation attempts to move on after the death of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, in what will no doubt be a story of art imitating life given the actor’s passing. Afterall, Winston Duke spoke about how the late actor left a gaping hole in the set for the cast and crew. Smart money says plenty of fans will be rewatching the Marvel movies in order ahead of seeing this new sequel.

In the clip seen above, we’re introduced to a new character Aneka, played by Michaela Coel. While dispatching enemies with the Dora Milaje, she’s shown using some fancy daggers made by Shuri herself, rather than the Dora’s usual vibranium spear. Okoye takes umbrage with this choice, and tells her to stick to their traditional weapon. 

Those familiar with the Marvel comics are expecting the Midnight Angels to appear during Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, especially as we’ve seen their signature suits in a few trailers for the movie. As a reminder, you can check out the latest full trailer below,

In the comics, the Midnight Angels are a subgroup of the Dora Milaje, and are an even more specialized group of warriors. It’s unclear how they’ll be used in the MCU, but smart money says that Aneka is going to factor into the plot point heavily.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will hit theaters on November 11th. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an absolutely behemoth place, but certain franchises stand out as fan favorites. Case in point: Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther, with the upcoming sequel serving as one of the most highly anticipated upcoming Marvel movies. Start your weekend right with Wakanda Forever’s leading ladies grooving to “Drop it Like it’s Hot.”

Ryan Coogler assembled an outstanding cast for the Black Panther franchise, and fans are eager to catch up with the iconic characters in Wakanda Forever. That includes the franchise’s leading trio of women: Letitia Wright’s Shuri, Danai Gurira’s Okoye, and Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia. Those actors have great chemistry, as you can see in a video from Nyongo’o’s Instagram of them dancing to Snoop Dogg’s classic “Drop it Like It’s Hot.” Check it out for yourself below,

I mean, how fun is that? You can clearly tell how much the women of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever like each other… as well as Snoop Dogg’s iconic tracks. And since this is merely a clip of this trio doing a photoshoot, one can only imagine how their chemistry will translate into the Marvel sequel. Especially when you consider the high emotional stakes involved.

This clip shared by Lupita Nyong’o will likely only help to buoy excitement over Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as it gets ever closer to being released in theaters. We’re about a month and a half from seeing what Ryan Coogler has up his sleeve, and how the titular nation will continue following the in-universe death of Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa. Of course, both the cast/crew and fans in theaters will also be mourning the loss of Boseman IRL, following his passing in August of 2020.

Not much is known about the contents of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which is pretty standard for Marvel movies and their notoriously tight security. But given Boseman’s death and legacy, the real world has arguably never been more connected to the events of the real world. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler went so far as to call crafting the sequel the most difficult task of his professional career, given the emotions involved. And the special care he took with this story can be seen in the movie’s first trailer, which was a massive hit upon its release. As a reminder, you can check it out below,

Obviously the biggest question surrounding Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has been exactly will be taking on the mantle of the Panther and becoming the next ruler of the fictional country. Some merchandise for the movie might have revealed this plot point, but it’s all unconfirmed until it finally arrives in theaters. There’s also some new characters being introduced to the MCU, including Namor the Sub-Mariner and Riri Williams aka Ironheart (who is getting her own series on Disney+).

Luckily for Marvel fans the wait for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is nearly over, as it’s hitting theaters on November 11th. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

The major superheroes we tend to see in the MCU and DCEU universe are white men, like Batman, Superman, Iron Man, Captain America and more. That said, Black Panther's introduction in Captain America: Civil War shook up this norm in a big way and paved the way for other Black actors to play superheroes. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s Danai Gurira spoke about the importance of shattering the perception that a superhero needs to be white and male.

Black Panther was briefly considered the highest-grossing superhero movie in North America, and along with having a predominantly Black cast, it was helmed by a Black filmmaker. In an interview with The New York Times, Danai Gurira, who will reprise Okoye in Black Panther 2, spoke about how this superhero franchise can give audiences a new type of superhero to look up to. In her words:

It’s true that audiences both young and old need heroes to look up to from all different cultures and genders. That way, they don’t feel they need to be white and male in order to make a positive impact on the world. Black Panther may not have been the first Black-led superhero movie, as we had the Blade trilogy, Spawn and Steel, but it was the first to be made with a $200 million budget with a mainly Black cast and crew. Its success inspired Marvel studios to change its strategy in having diverse voices tell diverse stories like how the director of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ Asian-American upbringing gave authenticity to the movie. 

Not only are different races and cultures brought to superhero franchises, but so are different genders as well. Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri, T'Challa's sister, felt proud that her character has been an inspiration to fans. As she put it:

Marvel has been introducing audiences to female superheroes that kick ass as much as any man like Captain Marvel and Black Widow. In Wakanda, the undervaluing of women due to their gender does not exist. They are equal to men in being powerful weapons against a common enemy. With the untimely death of Chadwick Boseman, it is up to the female leaders of Wakanda to protect their nation from invading forces. Audiences can look at an idealized future in the country of Wakanda with the hope that the world can one day get there in terms of how we see each other.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever can help shatter the myths that a superhero needs to be white and male when everyone else in the world has a right to share their strength and voice. You can watch the highly-anticipated upcoming Marvel movie in theaters on November 11th. 

When Black Panther was released in 2018, the world watched in awe as Chadwick Boseman saved Wakanda as the Black Panther. When the actor died in 2020, the world mourned over the loss of an icon. Now, with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever up next in Marvel’s upcoming releases, the women of the movie are opening up about what it was like to prepare for the highly-anticipated sequel without the man who was supposed to lead the franchise forward. 

Many involved with the movie have been incredibly candid about what it’s been like going through this process without Boseman as King T’Challa. The film’s director, Ryan Coogler, honored him by giving a touching speech saying he could feel the actor's presence on stage at San Diego Comic-Con. One of the film’s stars, Winston Duke, spoke about the “gaping hole” Boseman’s absence created on set. Now, in an interview with The New York Times, more of the movie’s stars, including Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright and Danai Gurira, spoke about how they each prepared for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Nyong’o has said filming was “therapeutic,” and she recently spoke again about this process, saying: 

While we only know the basics of the Black Panther sequel's plot, what we do know about Wakanda Forever is that it will honor Boseman’s legacy and explore the major other characters in Wakanda more. Letitia Wright spoke about how her character Shuri is coping with her brother T’Challa’s death. 

As for the actress herself, Wright talked to NYT about how the process of coming back was “spiritual.” She also mentioned how she connected a lot with Danai Gurira, who plays Okoye. Gurira agreed with Wright, elaborating on how grief played a role in her process with these words:

While sad, it’s been beautiful to see all the care the cast and creatives behind this movie have put into the sequel, for Chadwick Boseman and for Black Panther. Just looking at the Wakanda Forever trailer, it became clear his presence would still be felt during the movie in a massive way. This collective love for each other and Boseman has been imprinted on Wakanda Forever, and we will all get to honor the great actor, character and the entire team behind one of the most anticipated movies of 2022 starting on November 11. 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going for more than a decade, but it has, arguably, never had a movie make the kind of impact that Black Panther did. Director Ryan Coogler's Oscar-winning superhero movie, featuring a predominantly Black cast, is considered to be one of the best Marvel movies – if not the best – meaning it was only a matter of time before Black Panther 2 would receive the greenlight.

The, arguably, most anticipated chapter of the Marvel Phase 4 movies and one of the biggest 2022 fall movies has, previously, been subject to a number of setbacks and hardships, especially with the death of star Chadwick Boseman in August 2020, but is coming out very soon. We shall discuss when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to hit theaters and everything else we know about the movie.  

The Black Panther 2 Release Date Is Set For November 2022

In August 2019, around the time its working title was still Black Panther II, Agent Everett Ross actor Martin Freeman revealed in an interview with Uproxx that the sequel would go into production in 2021. That much would prove to be true, with plans to film the movie in Georgia in June of that year going strong, but establishing an official release date was a different story.

At 2019’s D23 Expo, director Ryan Coogler announced his Black Panther sequel was intended to release in May 2022. More than a year later, Kevin Feige confirmed at Disney’s Investor Day in December 2020 that the movie’s release date had shifted by a few months to July 8. However, star Letitia Wright’s on-set injury caused a production shutdown, leading to another delay before the current release date of Friday, November 11, 2022, was confirmed in October 2021.

Ryan Coogler Wrote And Directed Black Panther 2

Ryan Coogler both co-wrote and directed Black Panther and was, thus, integral to its success, so it is encouraging that he returned to write and direct Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This was expected, given the reception to what Coogler did with the first film and how it showered Disney with ticket sales worth their weight in Vibranium.

It bodes well that Disney made sure to lock down the director for the sequel. The first film was very much Coogler's vision and his return ensures that there will be creative continuity between the two films as the director tackles his first sequel.

Black Panther 2 Promises To Continue Exploring Wakanda’s World And Characters

There is still not much that we know about the story of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, whose official synopsis says it will “continue to explore the incomparable world of Wakanda and all of the rich and varied characters introduced in the first film.” The sequel’s first official trailer did not expand on that vague description too much further than that either, but did drop a couple interesting hints and provided a glimpse of a Wakanda without its beloved king. 

Indeed, Black Panther 2 did go forward without the first film’s lead hero, Chadwick Boseman. Ryan Coogler said that making the sequel after Boseman’s death was one of the hardest tasks of his professional career, but still found it incredibly motivating when looking back on what the actor “gave us” through his talent and “how [he] lived his life.”

There is a theory that Letitia Wright’s character, Shuri – T’Challa’s brilliant younger sister – is going to take her late brother’s place as Wakanda’s protector, just as she does in the comics. While some might agree it is best to keep the sequel’s new lead hero a secret for now, this transition seems to have a lot of potential, based on a shot in the trailer of a new person donning the Black Panther costume and actors confirmed to appear on the cast.

Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, And More Are Returning To The Black Panther 2 Cast

As you can imagine, the cast list for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever does not look like it used to following the loss of Chadwick Boseman, but many of our favorite supporting characters from the original Black Panther cast are set to reprise their roles. Among the returnees, we have Letitia Wright as Shuri, Danai Gurira as Okoye, and Angela Bassett as Queen Ramonda. Martin Freeman is also set to appear as Agent Everett K. Ross along with Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia, her Us co-star Winston Duke as M’Baku, and Florence Kasumba as Ayo. 

One notable newcomer to the Black Panther 2 cast include Emmy winner Michaela Coel, who was revealed as Dora Milaje warrior Aneka during SDCC. Despite previous comments by the film’s costume designer suggesting the contrary, as reported by ScreenRant, Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya will not return as W’Kabi, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts with Jordan Peele’s hit horror movie, Nope. There is no telling at the moment if Killmonger will be revived in some way for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, despite how often Michael B. Jordan is asked about the subject.

Black Panther 2 Will Introduce Namor And Riri Williams Into The MCU

There are a couple of other newcomers to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast we certainly should mention. The official trailer already revealed the appearance of Tenoch Huerta as Namor, the Sub-mariner and Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams. 

Former Narcos: Mexico star Huerta’s portrayal of the aquatic anti-hero marks his long-awaited MCU debut, alongside Mexican actress Mabel Cadena as his cousin, Namora. Following her breakout role in If Beale Street Could Talk, Thorne is making her debut as Tony Stark’s teenage successor before she leads the upcoming Ironheart TV show, which is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2023.

Ryan Coogler Is Planning A Black Panther Spin-Off Series For Disney+

Probably the one thing that most excites me and, I am sure, many others about this Black Panther sequel is the chance to go deeper into the world of Wakanda. The culture is fascinatingly unique, the scientific advancements are enlightening, and the natural landscape is simply a wonder to behold. Luckily, it appears that the MCU’s exploration of the country will not stop at the big screen.

