Welcome to the 252nd episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast. In this week's episode, Danai Gurira discusses her return to The Walking Dead in The Ones Who Live, where she served as a writer, showrunner, and executive producer. Gurira opens up about her decision to leave the show after season 10 and her eventual return to continue Rick and Michonne's love story.
The Ones Who Live was initially planned as three feature-length films distributed theatrically by Universal. However, the format changed with the involvement of AMC+, leading to a new series co-created by Gurira, Andrew Lincoln, and Scott Gimple. The focus of the series is the epic love story between Rick and Michonne, exploring their relationship in depth.
Gurira emphasizes the importance of episode four in the series, where the love story between Rick and Michonne reaches a pivotal moment. She delves into the research she conducted to understand Rick's PTSD and the emotional depth required for their interactions.
While Gurira did not direct the episode, she expresses her interest in directing in the future. As for the possibility of a Walking Dead reunion or a Disney+ Wakanda series, Gurira remains open to various creative opportunities but keeps her future plans open-ended.
Overall, Gurira's involvement in The Walking Dead showcases her multifaceted talents as a writer, showrunner, and executive producer. The interview provides insights into the creative process behind The Ones Who Live and hints at potential future projects for Gurira in the entertainment industry.
