Even though The Walking Dead wrapped years ago, the loyalty of its fanbase has never wavered. When the final episode aired, viewers didn’t just move on to something else. Instead, they stayed invested in a different way.
Rather than following the story, they began following the actors who made the show unforgettable. The cast may have stepped away from the world of walkers, but fans have remained locked in on every new role they take on. For many, seeing these stars branch out and take on new challenges is just as thrilling as watching the series at its peak.
Now, that ongoing fascination has led to a surprising moment fans may have missed. After nearly two years away from television following The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, one familiar face has quietly made their return. It’s not a dramatic, on-screen comeback, but a more understated appearance. This time, they've lent their voice to a hit animated series that just premiered with its fourth season on Prime Video.
Walking Dead star Danai Gurira makes her TV return in the Invincible season 4 premiere
Walking Dead fans know Danai Gurira best for bringing Michonne to life, the stoic and formidable survivor whose strength, intelligence, and unshakable resolve made her one of the zombie series’ most iconic characters. Back in January 2026, we reported that Gurira had officially joined the cast of Invincible season 4.
However, all that was provided at the time about her character in the animated series was her name and a brief description. We had no idea when her character would actually appear in the fourth season. Well, that's until now.
Spoilers are ahead from Invincble season 4 episode 1!
The first three episodes of Invincible season 4 just dropped on Prime Video, and it turns out that Gurira's character makes her appearance in the first episode. Titled "Making the World a Better Place," we meet Gurira's character Universa, a powerful and enigmatic green alien whose arrival on Earth immediately sets off a chain of events that challenges the heroes in ways they never anticipated.
Universa arrives on Earth with a mission to save her people. Back on her mysterious planet, her people are facing a devastating energy crisis. Armed with the Staff of Leadership, she makes her way to a power plant on Earth. She begins siphoning its energy in an effort to sustain her civilization. However, her actions quickly draw the attention of Mark (Steven Yeun) and Eve (Gillian Jacobs). They then engage in an epic battle that ultimately ends with Universa defeated.
It's unknown if we'll see Gurira reprise the Universa role later in the season, but it would be nice to see her return. A brief one-episode stint just isn't enough!
Besides Invincible season 4, Gurira has a couple of other projects fans can expect to see her in in 2026. She's set to star in the upcoming action flick, Matchbox: The Movie, which is slated to hit Apple TV on Oct. 9, 2026.
In addition, she's signed on to appear in the upcoming Netflix heist film, Here Comes the Flood. Unfortunately, a release date hasn't been announced for that movie just yet. However, it's been confirmed that it will be released sometime this year.
Stay tuned to Undead Walking for more coverage on The Walking Dead cast's new projects!