You can now add a Black Panther spin-off series to your list of upcoming Marvel TV shows to look forward to. It was announced in February 2021 that Ryan Coogler and his production company secured a five-year deal to develop programming for Disney+, including one project set in Wakanda.

The success of this franchise, the scope of a country like Wakanda, and the love people have for this world and these characters is enough to incite an endless amount of stories that would continue to inspire generations. Let us hope that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever lives up to that promise and to the legacy of its late, beloved star.

Spoilers below for the Season 1 premiere of AMC’s Tales of the Walking Dead, so be warned if you haven’t yet watched!

With its opening hour, the anthology spinoff Tales of the Walking Dead delivered a reunion for Terry Crews and Olivia Munn years after their time in HBO’s gone-too-soon drama The Newsroom. Their titular characters Joe and Evie met and experienced quite a wild and singular ride within this expanding franchise, as their attempts to reconnect with familiars from their pasts didn’t go the way that either of them expected. Viewers almost watched Crews’ doomsday prepper being killed off by a potential love interest who’d been traumatized and turned murderous, but he thankfully escaped that particular dark fate. Ultimately, Joe walked into the metaphorical sunset with Evie and their pet goat, allowing for him (and/or Evie) to return in one of the many upcoming Walking Dead spinoffs.

The obvious question now is whether or not that will ever happen. When Terry Crews spoke with CinemaBlend and other press ahead of Tales of the Walking Dead’s debut on AMC and AMC+, I asked about his character getting a rather insane and epic love story ahead of Rick and Michonne’s limited series, as well as the pair getting romantic in the first place. And Crews spoke excitedly about how the episode’s timeline placement allows for Joe to theoretically have connections with past present and future Walking Dead characters. Here’s how he started:

The America's Got Talent host is a huge Walking Dead fanatic, and thus could not have been more pleased about factoring into a story that capped off with a world of possibilities, as opposed to Joe meeting his maker in a horrifyingly conclusive manner. Given the episode takes place 400+ days after the still-unexplained apocalypse, that means Terry Crews' Joe and Olivia Munn's Evie would have met at a point in the timeline that would likely match up with the end of Season 4, somewhere around the point when David Morissey's Governor would have met Alanna Masterson's Tara and her family. 

Terry Crews then brought things back to Rick and Michonne, sharing how he was just as shocked as anyone at San Diego Comic-Con regarding the news about their return for the new series. But while many actors would be more reserved about what the future could hold, Crews very openly voiced his desire to return in the future, since the episode's conclusion made it possible. In his words:

While there's obviously always the chance that Joe didn't actually survive long enough to reach the point when Rick and Michonne finally reunite, it's more uplifting to be optimistic about such things, considering we won't know either way until some writer within the Walking Dead universe lays it out there.

When I commented that Joe, who delivered some of The Walking Dead franchise's best swear word deliveries to date, could have feasibly taught Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Negan how to drop a convincing F-bomb, Terry Crews was even open to the idea of Joe and Negan knowing each other before his reign of terror. But then he also shared some ominous words for anyone truly hoping to see Joe again in this world. He continued:

As fans are well aware at this point, twelve years after The Walking Dead debuted, that for every positive moment a character experiences, it ends up equaling out to roughly a dozen or so truly awful and harrowing situations. And getting tied up and drugged only counts as ONE of those. So even if he does show up in Rick and Michonne's spinoff, he might be a cold and calculating villain by that point, having experienced all kinds of tragedy-stricken mess. But how badass would a fight scene be between Terry Crews and Andrew Lincoln, or between Crews and Jeffrey Dean Morgan? I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

Tales of the Walking Dead airs Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming one week early on AMC+. Head to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what other new and returning shows are popping up soon! 

For years, The Walking Dead fans were mentally preparing themselves for Andrew Lincoln to return as Rick Grimes on the big screen, only for those plans to get a massive tweak at this year’s Comic-Con, where it was revealed Lincoln and Danai Gurira would be reuniting for a six-episode limited series on AMC. That series is perhaps the highest-profile spinoff possible, in a lineup that also includes Norman Reedus’ Daryl-focused offshoot and the currently filming Isle of the Dead follow-up with Maggie and Negan. While many facts about each of those shows are still behind lock and key, franchise ringleader Scott Gimple thankfully shared some new details during Talking Dead’s preview for everything coming up in the Walking Dead universe.

Rick And Michonne’s Spinoff 

With Tales of the Walking Dead co-star Terry Crews sitting on the Talking Dead couch as interested as anyone could be about everything being shared about the new series, Scott Gimple & Co. craftily made audiences wait until the very end of the special for all things Rick and Michonne to come up. But at least his description makes the new project sound like it’s exactly what fans are hoping for. Here’s how he started:

Maybe it’s just me, but Gimple seemed to be speaking bemusedly when addressing the fact that he and others have worked for as long as they have on nailing down the proper way to approach a Rick-geared follow-up. Now that it’s finally gone beyond the concept stage and is closing in on the “let’s actually film this thing” stage, the former Walking Dead showrunner can at last use concrete descriptions like “epic and insane love story” to describe the project without having to worry about things pivoting in a different direction. 

But even though fans will get to experience all the feels that are expected to accompany Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira’s on-screen reunion as Rick and Michonne, that doesn’t mean we’re only going to see the iconic characters in ooshy-gooshy mode. Scott Gimple said they will definitely tap back into their more primal and violent selves.

How all of this will factor into the CRM group that took Rick away after he nearly died in Season 9 is anyone’s guess, but I’m betting there will be a lot of uniformed bodies on the ground when Rick and Michonne walk off into the metaphorical sunset. 

Daryl's Spinoff

On the Daryl side of things, not a whole lot of info has come out in the aftermath of Walking Dead star Melissa McBride deciding to back out of co-leading that spinoff as Carol. But now Scott Gimple has revealed exactly where Daryl will resurface in the world following the mothership series’ finale later this year, and confirmed Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick’s interjection on how it ties into TWD: World Beyond’s series finale (which will also pay off in TWD proper’s final eight episodes). 

If anybody had questions about how Maggie and Negan were going to make it from the mainland to Manhattan in all its post-apocalyptic glory, those questions will no doubt be magnified several times over by the prospect of Norman Reedus' redneck survivor crossing an entire ocean. (You just know he's one of those people who'll just shout the same thing louder when talking to someone who doesn't understand English.) That said, I would get a kick out of seeing Daryl completely change up his personality while in a place where literally no one knows him, assuming we don't later learn that someone else from the Walking Dead stable will join him in the spinoff. He should get some thin glasses and a lab coat, stat.

Speaking to both France and Isle of the Dead's NYC as settings for this new era of Walking Dead content, Scott Gimple said:

 While fans won't get to see any of those spinoffs until 2023 and beyond, The Walking Dead will return to AMC relatively soon for its final eight episodes, which will kick off on Sunday, October 2, at 9:00 p.m. ET. 

Oh, do you hear that? Way off in the distance? It’s coming closer, and closer - it’s the sound of yet another spinoff in The Walking Dead universe, called The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.

The Walking Dead and its very emotional finale aired in 2022, and then after that, spinoffs kept releasing, from The Walking Dead: Dead City to The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.  However, this one is a spinoff I think all of us were hoping beyond hope would come, and that is The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, featuring the characters of Rick and Michonne. The new title was announced in July 2023, according to Deadline. 

For those who are excited for the return of the legendary Rick and Michonne, here are some things we know about the upcoming series, and what you should know. 

What Is The Rick And Michonne Spinoff’s Series Premiere Date?

Get ready, because The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is going to premiere on February 25th, 2024, on both AMC and AMC+, according to Variety in November 2023. This makes it a part of our 2024 TV premiere schedule. 

Check Out The Trailer For The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live

If you’re as excited about The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, be sure to check out the trailer above, featuring our two main characters, Rick and Michonne. The trailer also features a sneak peek at some of the new places we are going to explore, and the kind of action that we’ll view. Get ready, friends. 

Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira And More Are Confirmed For The Show

For some time, it was only confirmed that Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira were to return for the show. According to the Deadline in July 2022, that’s when the announcement was made back at 2022’s San Diego Comic-Con. 

Both of the actors were excited to return, and Gurira even posted a picture of her and Lincoln at Comic-Con on Instagram with the simple caption, “We’re back.”

The two actors have been working on other projects since their departure from The Walking Dead. Andrew Lincoln was part of the extensive cast of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities in 2022. Danai Gurira was one of the stars of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever for the MCU. But it’s awesome to see them come back together again for a show. 

Reported by Deadline in March 2023, it was confirmed that Lesley-Ann Brandt had signed onto The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. She will be playing Pearl Thorne, but only that is known about her character. 

In November 2023, Deadline reported that Pollyanna McIntosh would be back as Jadis for the show, reprising her role from The Walking Dead. Additionally, Terry O’Quinn will play Beale, and Matt Jeffries will play Matt. 

While these character announcements are great, I hope that some characters from the original The Walking Dead end up appearing in this spinoff as well. A character I’ve been thinking should really reunite with Rick (besides Michonne) is Judith, Rick’s (basically adopted) daughter, as well as R.J., the son that Michonne and Rick share, both of which are residing at Alexandria at the end of The Walking Dead. With this new series, I can only wonder if Rick might get the chance to see his children again.

However, with Michonne going off on her own in Season 10, I don’t know when these children might get to see their father again - if ever. Only time will tell.  

The Series Will Be An “Epic Love Story”

In a press release that AMC released, the new spinoff is going to star the two characters in an “epic love story” that shows just how much they have changed in their time apart. 

AMC gave us an official synopsis from a blog post they put up on their website: 

This already sounds like the epic love story we were promised. I think it’s time to get ready for this show. 

The Series Will Consist Of Six Episodes

I’m having flashbacks to Season 1 of The Walking Dead with this show. Confirmed by Deadline article regarding the announcement of the show, this new spinoff isn’t set to have a sixteen-episode order like many of the seasons of The Walking Dead, but only six - much like the first season of the original. 

Scott M. Gimple Will Serve As Showrunner For The Series

For those who don’t know, Scott M. Gimple is The Walking Dead royalty, and has been with the show for several years - including working as showrunner for the series during Seasons 4-8, until Angela Kang, another producer for the show, took over the role for the rest of the series until its end. 

However, Gimple is returning to his showrunning responsibilities with The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, according to the Deadline article regarding the announcement of the show in July 2022. This isn’t that much of a surprise, as Gimple is the Chief Content Officer for The Walking Dead franchise. 

Danai Gurira Is A Co-Creator Of The Series – And Helped Write It

When it comes to The Walking Dead, Gurira has been on the show since the very end of Season 2, and quickly established her character, Michonne, as a fan favorite. Now, she’s going to be bringing her creative hand to the table. According to an interview that Gurira did with Self in October 2022, she is actually a co-creator of the Rick and Michonne spinoff, and is also writing it alongside Scott Gimple. 

Gimple spoke about how much working with Danai has influenced his writing in an email sent to Self, and how she wants to do something that’s new, and that he loves that kind of energy to be around. 

I’m super excited to see what she brings to the show, and can’t wait to see what story they have for us to enjoy.  

Filming Finished In May 2023

Confirmed by The Walking Dead's Instagram page in February 2023, it was confirmed that The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live had begun filming:

And then, not that long later, it was confirmed in May 2023 that filming had come to an end. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) from @TWDUPromos, they posted a message from Scott M. Gimple, Andrew Lincoln and the whole production team about the conclusion of filming The Walking Dead: Summit, which was the previous name used. The message thanked everyone who worked on the show:

The Series Is Replacing The Much Talked-About Rick Movies

I feel like we talked about those Rick movies for ages. When Andrew Lincoln first left the show, it was announced that there would be a trilogy of Walking Dead movies that would focus on the character’s survival after his supposed death - and rescue by Jadis that saw him taken away in a mysterious helicopter.

