Fans of the long-running series The Walking Dead have experienced much heartbreak along the way, from fan-favorite characters being killed off to prominent actors leaving the series for various reasons. One character departure that has left a massive hole in the fandom’s hearts is Michonne.
Michonne, played by Danai Gurira, is an iconic series and comic book character. Her story differs between the series and the comics, but the overall badassery of the character is consistent. In season three of the series, she came on the scene, which mirrored her comic introduction. With her katana drawn and her pet walkers at her side, it was a moment fans will never forget.
She proved to be a vital member of the communities and would go on to be a successful leader.
The Walking Dead Michonne
In season six, Michonne would finally come together with Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) to create the fan-favorite coupling of Richonne. It was a match made in apocalyptic heaven as these two characters that were a force individually began a powerhouse couple.
In season nine, Rick sacrificed himself by blowing up the bridge to keep the communities safe from the horde of walkers descending on them. Rick would survive, but only the viewers were privy to this information. Michonne thought she had lost the love of her life, and the scene was heartwrenching.
After the time jump in season nine, it is revealed that Michonne gave birth to Rick’s son, R.J. (Antony Azor), who she raised with Rick’s daughter Judith (Cailey Fleming). She also became the leader of Alexandria but was very suspicious of newcomers due to her experience with Jocelyn (Rutina Wesley).
Eventually, Virgil (Kevin Carroll) comes along and barters with Michonne, his life for weapons. She follows him to Bloodworth Island and discovers some of Rick’s belongings, indicating that Rick did survive the blast. The realization that her soulmate may still be alive has given her hope. She radios Judith with the news, and Judith encourages her to search for her missing father.
The last we see of Michonne is when she discovers two travelers, one is injured, who are trying to get back to their group. As Michonne looks toward the valley below, she sees a caravan of survivors. She decides to help them, and this begins her search for Rick.
In the summer of 2022, it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con that Rick and Michonne would return to TWDU in a spinoff series. This ignited the fandom as many longed for the return of these characters.
In November 2022, The Walking Dead series aired its last episode of the series. When fans thought the episode was over, a coda scene revealed Rick and then Michonne. It was a fantastic way to end the series, and the scenes were quite significant, showing Rick before Michonne knew he survived and her after, riding off into a massive horde of walkers.
Production for the Rick and Michonne series began in early 2023 and was completed in May. At SDCC 2023, the official title, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, was revealed with a brief teaser for the series scheduled to release in 2024.
The Ones Who Live will feature the reunion of Rick and Michonne, but little else has been revealed for the series. The story will expand the epic love story of the apocalyptic couple and is expected to focus on the CR (Civic Republic), an advanced community to which Jadis (Pollyanna McIntosh) traded Rick to advance her position.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live will premiere on AMC and AMC+ in 2024.
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