However, after delays and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been decided that The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is going to replace the Rick Grimes movies, according to the same Deadline article regarding the announcement of the show in July 2022. 

For those who have followed this show for years like I have, it’s not shocking to see this happening, as we didn't have any recent updates for those movies, and now we’ve found out the reason why - because we’re going to be getting a whole new series out of it. And I, for one, am so excited. 

It’ll be exciting to see the continuation of Rick and Michonne’s story in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live after watching The Walking Dead for God knows how many years- but, if I don’t see Rick get his classic pistol back, I won't be ok. 

After nearly four years years of The Walking Dead fans suffering from a Rick Grimes drought, with Andrew Lincoln having exited the flagship series back in mid-Season 9, AMC and franchise overlord Scott Gimple have finally given everyone a confirmed reason to celebrate. Lincoln is confirmed to be reuniting with Danai Gurira's also-missed badass Michonne for a brand new project that won't be a series of features as was originally planned. Rather, they're getting their own TV spinoff!

Following the San Diego Comic-Con panels for Tales of the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead, Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira joined Scott Gimple on stage to announce an as-yet-untitled limited series for AMC Studios that will continue the epic relationship and journey for Rick and Michonne. The six-episode series will debut in 2023, with Gimple serving as showrunner, and all three taking on executive producer duties.

Here's how Andrew Lincoln responded in a statement:

They really seem to be playing up the love story elements here, which makes a lot of sense, seeing as how they don't have their children around to mess up their romantic moments. I kid, of course, since returning to their loved ones will almost definitely have to play into the story. Not to mention explaining how they reunited in the first place. It's going to be a real bummer if it takes three eps to bring them back together. But for now, we stay optimistic!

And here's what Danai Gurira had to say about reprising Michonne for the first time following her exit in Season 10.

It’s unclear if this project has any bearing on rumors that Gurira was getting her own spinoff series at Disney+ based on her Black Panther character. But we know it won’t get in the way of Lincoln’s upcoming small screen return for an episode of Guillermo del Toro’s Netflix anthology Cabinet of Curiosities, since that series will be debuting later this year.

This news comes as quite a shock to fans that have been waiting for updates on what was being planned as a theatrical trilogy completely focusing on Rick Grimes. Updates for that project were few and far between, as all things COVID were as big a detriment to progress as the creative side of things. But while Danai Gurira's involvement with the feature plan was only assumed, now we know that Michonne will be just as much a part of Rick's return as the former lawman himself. 

2023 feels like it's way too far away, but fans can look forward to seeing not only another season of Fear the Walking Dead and the debut season of Isle of the Dead, but now we know we'll also be watching Rick and Michonne wrapping up their stories for good, and on AMC where it should be. While waiting for that glorious day to come, head to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what other new and returning shows are heading to primetime and beyond.

While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a powerful force in the entertainment industry, a few franchises stand out as fan favorites. Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther is definitely in that category, as it became a sensation and made history with its Oscar nominations. The highly anticipated sequel is coming down the line, and Wakanda Forever’s Danai Gurira recently spoke about the heart wrenching story, and honoring the late Chadwick Boseman.

The public and film world alike was shocked when the great Chadwick Boseman passed away back in the summer of 2020. But the Black Panther franchise is going to continue without him, and seemingly honor both the actor and his beloved character T’Challa. Okoye actress Danai Gurira was recently asked by Variety about the mysterious sequel, sharing:

Well, I’m interested. The contents of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are currently being guarded by the cast and crew, but it sounds like it’s going to be an emotional experience for audiences when the project finally hits theaters this fall. Although with the project getting closer every day, perhaps more specific information will be offered to the public soon.

Dana Gurira spoke to Variety about Black Panther 2 while walking the red carpet of the Met Gala. The Walking Dead alum looked amazing in her couture, and also spoke from the heart about Wakanda Forever. Because while the franchise is super popular, the death of Chadwick Boseman also definitely adds emotional stakes to the upcoming blockbuster.

Later in that same brief conversation with Variety, Danai Gurira was asked about how Black Panther: Wakanda Forever pays tribute to her late co-star Chadwick Boseman. While being careful to guard the movie’s secrets, the 44 year-old actress spoke to that part of the blockbuster, saying it was done:

That feeling seems to be shared by the cast of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, as other actors like Lupita Nyong’o and Angela Bassett have expressed how emotional it was to film the Marvel sequel. And as Danai Gurira said, the credit goes to filmmaker Ryan Coogler for how he handled the story.

For his part, Ryan Coogler has maintained that finding out how to continue the Black Panther franchise while honoring Chadwick Boseman has been the most difficult task of his professional career. But the cast seems to be thrilled with the results, and how he was able to continue Wakanda’s story.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently expected to arrive in theaters on November 11th. In the meantime, check out the 2022 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

As part of its "11 Weeks of The Walking Dead" promotional campaign ahead of Season 11's extended wrap-up, AMC dropped a new mood-driven teaser on fans that offers a lot of hero shots of the ensemble cast members as their respective heroic characters. Plus Eugene. (Burn.) Considering it doesn't appear to feature any actual episodic footage, one might think it's merely a hype-building filler promo, but one particular visual within the video seemingly confirms that the TV show will offer a twisted take on a huge Michonne twist from Robert Kirkman's Walking Dead comic book series.

While re-celebrating the full-blown return of Lauren Cohan's Maggie, and anticipating the awkwardness to come with Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Negan, fans no doubt see lots of background details that will presumably become important once context enters into it. But comic fans already have all the context needed to get extremely excited by the brick wall covered with pictures and messages. (Comic spoilers ahead.)

In the source material, that quasi-collage of photos is located within The Commonwealth, the heavily populated community that some of The Walking Dead's live-action characters were heading to in the back half of Season 10. There's admittedly a tragic explanation behind it, as the photos are all of Commonwealth residents' lost friends and family members. Less tragically, this is where Comic Michonne discovered a photo of herself, leading to the shocking realization that the daughter she believed was dead, Elodie, was actually still alive and thriving.

Considering Danai Gurira bowed out of The Walking Dead in Season 9, the TV show could have easily sidestepped using this plot device without having Michonne around. Plus, the show's writers did provide a semi-nod to that storyline by having Michonne reunite with her old friend Jocelyn, as portrayed by Rutina Wesley. But it definitely looks like showrunner Angela Kang has ideas in mind about how to remix the reunion angle for one of the remaining survivors who makes the trip to the Commonwealth.

Since Eugene has his arc with Stephanie on the way, he likely won't be reconnecting with a lost brother or anything. Princess is still too new to the TV show for a big reunion to mean as much to viewers. And I'm not even sure if Ezekiel's tumor situation is still a thing we should be worried about. So that possibly leaves Yumiko, although she hasn't exactly been around for all that long herself. I'd have to think the TV show would flip that arc to one of the mainstay characters like Daryl or Carol, or maybe even Father Gabriel.

Granted, The Walking Dead could technically still introduce a live-action version of Elodie through one of the main protagonists recognizing Michonne's picture amidst the group. After all, that could easily provide a way to keep Danai Gurira's beloved character connected to the story as the franchise creeps toward Andrew Lincoln's standalone Rick Grimes-centric features. It's not known if she'll appear in those, but considering the character's exit was written specifically so she could seek him out, it seems inevitable, despite her increasingly stacked slate of upcoming projects, including a potential MCU show on Disney+. So the TV show could definitely set up Elodie's introduction here, only to have her also take part in the films to reunite with her mom, presumably with Judith and RJ along for the trip.

Even though there's only one season left to go, The Walking Dead still has a lot of comic story left to tell in its double-stuffed final stretch, and I can't wait to see how all the storylines shake out. Get set for the drama's return to AMC when Season 11 joins the 2021 Summer TV season on Sunday, August 22.

The Black Panther universe continues to expand despite the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. The feature film sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to start production, and even more Wakanda-based projects are on the way beyond that. Now, it appears a key figure in the Black Panther universe may get more time to shine, with Walking Dead vet Danai Gurira reportedly being given a television spinoff on Disney+.

Dora Milaje’s top general Okoye is rumored to be the subject of her own Disney+ series, according to Deadline.  Not much is known about the proposed Disney+ series beyond that, since neither Marvel nor Disney have offered up confirmations that it's definitely happening. This rumor came on the heels of Danai Gurira’s possible return for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and news that a separate Wakanda-set TV series is in the works for the streaming service. If the series were to happen, it wouldn’t be the first time a Dora Milaje would pop up on Disney+.

Danai Gurira’s fellow Dora Milaje Florence Kasumba popped up in the miniseries The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, with her character Ayo shutting things down as she and other Dora Milaje came to retrieve Daniel Bruhl’s Helmut Zemo. So, if Danai Gurira's alleged series were to happen, Marvel fans (myself included) would expect nothing more than total badassery. Hopefully, though, viewers would get to learn more about different sides to Okoye's personality, not to mention Ayo and any other characters who would be featured.

Giving Okoye a spinoff series definitely isn’t a bad idea. Out of all the characters in Black Panther (besides Kilmonger and the titular hero), the Dora Milaje general was all audiences could talk about. Danai Gurira’s performance was a complicated one, as the character mixed vulnerability and strength without sacrificing one for the other, building upon her Walking Dead performances. Whether it’s her fight with Kilmonger or disagreements with Daniel Kaluuya’s W’Kabi, Gurira left an impression on the audience. So, having a series centered around Okoye would be a fantastic way to capitalize on the character’s popularity.

The rumored Okoye spinoff series would just be one of several Black Panther-related projects being developed. After inking a major five-year deal with Disney, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and the House of Mouse announced a television series based on the world of Wakanda that is currently already in development. That drama series would be centered around the citizens of the technologically advanced society. Given Okoye’s prominence in Wakanda, it wouldn’t be surprising if Danai Gurira popped up in the new series before heading up her own spinoff.

If both the Wakanda TV series and the rumored Okoye spinoff series are indeed in the works, that would show just how committed the House of Mouse is to expand the Black Panther universe. This shouldn’t so be surprising, given the critical reception, box-office success, and inspirational impact Black Panther had. The anticipation for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever proves just how popular and important the franchise is, especially after the synopsis was released. Hopefully, all this Black Panther content points toward more Wakanda-related content in the future.

The Okoye Disney+ series would finally put Danai Gurira in the standalone spotlight she deserves, even as the Black Panther cast deals with the lack of Boseman’s presence. Only time will tell if and when Marvel fans see this rumored spinoff come to fruition. But until that happens, you can catch Gurira and other returning cast members when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on July 8, 2022.

When Chadwick Boseman passed in August 2020, it came as a shock to the Hollywood community and fans around the world. The late Black Panther actor chose to keep his four-year battle with colon cancer private as he became a Marvel superhero. Throughout his career, he has also delivered an unforgettable round of performances such as Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get On Up. Boseman’s work as an actor is now being honored through a Netflix documentary.

The trailer for the streaming service’s special Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist sets up the documentary by sharing some interviews with some of his Hollywood collaborators. The movie looks to be focusing on his career in terms of what he brought to a movie set and how knowing him impacted his peers. The 90-second trailer features a handful of actors, such as his Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom co-star Viola Davis, who says this about Boseman:

Viola Davis also worked with the actor on 2014’s Get On Up as James Brown’s mother. She apparently would always call Chadwick Boseman her “baby” after working with him on the biopic. The actors are now being recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for their leading roles in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories, respectively.

At the Golden Globes, Chadwick Boseman nabbed a posthumous award for the Netflix movie in the Best Actor - Motion Picture Drama category. During the ceremony, Boseman’s wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, delivered a heartfelt speech in his name. The movie from George C. Wolfe is nominated for five Oscars ahead of the late April ceremony.

Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist looks like it will offer an inside look into his performance in the Blues film, as Glynn Turman and Taylour Paige, along with director George C. Wolfe and composer, arranger and music producer Branford Marsalis, are all involved in the documentary. Additionally, Danai Gurira of his Black Panther family said this in the trailer:

Along with the Okoye actress, Chadwick Boseman’s dialect coach Andile Nebulane is also involved in the film. Ryan Coogler is currently preparing to start filming Black Panther 2 this summer without Boseman, nor casting his replacement. The writer/director has opened up about the hole that will be left behind without Boseman, and some fans have called for the actor to be recast in order for the Marvel character's legacy to live on following Boseman's passing.

Portrait of an Artist will also reportedly feature Spike Lee, Denzel Washington and Phylicia Rashad when the documentary hits Netflix on Saturday, April 17. The movie will only be available on the streaming service for a 30-day window. Boseman will also be up for his post-humorous Oscar on April 25 during the 93rd Academy Awards.

Given how exceptionally Black Panther performed on both the critical and commercial fronts in 2018, it’s hardly surprising that Marvel Studios eventually gave the green light to a sequel. Unfortunately, Black Panther 2 will lack its predecessor’s lead actor, as Chadwick Boseman passed away last August from complications related to colon cancer. The following December, Marvel producer Kevin Feige announced that T’Challa will not be recast for Black Panther 2, leaving the ultimate fate of the character shrouded in mystery.

Nevertheless, Black Panther 2 is still pushing forward as the first theatrical release of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase 5, with filming reportedly beginning this June. While we await story details for the sequel, let’s go over the actors who’ve been announced so far to make up the main cast, many of whom you’ll remember from our last Black Panther outing.

Letitia Wright

Wakanda has Princess Shuri to thank for many of its modern technological innovations, and T’Challa certainly wouldn’t have gotten far in Black Panther without his sister’s help, which included her giving him a nanotech-enhanced suit contained inside a Panther Habit. Letitia Wright reprised Shuri in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame; the former movie saw her attempting to extract the Mind Stone from Vision without killing him, and she participated in the latter movie’s climactic battle after being returned to life by Hulk’s Infinity Stones-powered snap. Because a new actor won’t be playing T’Challa in Black Panther 2, it’s been speculated that Shuri might inherit the Black Panther mantle like her comic book counterpart did, but that has yet to be confirmed.

Danai Gurira

Within the MCU, Danai Gurira’s Okoye leads the Dora Milaje, Wakanda’s all-female special forces group. She was one of T’Challa’s key allies in Black Panther and fought alongside her king in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Presumably Okoye will still be leading the Dora Milaje when Black Panther 2 rolls around, so she’ll likely continue to support Black Panther (whoever that is) out in the field. It’s also worth noting that unlike T’Challa and Shuri, Okoye survived Thanos’ genocidal snap, so it might be interesting to touch on what life was like for her away from the Avengers during those five years when half of the universe’s population was gone.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia was once part of the Dora Milaje, but then shifted to being a War Dog, i.e. an international spy for Wakanda. It was also noted in Black Panther how she and T’Challa used to be romantically involved, and at the end of the the movie, it looked like they were resuming their relationship. However, Nakia did not appear in Avengers: Infinity War or Avengers: Endgame, and because T’Challa won’t be involved in Black Panther 2, it stands to reason we won’t get to see the couple’s story properly concluded. Obviously it would be welcome for Black Panther 2 to explore how Nakia is dealing with T’Challa’s absence if something tragic has happened to him, but it would also be nice to learn what Nakia has been up to since Black Panther ended, including if she was among the people turned to dust by Thanos.

Winston Duke

The Jabari Tribe wasn’t on the best of terms with the rest of Wakanda at the beginning of Black Panther, and its leader, M’Baku, even challenged T’Challa for the right to lead Wakanda. Later on though, Winston Duke’s character ended being a key ally to T’Challa when Killmonger took the Wakandan throne, and by the end of Black Panther, he’d become a member of Wakanda’s national council. M’Baku was later seen battling Thanos’ forces in both Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, but with Black Panther 2 back to focusing on Wakandan life, hopefully we’ll see how M’Baku has settled into collaborating with Wakanda’s other prominent figures rather than keeping the Jabari isolated.

Angela Bassett

Ramonda didn’t have a whole lot to do in Black Panther, but it was clear that she was a good mother to both T’Challa and Shuri, as well as a wise ruler. Angela Bassett briefly reprised Ramonda in Avengers: Endgame, but Black Panther 2 provides the opportunity to give her a bigger role in this corner of the MCU. If the Wakandan throne is now empty, perhaps Ramonda could sit back in it while a new leader is chosen. Or, if Shuri is crowed Wakanda’s queen, then needless to say that Ramonda’s counsel would be most welcome as her daughter is getting the hang of leadership.

Martin Freeman

In the pages of Marvel Comics, Everett Ross is one of United States’ chief experts on Wakanda. Martin Freeman’s iteration of the character looked to be heading in that same direction, because although he and T’Challa got off on the wrong foot in Captain America: Civil War, during Black Panther, Ross ended up being of invaluable assistance during the final battle against Killmonger’s forces. It’s unclear if Ross is now a U.S. liaison to Wakanda when Black Panther 2 begins or if he’s been stationed elsewhere, but either way, I imagine if he finds his way back to the African nation, he’ll be received warmly.

Tenoch Huerta

Tenoch Huerta is arguably best known to American audiences for starring as Rafael Caro Quinto in the Netflix series Narcos: Mexico. He also had a two-episode stint in Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle, and can be seen later this year in The Forever Purge. Huerta was the first new actor to be reported for Black Panther 2, although his involvement hasn’t been confirmed yet. If he does sign onto the sequel, Huerta would apparently play one of the movie’s antagonists, with some sources saying he could be cast as White Tiger. If that’s true, that would be taking the character in a different direction, as White Tiger is usually portrayed in a heroic light.

Black Panther 2 is currently slated for July 8, 2022. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates on its development, including the announcements of more actors. In the meantime, you can learn what else the MCU is prepping for the big screen with our Marvel movies guide.

In the last few years, Danai Gurira has established an impressive big screen presence for herself thanks to her performances as the Wakandan warrior Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but now she is preparing to step out of the blockbuster world so that she can step into the shoes of a remarkable icon. The story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman, is now being developed as a film, as the Black Panther star is set to play the lead role.

Variety has broken the news that Danai Gurira has been tapped to play the titular role in The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, which is set to be directed by Cherien Dabis (whose filmography includes episodes of a variety of shows including Ramy, Ozark, and The Sinner). Rather than being a full biopic that chronicles the entire life of its subject, the film will instead focus on one particularly key period – specifically when she was running to become the President Of The United States in 1972.

Born in 1924, Shirley Chisolm grew up in Brooklyn, New York and attended Brooklyn College before earning her Masters degree at Columbia University. Her first step into politics was in a support role, as she helped campaigns for those she supported, and she was a member of the Brooklyn Democratic Clubs and the League of Women Voters. She first ran for a seat in the New York state assembly in 1964, and while she faced resistance she first won in the Democratic primary and then trounced her Republican and Liberal party opponents in the election. In 1968 she ran for U.S. House of Representatives serving New York's 12th congressional district, and once again won in a landslide, making her the first Black woman ever in congress.

She ran for president on the Democratic ticket in 1972, with the party trying to unseat incumbent Richard Nixon, and The Fighting Shirley Chisholm will explore her efforts to show voters that she would be the right candidate for the fight. The project was previous set up at Amazon Studios with Viola Davis set to play the lead role, but now it's moving in a different direction.

Danai Gurira hasn't been in a film since kicking ass on screen in last year's Avengers: Endgame, though she did get a big spotlight to stand in earlier this year with her character's departure from The Walking Dead after several seasons. In addition to her acting work, she is also producing a new series for HBO Max called Americanah, which is expected to debut next year.

The trade report announcing this casting news doesn't mention a production schedule for The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, but hopefully it's a movie that won't linger too long in development. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more exciting news about the project.

At the moment, there’s still no official movement on whether or not Disney or any other studio player is interested in making Alita: Battle Angel’s potential sequel a reality. However, that hasn’t stopped fans of the Robert Rodriguez directed film from trying to make it happen. And today came with a pretty exciting development in the quest to get Alita: Fallen Angel its wings, as Black Panther star Danai Gurira is their choice to play a character that is a part of the Motorball scene in the world of Alita.

This tweet came from the Alita Army Twitter feed, as they were keen on celebrating “Danai Gurira Appreciation Day.” So obviously, after playing such commanding presences as Michonne on AMC’s The Walking Dead, as well as Okoye the Wakandan warrior we last saw in Avengers: Endgame, it feels like the time is right to get Gurira into the mocap meets practical world of Alita: Battle Angel.

Motorballer Zafal Takié, better known to sporting fans as “Crimson Wind,” is the role that fans want Danai Gurira to play in the dream sequel to Alita: Battle Angel. And if this casting was to take place, there could be some potential for further reinvention of Yukito Kisiro’s manga source. On the page, Gurira’s potential role as Zafal Taiké has been described as one of the fastest players in Motorball history, but not very chatty. In fact, it looks like the character has no dialogue at all.

But much as Alita: Battle Angel saw its Motorball arc changed up so it was included in the first of a planned series of films, there’s always room for Danai Gurira’s personality and stage presence to be further built into a cinematic expansion of the Crimson Wind’s character. And considering she gets to go head to head with Jai Courtney’s Jashugan in her arc, his beefed up presence in Alita: Fallen Angel and beyond could mean that Zafal Takié could appear again as well.

Yes, you read that right, again. As it turns out, the Alita Army fans have further speculated that not only is Danai Gurira a good fit for a more substantial introduction of this character to Alita: Battle Angel fans, it looks like Crimson Wind snuck into director Robert Rodriguez’s first installment into the series. You can see the clip that they shared from Alita’s first trip to a Motorball game, in the embed of their previous tweet above.

If Alita: Battle Angel gets its sequel, Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron already have their pitch process, and the world of Alita, down to a science. With volumes worth of story left to tell, and key players like Rosa Salazar, Edward Norton and Michelle Rodriguez ready to return to tell those further chapters, all that needs to happen is for an official greenlight to be issued by whatever party is given the authority. Since the ball’s already in Disney’s court, they may want to consider using Dania Gurira’s position in the Marvel Studios family as a good incentive to casting her as the Crimson Wind in Alita: Fallen Angel. Which, in practice, would be satisfying two wishes of the fandom, as that’d mean we’d be getting a sequel in the first place. But it’s best to take these sorts of things one step at a time.

It may be one of the most astonishingly successful and culturally important films in recent memory, but there is still plenty that even the biggest fans of Black Panther may have yet to learn. What went on behind the scenes of the 18th installment in the MCU is arguably just as fascinating as what happened on screen.

Director Ryan Coogler’s groundbreaking 2018 film, which earned more than $1 billion worldwide and became the first superhero movie to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, stars Chadwick Boseman in the title role, Wakanda’s royal leader and protector T’Challa. However, do you know which famous actor had previously sought out to play the lead of Black Panther?

You can learn the answer very soon, but that is not all. The following is a collection of 12 interesting facts about Black Panther that might change the way you look at this cinematic milestone forever.

Wesley Snipes Wanted To Play The Lead In Black Panther

Among those considered to play T'Challa before Chadwick Boseman's casting were Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Anthony Mackie, and Djimon Honsou (who actually did voice the role in a 2010 animated miniseries). However, long before any of them were considered and even before the dawn of the MCU, Wesley Snipes was gunning to star in a 1990s Black Panther adaptation pitched by John Singleton that was eventually scrapped. On the bright side, Snipes went on to receive Marvel glory as the first actor play vampire hunter Blade, and has vocally expressed his approval of Ryan Coogler's film.

Black Panther's Lupita Nyong’o And Winston Duke Previously Bonded Over Marvel Movies

Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke actually knew each other years before playing Wakandan natives Nakia and M'Baku, having met while studying theatre at Yale. Coincidentally, as Duke recalled in a 2018 interview with Esquire, the young aspiring actors saw The Avengers together in 2012, inciting them to fantasize about, one day, starring in a film just as popular Joss Whedon's once groundbreaking MCU crossover event. Of course, Black Panther eventually became just one of several blockbusters they are each known for today, such as Jordan Peele's 2019 thriller Us, in which the longtime friends played spouses and their respective doppelgängers.

Danai Gurira Already Knew Many Of Her Black Panther Co-Stars

Winston Duke and Lupita Nyong’o are not the only previously associated Black Panther stars, and that's not even counting director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan's frequent collaborations. In fact, you might win the longest streak in a game of "Six Degrees" with Okoye actress Danai Gurira, who, during a 2019 appearance on The Tonight Show, recounted living with Sterling K. Brown in grad school and seeing Nyong’o lead a 2016 production of her play, Eclipsed, not realizing either of them had been cast in the Marvel movie at the time until Coogler attended a performance. What's even crazier than that is Letita Wright (Shuri) starred in Nyong'o's role in the same play a year earlier.

Black Panther’s Production Designer Wrote A “Bible” Of Wakandan History

In 2019, Hannah Beachler became the first black nominee and winner of the Academy Award for Production Design on Black Panther, an honor she shared with her co-designer Jay Hart. The creation of Wakanda's authentic and strikingly lived-in appearance stemmed from her drawing up a 515-page book of historical anecdotes and visual concepts which she referred to, in an interview with NPR, as her "bible." Beachler used this same method when previously working with Ryan Coogler on the production design for the brutal biopic Fruitvale Station and boxing film Creed.

Black Panther Composer Ludwig Göransson Traveled To South Africa For Inspiration

Also one to strive for authenticity is Ludwig Göransson, another frequent collaborator of Ryan Coogler's and winner of the 2019 Academy Award for Best Original Score for Black Panther. In an effort to capture the essential sound of Wakanda, an African country that only exists in the Marvel universe, the Swedish composer traveled to South Africa to study its traditional stylings of music to better reflect that in the film's score. He recounts the experience in an interview with Pitchfork, during which he also talks about observing Kendrick Lamar's work on Black Panther's original tracks, including the Oscar-nominated "All the Stars," and co-producing with Childish Gambino, otherwise known as fellow Marvel star Donald Glover.

Three Out Of Five Wakandans Are Deliberately Barefoot in Black Panther

Ruth E. Carter also earned an Academy Award for her work as the costume designer for Black Panther, making her the first black person to win the category. In addition to T'Challa's sleeker suit design, Carter received praised especially for Wakanda's fashion sense, which possesses an almost futuristic feel while still honoring styles traditional to Africa (such as choosing certain color schemes associated with real tribes), as she explained to Collider. This same attention to authentic detail informed the decision to make three out of every five Wakandan natives appear barefoot, considering the fictional country's climate.

T’Chaka Actor John Kani’s Real Son Plays His Young Self In Black Panther

Filming Black Panther got to be a true family affair for John Kani, who plays T'Challa's late father and former Wakandan king, T'Chaka. To play his younger self in the film's prologue, set in 1992 Oakland, Kani's actual son, Atandwa Kani, was enlisted to star opposite Sterling K. Brown and a young Zuri, played by Denzel Whitaker. Who, ironically, is not related to Forest Whitaker, who plays the older, modern day version of the character.

Wakandans Speak An Actual Language In Black Panther

Speaking of John Kani, the actor was actually instrumental in Marvel Studios' decision that Xhosa, a true African language, would be adopted as the official language of Wakanda in Black Panther, as MTV reports. In fact, the decision dates back to the filming of 2016 Captain America: Civil War, in which Kani first appeared as T'Chaka. The actor taught the language to his onscreen son, Chadwick Boseman, for a scene in which they exchange words in their native tongue.

Denzel Washington Inspired Killmonger’s Scarring In Black Panther

Another veteran actor who was influential to one of the more memorable elements of Black Panther is Denzel Washington, but his inspiration was more indirect. In 2019, at an AFI Life Achievement Gala honoring Washington, Michael B. Jordan presented a story in which he learned that the actor wore scars on his back while filming Civil War drama Glory for the entirety of the shoot, even when they weren't visible, to better inform his Oscar-winning performance. Jordan added that he adopted the same method with Erik Killmonger's self-inflicted scarring to maintain the character's raw, emotional intensity throughout his stunning portrayal of the tyrannical, yet empathic antagonist.

Michael B. Jordan Went A Little Too Method On The Set Of Black Panther

If you were ever seeking another reason to empathize with Michael B. Jordan's role in Black Panther, just consider the emotional toll portraying Erik Killmonger ended up having on him. In a conversation with Oprah Winfrey, the actor revealed that to stay in the mindset of the Wakandan descendent and victim of a tragic, lonely childhood, he choose to keep his distance on set. It was an emotionally draining routine that seemed to funnel into his personal life. Jordan eventually sough therapy to disconnect himself from his otherwise winning performance in the Marvel movie, so here's hoping that he has an easier time if Killmonger is to be resurrected in a sequel.

Martin Freeman’s Black Panther Character Was Inspired By Sitcom Stars

In Black Panther, Everett Ross (who, like T'Challa, first appeared in Captain America: Civil War) is actually a vast departure from his comic book iteration, particularly for how the film portrays him as more of an ally than a nosy antagonist. However, even in British actor Martin Freeman's performance, it is easy to see what unlikely characters Marvel writer Christopher Priest took inspiration from to create the CIA agent. In an interview with Elite Daily, Priest referred to Ross as combination of Friends' Chandler Bing (played by Matthew Perry) and Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox's breakout role from Family Ties).

Black Panther Stars Filmed A No-Phones PSA For Alamo Drafthouse

It seems that Chadwick Boseman loves playing T'Challa enough to prolong the character's persona outside of the MCU, and even with just an appearance as himself. This is evident from a PSA that he and co-star Letitia Wright filmed for the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater chain to play at screenings of Black Panther. The first part of the spot sees Boseman boasting an intimidating look to keep the audience off their phones as the movie plays, prompting Wright to explain that he cannot watch them for the entirety of the film, only to prove her wrong in the second part of the PSA, appearing after the film, in which the T'Challa actor exclaims that he is "still watching!"

Be sure to check back for more information and updates on Black Panther and other future MCU endeavors, as well as more behind-the-scenes trivia about your favorite movies and TV shows, here on CinemaBlend.

Since Black Panther became a phenomenon in 2018, it has been subject to the characterization of being in the “overrated” category. The amount of work that went into turning into the fictional country of Wakanda into a seemingly living, breathing place we can imagine actually going is one of many insane reasons why the MCU movie deserves its status. But the film only had two hours to introduce us to the imaginative African culture. Imagine what a Disney+ show could delve into.

Black Panther truly was a stunning achievement for Marvel. The Ryan Coogler film was a monumental effort for Marvel Studios in a number of ways – in terms of Black representation and its critical achievements soaring to seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and three Oscar wins. It feels like we’ve only scratched the surface of the world building Wakanda could explore. Although we’re excited to see Black Panther 2 on the big screen in 2022, here’s why the streaming platform should consider a spinoff series set in T’Challa’s homeland:

We’d Like To Get To Know The Distinct Wakandan Tribes Of Black Panther

Throughout the runtime of Black Panther, audiences get to meet the six tribes that live in Wakanda. The country is made up of the Panther Tribe, who rule the land; The River Tribe, who wear green and is the place where Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia comes from; The Border Tribe, which guards the nation from foreign threats and includes Daniel Kaluuya’s W’Kabi; The Mining Tribem which mines the vibranium for Wakanda; The Merchant Tribe, which conducts trade; and The Jabari Tribe, which is isolated to the mountains and follows the leadership of the fierce warrior, Winston Duke’s M’Baku.

We learned about each tribe briefly in Black Panther, but a Disney+ show could go further into what a day in the life of each tribe might be. How they work together or may be at odds could be quite interesting and give us more insight into how the country does things. We’d love to see Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya and Winston Duke expand their roles in the MCU.

There’s Never Enough Of Danai Gurira’s Okoye And Her Dora Milaje Guard

Among the many badass side characters by Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa in the 2018 hit was Danai Gurira’s Okoye. She is the Dora Milaje general, which is an elite team of female bodyguards who protect Wakandan royalty. Okoye found a place in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, but she’s such a fan-favorite in the MCU that she deserves a larger role in the Marvel franchise. What if there was a Disney+ series centered on Okoye and the Dora Milaje?

Beside fulfilling her daily duties and rolling with her guard, it was clarified in a deleted Black Panther scene that Okoye and W’Kabi are actually married! There has to be more to the story of these two than the film could provide, and it would be an interesting way to learn about Wakanda. Okoye deals with remaining loyal to her job and W’Kabi with his own ideals to his tribe.

A Look Inside Shuri’s Life As A Wakandan Princess And Genius

Move over, Elsa! Black Panther’s Shuri is our kind of Disney Princess, and there’s a lot more potential for this witty and sharp Wakandan teen to shine outside of the Black Panther movies. Letitia Wright’s Shuri was another highlight of the 2018 film fans fell in love with. T’Challa has the weight of being the King of Wakanda, but Shuri’s perspective on the country may be a bit more laid back and fun-loving.

Shuri’s lab is packed with cool Wakanda inventions, such as her blasters and Black Panther’s nanotechnology suit. It's an intriguing setting we’d like to spend more time in. It’d also be interesting if Shuri decides to go on her own missions in Wakanda while T’Challa’s off on international business. Oh, and we’d like to get to know more about the mother-daughter relationship between Angela Bassett’s Ramonda and Shuri.

Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia Could Star In A Globe-Trotting Espionage Show

Wow… did we already mention how stacked Black Panther is? Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o also had a major role in the MCU film as T’Challa’s love interest and a Wakandan war dog. Nakia often goes on undercover missions around the world, such as in South Korea and Nigeria. If the actress signed on for a Black Panther spinoff series, she could have her own version of Alias.

A series such as this may not be a straightforward Wakanda show. Nevertheless, it could involve other aspects of the MCU as Nakia travels and perhaps implements Wakanda’s new initiative to reach out to other nations, as motioned by T’Challa at the end of Black Panther. Grounding Wakanda in the real world with jumps between the African country and off-site missions is an exciting concept of a Disney+ show.

For More Insight Into The Politics And Technology Of Wakanda

Overall there’s a lot about Wakanda that has yet to be explored in the MCU, and Disney+ would be a great place for it to expand. Marvel Comics even had a 2016 series called World of Wakanda that was written by Roxane Gay and Yona Harvey, and dove further into life in the African nation. Although Black Panther has a lot of exciting characters already at its disposal, Disney+ could easily provide a take completely separate from the movies centering on Wakanda too.

Learning about the inner workings of the kingdom, such as the politics and tech, is intriguing on its own. I’d totally watch a History Channel-esque documentary on the fictional country to learn more about it before heading into the second film in 2022. We’re honestly surprised one of these ideas is not in the works already. Although fans will get to see Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Wandavision, Loki, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk and Moon Knight on the streaming site in the future.

What do you think? How should Disney+ spin off Black Panther on the streaming platform? Vote in our poll below and feel free to check out Disney+ with a 7-day trial. The next MCU film is Black Widow, hitting theaters on November 6.

This poll is no longer available.

Since its debut on Halloween night in 2010, AMC's The Walking Dead has gone from an intimate adaptation of the Robert Kirkman's long-running comic book series to a massive cultural phenomenon thanks in part to the the rich storylines and the expansive cast that almost outnumbers the army of zombies that populate the show's landscape. And over the course of the show's first 10 seasons, many members of the cast like Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, and Jon Bernthal have become gone from relatively unknown actors to massive stars.

But with a cast as large as the one on The Walking Dead there are bound to be a few that leave the show either because their characters' stories are finished or they want to move onto something else and further their careers. And even though we'll be seeing the return of Lauren Cohan's Maggie when Season 11 premieres, what about some of the other former members of the cast who left the series. What are they up to?

Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes)

Andrew Lincoln served as the anchor of the larger The Walking Dead cast with his portrayal of Rick Grimes for the show's first nine seasons, but the English actor and aggressive zip-up sweater wearing hopeless romantic in Love Actually had been planning on leaving the show as early as Season 8 but stayed on for one more season before leaving to spend more time with his family. Since leaving the AMC series, Lincoln has kept a relatively low profile, but he is set to appear in the upcoming drama Penguin Bloom where he will star alongside Naomi Watts. And despite no longer being on the show, Lincoln recently gave former co-star Danai Gurira a touching sendoff following her final episode. 

Speaking of The Walking Dead, we're still waiting for more news on those spinoff movies featuring the return of Rick Grimes.

Danai Gurira (Michonne)

It seems like it was just yesterday that Danai Gurira announced that she would be stepping away from her role of Michonne after Season 10 of The Walking Dead, explaining that she was being called to other things in her life during a panel at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con. Even before and since her departure, Gurira has remained quite busy balancing time as a hero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as a hero in the real world as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, which she was named in December 2018. On top of that, the former The Walking Dead star is busy at work writing the upcoming HBO Max series Americanah, as well as Godzilla Vs. Kong, which is slated to come out in the November 2020.

Jon Bernthal (Shane Walsh)

Jon Bernthal is one of those quietly amazing actors, and that was no different in his portrayal of Shane Walsh, Rick Grimes' former best friend-turned-enemy in the first two seasons of The Walking Dead. The role was suspected to be short-lived from the jump, but there are times when you can't help but miss the gravity Shane brought to many of the situations early on in the series. 

Since leaving the series, Bernthal has become one of the most prolific actors of our time with bit roles in a number of instant-classics as well as Frank Castle on the Netflix Marvel series Daredevil and Punisher. And with several upcoming projects including the TV adaptation of American Gigolo and The Many Saints Of Newark (the long-awaited prequel film to The Sopranos), it looks like we'll be seeing more of Bernthal for years to come.

Sarah Wayne Callies (Lori Grimes)

For three seasons on The Walking Dead, Sarah Wayne Callies portrayed Lori Grimes, but the character's fate when she sacrificed herself to give birth to Judith during a Cesarean section that ultimately took her life. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Callies stated that the character had to die in order to push Rick Grimes to the next level. After leaving the show, Callies went on to return to the Fox series Prison Break as well as the TNT drama Colony. The actress is currently on the NBC series The Council Of Dads, a series Callies told The Sioux City Journal stopped her from quitting acting altogether.

Laurie Holden (Andrea)

Laurie Holden was quite vocal about the death of her character Andrea in the Season 3 finale of The Walking Dead, the culmination of a storyline with the Governor the actress was not too fond of following her departure. Since leaving the show, Holden has remained quite busy both with her acting career (which most recently included television work on Proven Innocent and animated feature Arctic Dogs) and her work in charity and human rights work, including the Somaly Mam Foundation, Operation Underground Railroad, and Home From Home.

Jeffrey DeMunn (Dale Horvath)

Jeffrey DeMunn was one of the members of the original Atlanta crew in the first two seasons of The Walking Dead, but the actor asked to be killed off after Frank Darabont, the original showrunner, was pushed out of the production. DeMunn and Darabont have worked together multiple times over the years starting with the 1994 release of The Shawshank Redemption, so it should come as no surprise that the actor would leave in that fashion. Since leaving the show, DeMunn has remained busy in film and television, including the Showtime series Billions, where he currently plays Chuck Rhoades, Sr.

Steven Yeun (Glenn Rhee)

There is no death on The Walking Dead more shocking and unsettling than the brutal murder of Steven Yeun's Glenn by the hands of the evil Negan. Like many of the characters in the series, their deaths were predetermined in the pages of the original comic series, and that's the case for Glenn, though Robert Kirkman shared with Entertainment Weekly that there were talks of keeping him around. Those talks never panned out, but Yeun has stayed busy with projects like Sorry To Bother You, Burning, and the upcoming A24 feature The Humans, where the actor will star alongside Jayne Houdyshell, Richard Jenkins, Beanie Feldstein, Amy Schumer, and June Squibb.

Michael Rooker (Merle Dixon)

Michael Rooker only appeared in 14 episodes of The Walking Dead, but his performance as Daryl Dixon's older and antagonistic brother Merle is one worth remembering. There was no saving Merle after he turned into a zombie at the end of Season 3, but the death of his character hasn't stopped Rooker from continuing his career in film and television. After leaving the series, Rooker became an even bigger star following his portrayal of Yondu in Guardians Of The Galaxy and Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2., where he reunited with James Gunn. The partnership, which started with Slither, will continue when Rooker appears in Gunn's 2021 The Suicide Squad. And expect to see the actor enter the Fast And Furious franchise with the 2012 release of F9.

Chandler Riggs (Carl Grimes)

One of the biggest shocks of Season 8 of The Walking Dead was the early departure of Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes from the series when Rick's son was bitten by a walker, ending his run in the process. Fans and stars of the show were equally as shocked by former showrunner Scott Gimple's choice of killing off one of the central characters, but no one took it as bad as Riggs' father who had some choice words for Gimple after his son was written off the show. In 2019, the former The Walking Dead star was cast as Patrick "PJ" Nelson on the ABC drama, A Million Little Things, which was renewed in March 2020.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green  originally auditioned for the role of Michonne in The Walking Dead. Though the part ended up going to Danai Gurira, Martin-Green snagged the part of Sasha. She recurred on the series in Season 3 and was bumped up to a series regular in The Walking Dead's fourth season. Like many of her other former cast-members, Martin-Green's character had a very memorable exit. After her departure from The Walking Dead, Martin-Green took a starring role in the CBS All Access series, Star Trek: Discovery. She's also expected to appear in Space Jam: A New Legacy in 2021.

David Morrissey (Philip "The Governor" Blake)

Before the introduction of Negan, there was no character more dastardly or deadly than David Morrissey's portrayal of Philip "The Governor" Blake" starting in Season 3 of The Walking Dead. Like many of the characters featured in both the comic and television series, The Governor suffered a violent death during the Season 4 midseason finale. Since leaving The Walking Dead, Morrissey has gone on to have roles in Inside No. 9, the Amazon series Good Omens, and the upcoming Dampyr adaptation.

Lennie James (Morgan Jones)

Morgan Jones, portrayed by the great Lennie James, was one of the first characters Rick Grimes meets in Season 1 of The Walking Dead, and the character showed up several more times over subsequent seasons before becoming a member of the main cast starting in Season 6. And despite dying in Season 8, Morgan had the rare distinction of showing up in the spinoff series Fear The Walking Dead, where James remains as a series regular. In addition to The Walking Dead universe, James has shown up in films like Blade Runner 2049 and the upcoming Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway.

Those are just a few of former The Walking Dead stars that have gone on to continue their careers in film, television, and elsewhere in recent years. I'm sure whenever the show returns, we can expect to see more characters and actors on this list. If you want to know which former castmember hasn't watched the AMC series, you can check that out here on CinemaBlend.

Spoiler warning for anyone who hasn't yet watched The Walking Dead's "What We Become."

Certainly, The Walking Dead's episode "What We Become" will go down in series history for being the history-embracing swan song for star Danai Gurira, whose Michonne made a twist-loaded exit after nearly eight full seasons. In the shadow of that massive move came the full-fledged introduction to Kevin Carroll's highly traumatized character Virgil, who put Michonne through a few levels of Hell before she went on her quest to find Rick.

Considering Virgil stayed behind at the Naval base after properly burying his wife and children, it's hard to gauge what, if anything, to expect from the character in the future. CinemaBlend recently got some insight from Kevin Carroll himself via email about how he handled such a complex role in basically just one episode, as well as what the actor thinks about Virgil's future on the TV show.

On Virgil's Short-Lived Yet Complicated Story

Though he'd told Michonne that he would lead her to the kinds of weapons that would make short work of The Whisperers, Virgil was basically lying to get help in taking down the walkers that had overrun the base, which included his wife and children. He followed that up by drugging Michonne and keeping her hostage, because he thought she was in the same broken headspace that he was.

Here, Kevin Carroll talks about taking on the complexities of Virgil's role in just a single episode.

If only Virgil could have tapped into Michonne's head during her jimson weed trip, he would have a much better idea of what the rest of her group has gone through over the years. But then he probably would have seen her as more of a villain, not understanding that her visions were the antagonistic reverse of her real-life journey.

In that vein, I asked Kevin Carroll about his beliefs about Virgil, in terms of whether the character ended up being honest with Michonne after Rick's possessions were discovered. And his answer was mysterious and vague enough to keep that question open-ended.

Do Rick's boots and phone count as chess pieces in this respect? Or was he mainly referring to turning himself into the aggressor in order to get Michonne to following along with his requests?

On Virgil's Similarities To Morgan Jones

In the scheme of things, Virgil's introduction played out quite similar to the early story arc for Lennie James' Morgan Jones, who met Rick after having lost his wife, whom he wasn't able to bring himself to put down. Later in the series, it was revealed that his son had also died, which is when Morgan went off the deep end (or the "clear" end, as it were) and posed as a certifiable threat to Rick, though he eventually came around and, minus a mental hitch here or there, he became a true hero before moving on to Fear the Walking Dead.

I asked Kevin Carroll whether there were conversations about Virgil's similarities to Morgan, or whether I was extracting too much out of mere coincidences. Here's how he put it:

Considering Kevin Carroll didn't bring up the idea of coincidences, perhaps fans can infer that Virgil was indeed a narrative catalyst for Michonne in the way that Morgan sparked a fire under Rick. Or maybe those particular conversations with writers and producers never happened at all.

On Virgil's Future In The Walking Dead

With Michonne having left her fellow boat-mates behind, leading to her presumably join that gigantic caravan of survivors seen at the end of the episode, the question remains whether or not Virgil could or will eventually return to the core communities for one reason or another. (Being lonely is as good a reason as any.) Here's what Kevin Carroll had to say on that front.

It wasn't 100% clear whether Kevin Carroll meant Virgil connecting to "the collective" in the sense of the show's audience or the show's character ensemble. I can't imagine viewers wouldn't welcome the Leftovers and Snowfall star into the story on a regular basis. However, the Alexandrians and Hilltop residents might not be so willing to trust Virgil after everything he did to Michonne, assuming they'd find out about the drug-laced hostage situation. Some of the protagonists might even have a problem with him being partially to blame for everything going kaput at the Naval base.

Would you guys want to see Kevin Carroll's Virgil returning to the The Walking Dead in Season 11? (Or maybe even in the Season 10 finale?) Let us know in the poll below.

The Walking Dead airs Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET, with only two proper episodes left in Season 10, since the actual season finale had to be postponed due to post-production getting stalled out by the coronavirus lockdowns. Be sure to tune into Killing Eve when it takes over the time slot on April 5.

This poll is no longer available.

The Walking Dead has had its fair share of character exits, but that hasn’t made it any easier to bid farewell to any of them. Such was the case with Danai Gurira’s Michonne, whose last episode of the AMC series aired on March 22. Michonne has been a staple on the show for many seasons and, as fans come to terms with her departure, Gurira’s own goodbye to The Walking Dead is full of love and gratitude.

The Walking Dead’s “What We Become” put the spotlight on Michonne, paying tribute to her character in a way that honored her time on the show and also brought back a long-dead character in a bizarre fashion. Danai Gurira recently took to Twitter to convey how much playing Michonne meant to her and how sad she is to leave the show behind. The message was rather heartfelt and touching. In her words:

Danai Gurira’s message is incredibly thoughtful and moving. The actress has been an important part of the show since Michonne’s introduction in Season 3, so it’s understandable that saying goodbye to the series is hard. Gurira’s message to The Walking Dead community continues for another couple of paragraphs. She thanks the cast and crew for having her back and for all the love that she’s received in the time she has played Michonne. You can read her entire post below!

The news that Gurira was leaving the show was announced last year, with her role in Season 10 being reduced to include only a limited number of episodes. However, her impact on the show and her cast mates is such that former co-star Andrew Lincoln bid farewell to Gurira with a lovely song. Though Gurira says that her last days on set were very “emotional,” The Walking Dead’s cast and crew made sure to prank her before they parted ways, as has long been tradition.

Fans will have to wait a bit longer to say goodbye to Season 10, however, as the coronavirus pandemic has delayed post-production on The Walking Dead’s season finale. The episode was scheduled to air on April 12, but the Season 10 finale won’t be finished in time to air.

Fortunately, the series still has a couple more episodes set to air over the next two weeks. Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for updates and be sure to check out our handy guide to every show facing delays and shortened seasons.

The Walking Dead said goodbye to another longtime vet with its most recent episode, as Danai Gurira made her (for now) final TV appearance. While the future is now up in the air for the beloved character, Gurira is currently the recipient of many heartfelt messages from fans and co-stars. Even Andrew Lincoln himself got in on the fun.

As shared by the official Walking Dead Instagram, Andrew Lincoln sat at his piano and recorded a short video for the actress, complete with a sweet song parody and a story about their first Walking Dead interaction. Check it out!

Considering Rick Grimes was such a Southern boy, it's kind of hilarious that the farewell video to Danai Gurira was so perfectly British. The song he went with was a quick and personal parody of The Beatles "Live and Let Die," with the lyrics changed to "We love you, Danai." Also acceptable: "While My Katana Gently Weeps," "I Am the Wal(rus)king Dead," "Andrew In the Sky with Danai, Mon" and... Well, okay, none of those would be acceptable.

For those who weren't able to watch, Andrew Lincoln follows up his piano playing not with that killer guitar riff from "Live and Let Die," but with an anecdote that ends rather amusingly (and suddenly).

Though Michonne was first introduced on The Walking Dead at the tail end of Season 2, Danai Gurira didn't get to share screentime with Andrew Lincoln until Season 3, and things immediately took a turn from the comics at that point. Michonne had saved Andrea's life – a moment that got reversed in Gurira's final episode – and joined up with Team Family, setting the path to a Richonne romance that never went down in the source material. Meanwhile, Andrea ended up getting into a baffling romance with The Governor, only to later be killed off, even though Rick and Andrea were the comic's core coupling (beyond Maggie and Glenn, of course).

Without getting into spoilers, it's safe to say that Danai Gurira's last ride on The Walking Dead was worthy of the actress' excellence, and took the story to some wild places that only make the future look more exciting and hopeful. Now let's just hope Andrew Lincoln can convince Scott Gimple to let him sing some Beatles tunes in the Walking Dead movies that are coming.

The Walking Dead airs Sundays on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET, though Season 10 will be cut short, due to the season finale's post-production being unable to move forward during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more on that here.

Spoilers below for The Walking Dead's latest episode, "What We Become."

One of the biggest questions that nearly every Walking Dead fan has been asking for the past year and a half is basically "What happened to Rick Grimes?" Andrew Lincoln's open-ended farewell in Season 9 marked the end of an era for the AMC drama, and the changes kept coming in Season 10, with co-star Danai Gurira also making her own permanent exit. Thankfully, showrunner Angela Kang & Co. ended Michonne's story on a hopeful note that rekindled her faith that Rick is still alive. And that note came via an old iPhone.

After an eventful episode featuring a most disturbing jimson weed trip inside an abandoned Navy base, Michonne discovered a pair of Rick's signature boots inside a storage room. Then, astonishingly enough, she found a far more conspicuous clue inside an abandoned boat: an old phone with Michonne and Judith's likenesses etched into the front glass, along with Rick's name and a message written in Japanese characters. Here's what that message actually meant:

Showrunner Angela Kang shared that update with Insider, and while she didn't delve into exactly how that message was meant to be perceived, either by Michonne or by audiences, she did provide a more general explanation for why those discoveries were included in Danai Gurira's swan song episode.

A larger story indeed. After Rick was taken away by helicopter at Jadis' request, it seemed as if he would have been taken somewhere far more distant than the island where Kevin Carroll's Virgil took Michonne. But it appears as if he definitely ended up there at some point, unless someone took the time to deliver only his boots to the Naval base for whatever reason. (I know someone out there is already theorizing about whether or not the multiple groups listed on the base's map correspond to the helicopter group's efforts.)

It can be assumed that Rick was transported to or from the base via the ship that Virgil told Michonne about, considering that's where she found the phone. One has to wonder if there were other things in there that were his that he only gained possession of after being taken away, with Michonne completely unaware. The phone might not have even been quite enough evidence to convince her if only Rick's name was on it, or if only Michonne and Judith's images were on it. But the combination was definitely enough.

But is this a message from Rick or a message to Rick? It will likely end up being explained as the latter, since the phone wasn't exactly left in an obvious spot for Michonne to find it. In my mind, whoever made it probably had contact with Michonne and Judith, or at least witnessed them from afar (perhaps from a low-flying helicopter), and then sent the message to Rick with a goal of keeping his spirits up. It's entirely unclear what kind of spirits he'd be in at this point, but I'm sure he's had some low moments over the years without his loved ones around.

It's probable that the phone message and other elements will be explained and resolved in the upcoming feature films that former Walking Dead showrunner is putting together for Andrew Lincoln. Neither Danai Gurira nor anyone else has fully confirmed that Michonne (or Norman Reedus' Daryl) will be a part of the movies, but it's very likely going to happen, even if we have no idea when that will be.

The Walking Dead will continue Season 10 Michonne-free on Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Spoilers below for the latest episode of The Walking Dead, so be warned.

After nearly eight seasons, The Walking Dead has now said goodbye to Danai Gurira's sword-wielding badass Michonne, and it did so with one of its wildest episodes to date, which built upon the overall quality of the previous week's "Walk With Us." (Which featured its own WTF moments.) Rather than bouncing between narratives, "What We Become" put Michonne front and center to pay tribute to the character's entire TV run, while also setting up a mysterious future.

Below, we've rounded up all the craziest and most unpredictable moments from the episode, with most of them definitely striking a chord with The Walking Dead's fanbase. So let's put on our bloodiest bandanas and dive into the muck and the mire, shall we?

Michonne Leaving Andrea To Die

Even though this opening sequence was first released after the previous episode aired, that didn't take away from its placement in the episode itself. Hearkening back to Michonne's official Walking Dead TV introduction, the Season 2 finale moment was turned on its head by having an indifferent Michonne watch as Laurie Holden's Andrea was killed by walkers. Considering the backlash that Andrea received in Season 3 for siding with the Governor, this winking twist was the perfect way to set up Michonne's villainous head trip.

Virgil Lying About Everything

I couldn't quite understand why Michonne initially agreed to leave everything behind in order to help a rando stranger. Sure, he promised weapons, but it's not like Michonne isn't aware that people are liars. In any case, it was all for naught on that front, since Virgil was all lies. It turned out he'd previously been indirectly responsible for his wife and kids' deaths, among others, and he didn't actually have instant access to an arsenal of anti-Whisperer weaponry. He did drug Michonne and kept her captive, joining others from his former group, though he wasn't necessarily as monstrous as he was mentally fractured.

Seeing Rick, Glenn And All The Other Former Characters

As Michonne was started to succumb to her drug-induce fantasies, she was visited by an in-the-flesh Avi Nash as Siddiq, who loudly blamed Michonne for his death and Carl's. After she's left behind by Daryl and Rick (going back to the Season 3 scene where Rick's car gets stuck in the mud), the desperate Michonne is given a helping hand by Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Negan and some Saviors, including the now-deceased Laura (Lindsley Register) and D.J. (Matt Mangum). Cut to flashbacks from Season 6, where Steven Yeun's Glenn and Corey Hawkins' Heath are seen in the Savior compounds, only for Michonne to shockingly kill them and escape. I do believe that moment made me gasp the hardest of anything that happened this season.

Michonne Becoming Negan

Possibly the most mind-boggling moment in the entire episode was one that got teased in early Season 10 trailers: Michonne taking Negan's place in putting Team Family in the lineup that led to the show's most polarizing cliffhanger. Indeed, she was the one in this situation that brought Lucille to the party, after calling everyone out for carelessly murdering Saviors without knowing who they were. It was super-chilling to watch Savior Michonne call out Protagonist Michonne in that moment, thought not quite as unsettling as the wide shot that no longer featured Glenn as a victim, since he'd already become one of Michonne's victims.

Rick Killing Michonne

It's a no-brainer why this moment was such a weird and shocking moment for The Walking Dead, considering Rick and Michonne's relationship is arguably the strongest one the show has delivered so far. But considering everything this Savior Michonne had done, it was no big surprise that she was eventually taken down, first by Daryl's crossbow, and then by Rick himself. It was a great way to set up Michonne's imminent discovery while also wringing out a lot of her emotional angst.

Michonne Finding Rick's Stuff

Just when it seemed like her trip with Virgil was completely useless, Michonne made a life-changing discovery by finding some of Rick's belongings. It started with his boots inside a storage closet, but there was more waiting inside the bigass boat that had previously washed ashore, having apparently come from Bridgers(?) Shipyard in New Jersey. Michonne then found an old iPhone that had Rick's name carved into it, along with an image of her and presumably Judith. Though she initially blamed Virgil for having something to do with it, he (probably) didn't, and instead inspired her to take the boat and go looking for him. Meaning we'll almost definitely see her again once the Rick Grimes movies actually start coming together.

That Final Shot Of All Those Survivors

While Michonne didn't find Rick by the end of the episode, she experienced a completely different kind of "aha" moment. Having indeed gone back to her old tricks of keeping walker "pets" on leashes, Michonne soon came across two survivors that clued her in on a huge and organized group traveling en masse. And what a sight it was to see, with hundreds of people separated into multiple squared-off, military-style formations, with horse-drawn carriages at the center of each sub-group. It was seemingly larger than most of the walker herds that The Walking Dead has showcased, and these were all (seemingly) living and breathing humans.

I supposed it would also count as a crazy moment for Michonne to hit Judith up on the walkie to drop all that info on her, rather than letting an adult know first. That was kind of a lot for Judith to take in all at once, but considering she's already the most mature preteen on the post-apocalyptic planet, she can probably handle it in a way that also allows her to dispense meaningful advice to adults in the area.

What did you guys think of Michonne's final episode? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to keep watching the rest of The Walking Dead Season 10, airing on AMC on Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Spoilers below for those aren't yet caught up with The Walking Dead's most current episodes.

The Walking Dead has gone to some strange places so far in Season 10 – with Negan and Alpha's temporary kinship sitting front and center – and it looks like the creative team kept that streak going for Danai Gurira's final episode as Michonne. AMC debuted the opening minutes of the upcoming episode, titled "What We Became," which features the archival return of a character we haven't seen since the Season 3 finale, Laurie Holden's Andrea.

Rather than getting actress Laurie Holden back for the Season 10 episode – she was publicly not very pleased about the way her character was killed off – showrunner Angela Kang reincorporated footage of Andrea from the Season 2 finale into a twisted flashback of sorts for Michonne. Check it out below, and read on to see why this might not bode well for Michonne.

Wild, right? For those who didn't watch, or weren't able to, this opening sequence features a hooded Danai Gurira in flashback mode, once again with her two chained-up walker "pets." As she walked through the woods, she heard a gunshot and then witnessed Andrea running in the distance. Here's where the scene started to take a sharper turn away from how the situation played out in Season 2's "Beside the Dying Fire."

In the first place, the brightness was ramped up so that it was no longer a nighttime scene. Second, Michonne made a starkly different choice after she witnessed Andrea's struggles against encroaching walkers. Rather than stepping in and taking those walkers out, Michonne instead chose to walk away, and Andrea's screams made it clear she was getting chomped by the zombies.

As interesting as anything else is the look on Michonne's face throughout the opening sequence. She at times seemed slightly confused about why she's reliving moments from her past. But then when she left the struggling Andrea behind, the disgust on her face implied that she was indeed punishing Andrea for having defected to side with The Governor and the Woodbury folks.

So what does this all mean for the big picture? It's obviously not totally clear yet, but it's probably safe to assume that this is some kind of dream sequence in which Michonne is possibly rectifying some of the decisions she made in the past. One of the newest images from the upcoming episode appears to show Michonne being kept captive in a room, so it's likely that things get dangerous once she and Virgil make it back to the Naval base where his family is supposedly hiding out.

While it's not overtly troubling to know that Michonne is going back over what may be her biggest regrets in her post-apocalyptic life, that moment in particular brings up some concerns. Had Michonne not saved Andrea at that very moment, she might never have met up with Rick and the rest of the survivors, and thus might not have found love or had children again. Considering Rick has been missing for ages, perhaps her pain has compiled in such a way that she wishes none of it would have happened. Probably not, but maybe.

I really hope this isn't one of those situations like Tyreese's death, and Rick's near-death experience, where former characters return and then something awful happens. We want to see Michonne learning that Rick is still alive, and then making the trek to find him.

Does this mean we might also see David Morrissey's The Governor again during Michonne's final episode, or any other long-gone characters from yesteryear? It's definitely going to be an emotional episode, however it goes.

Check it out when The Walking Dead airs Sunday nights on AMC at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Before The Walking Dead wraps up its Whisperer-heavy tenth season, the cast and crew will be saying goodbye to longtime star Danai Gurira, who is heading off to different creative pastures. The character is currently absent from the main storyline, but fans know she'll be returning before too much longer. Though it won't be for very long, Michonne's final episodes will no doubt be hugely memorable to viewers, as well as to the actress herself. Though her memory will probably be influenced by the massive prank the TWD crew pulled.

The Walking Dead cast and crew keep up with traditions when cast members shamble out the door. It doesn't sound like Michonne earned one of the famous Death Dinners that other former cast members got, but it was still a powerful farewell for Danai Gurira, both in a genuinely emotional way and in a completely ridiculous (and potentially horrifying) way, thanks to that prank. Here's how Gurira explained it to EW.

I wish I'd gotten that level of care and silliness at any point when I'd left a job in the past. Even just a single zombie laid out on a chair would have been nice, although it admittedly never would have made much contextual sense, especially for restaurant jobs.

The Walking Dead has long been celebrated by fans for the bonkers pranks that have been pulled behind the scenes. For years, a playful (and possibly miserable) rivalry existed between Norman Reedus and Andrew Lincoln, although that obviously had to end whenever Lincoln's Rick exited the show in order to bring the franchise to the silver screen. (Though nothing has happened on that front just yet.) It's awesome that Gurira got to experience a huge dose of that prank love before she bid everyone farewell. Now if only former Punk'd host Ashton Kutcher would join The Walking Dead.

Although can we all agree that The Walking Dead creative team pulled off the biggest prank of all by making viewers watch Negan and Alpha get dirty, and then by giving Jeffrey Dean Morgan that Whisperer mask for Negan. We've all been had!

For Danai Gurira's final stretch of filming The Walking Dead, she was at times paired with the show's newest (and still mysterious) cast member Kevin Carroll, with the Leftovers vet playing Virgil. He is presumably supplying Michonne with weapons to take down the Whisperers, but that's assuming they even get back before all the protagonists' bodies are strewn from one end of Alexandria to the other end of Hilltop. Or, you know, from one end of Gurira's trailer to the other.

For all the fun and games that are played when the cameras aren't rolling, Danai Gurira and showrunner Angela Kang wanted to make sure that Michonne got a Walking Dead exit that honored the character's legacy while also maintaining her continued importance within the current narrative. According to Gurira:

The Whisperers War has commenced, and we have lots of questions about it, so check those out and don't forget to tune into AMC on Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET to see when The Walking Dead will bring Michonne back for a final round of episodes.

In a month already filled with twists and turns for the MCU, the following news was announced: Kevin Feige is working on a Star Wars movie. Yes, the Marvel Studios chief at the helm of the jaw-dropping, universe-building, box-office dominating MCU over the years is brainstorming for a galaxy far, far away. Now the question is: who will he bring along for the light speed ride across the stars?

Per the initial report about Kevin Feige and Star Wars, he already knows who he wants to cast in the lead role. Could this mean he’s drawing from the expansive MCU family of actors we’ve previously seen don superhero suits and discuss Infinity Stones? If so, Kevin Feige has no shortage of talent to call up for the movie’s various roles. Here are our picks:

Annette Bening

Earlier this year, Captain Marvel enlisted the legendary actress Annette Bening to play the Supreme Intelligence and Dr. Wendy Lawson. The four-time Oscar nominee always brings a certain esteem to her performances, and her work alongside Brie Larson's Carol Danvers was a standout in the ‘90s set origin story. However, her role in the MCU doesn’t look like one that would continue past the first Captain Marvel movie, but we’d still like to see her do more in the sci-fi genre! She has major range – she could pull anything off really.

Winston Duke

The Star Wars franchise has always loved casting fresh talent in its movies, and Winston Duke is about as fresh as it gets! The actor found his big-screen debut as M’Baku in 2018’s Black Panther and has since charmed in Jordan Peele’s Us. Although Duke has been stealing scenes in major projects, it feels like we haven’t seen the full scope his talents just yet. He’s already a familiar name, but now Feige has the power to solidify Duke’s star status.

Chris Evans

Then there’s Captain America. Now, Chris Evans has just wrapped up a decade-long chapter of being in the spotlight as Steve Rogers. But even before that, he was finding roles in big movies such as Fantastic Four. He’s great in indies too, but Evans has always thrived in blockbusters. I can see Evans coming to Star Wars to take on something incredibly different than his boy scout role. He and Feige trust each other. Plus, he’s already shown his direct interest.

Laurence Fishburne

Is anyone else a bit disappointed Laurence Fishburne is in the MCU, but wasn’t given much to do? He had a supporting role in 2018’s Ant-Man and the Wasp as Dr. Bill Foster. The Matrix star is an incredible character actor who has delivered great performances throughout his career, but we’re always itching for another powerhouse role from the 58-year-old actor. He’s established roots with Disney with the Ant-Man sequel, Black-ish and the upcoming Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur series, so now it’s time for him to stun in the Star Wars universe!

Danai Gurira

Ever since Danai Gurira graced the big screen for Black Panther, she speared a scar right into our hearts. She has this unique combination of commanding a powerful presence and injecting heart into scenes. She’s one of the most interesting new actors to join the MCU. Now, we know Black Panther 2 is happening and she could have a larger role in the sequel. Still, put Danai Gurira in Star Wars, Kevin Feige. She’d be an instant favorite!

Daniel Kaluuya

Ok, yes, this is list is stacked with Black Panther actors, but there’s so much talent there! Daniel Kaluuya didn’t really get a large enough role to really shine in the Wakanda-set epic either. He deserves a larger swing in the Star Wars movies. The Get Out actor earning an Oscar nomination for the breakout Jordan Peele horror movie. Whatever big plans Lucasfilm has for the franchise, the actor is in high demand following Get Out and it’d be smart to bring him in!

Brie Larson

It helps to be a big Star Wars fan if you’re going to make one of its movies. Kevin Feige is certainly a longtime one. So is Brie Larson. She has made it known in the past by posting awesome pictures of her at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge, wielding lightsabers and such. She’s good friends with Samuel L. Jackson (a.k.a. Mace Windu) and looks great in Jedi garb. Following a more restrained performance in Captain Marvel, it would also be nice to see what else she can do on a large scale movie!

Evangeline Lilly

It's time to help Evangeline Lilly complete a record. She’s been in the Lord of the Rings franchise and the MCU, so Star Wars would complete the trifecta! Since becoming a favorite on Lost, the actress has remained iconic with the blockbuster roles she’s accumulated and she’d be a solid addition in Star Wars too! She actually once admitted to approaching J.J. Abrams for a role in The Force Awakens. And hey, her Lost co-star (and LoTR’s Merry) Dominic Monaghan is about to be in The Rise of Skywalker.

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell in space! Need I say more? The actor is a Disney legend, who got his start with the studio playing a teen in a variety of the studio’s films in the ‘60s and ‘70s. It’s always great to see him return to his roots for films such as Miracle, Sky High and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but a turn to the Star Wars franchise would be nothing short of epic. He has the star power to get fans excited. Who knows? He could be the next Obi-Wan Kenobi type for a new generation.

Tilda Swinton

Lastly, the incomparable Tilda Swinton would be a magnificent addition to the Star Wars universe. She’s adept with disappearing into unconventional character roles perfect for the alien world often uncovered in Star Wars. Between her roles in Wes Anderson movies, Snowpiercer, Suspiria or Okja, it only seems like a matter of time before Tilda crosses over to a galaxy far, far away! While she has a vital role to play in the MCU as the Ancient One, there’s always room for more of her talent on the big screen.

There's so much talent in the MCU! Which is your favorite pick? Or what did we miss? Share your selections in the comments below!

This poll is no longer available.

The Walking Dead went through a major transformation last season. Andrew Lincoln's Rick Grimes was written off the show, with Lauren Cohan's Maggie Rhee following shortly after. But a time jump moved the story forward in new and exciting ways, with Daryl and Michonne becoming even bigger characters during this period. Sadly, Danai Gurira will hang up her sword in Season 10, but what does that mean for Judith Grimes?

Judith Grimes was born after the zombie apocalypse, and grew from a infant to an innocent young girl from Seasons 2-8. But the time jump aged Rick's daughter, allowing the character to become more nuanced and integral to the plot. Although since her mother is departing the role, some fans have been wondering if Judith would be written out as well. Greg Nicotero was recently asked that very question, responding with:

12 year-old actress Cailey Fleming took over as Judith after Season 9's time jump, and has been sparring with series favorites like Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Danai Gurira. But how exactly will Michonne's story be wrapped up, and remove her from her daughter?

Greg Nicotero's comments to TV Line might be a relief for Walking Dead fans who were concerned about Judith's standing in the show moving into Season 11. The post-apocalyptic has strong will power, and leads with her heart. While this can sometimes put others in danger (I'm looking at you, blizzard Negan), she's also been shown to be a capable survivor.

Judith's relationship with Negan was one of the character's most fascinating changes in Season 9. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's bat-wielding villain spent over six years in prison after being taken down, and has had the time to reflect on the errors of his Savior ways. Judith was the first one open to giving him a second chance, as she regularly visited him when no one else would. It should be interesting to see how this relationship continues to change, especially with Negan now living outside of his cell.

Related: How The Walking Dead Will Lead Up To Danai Gurira's Exit As Michonne

There's also a war coming in Season 10, following the years of peace among the communities. The Whisperers made a serious entrance last season, rootless outlaws who wear the skin of walkers and walk amongst the zombies. And with Alpha's daughter Lydia living among the other survivors, their conflict is also personal.

The Whisperers marked their territory with a fence, promising to start a war if that border was crossed. They committed a massacre of survivors, including Enid and Tara. The War is going to come to a head, with the communities once again forced to join forces and take down a new insidious forces. Except this time, it'll be hand to hand combat.

The Walking Dead returns for Season 10 October 13th on AMC. In the meantime, check out our fall premiere list to plan your next binge watch.