In a recent Television Critic's Association panel for AMC, actor Andrew Lincoln shared some intriguing details about the preparation for the highly anticipated spinoff series, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Alongside co-star Danai Gurira, Lincoln delved into the romantic elements of the show, which is said to be the most romantic installment in The Walking Dead franchise to date.
To get in the right mindset, Lincoln humorously revealed that they watched a lot of Bridgerton, the popular period drama series known for its steamy romance. But beyond the lighthearted comment, Lincoln expressed his genuine excitement for the story. He described The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live as a long-awaited tale that centers on love, as the protagonist Rick Grimes (played by Lincoln) embarks on a quest to find his family in a post-apocalyptic world.
Lincoln commended Gurira for advocating for the love story, stating that she was instrumental in maximizing the emotional impact of each scene. Their goal was to transform the narrative into something more operatic, resulting in what Lincoln calls 'a beautiful thing.' The chemistry between Grimes and Michonne (played by Gurira) will take center stage in this passionate saga, exploring the bond between the married couple who first met on The Walking Dead.
For fans familiar with the original series, Grimes and Michonne's paths took separate turns, with both characters departing before the conclusion of The Walking Dead's 11-season run in November 2022. Grimes was presumed dead after sacrificing himself to protect others, while Michonne discovered he was still alive and embarked on a mission to reunite with him.
The Ones Who Live marks the sixth spinoff in The Walking Dead universe, which itself is based on the comic book series created by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. This new series aims to delve deeper into the intricate love story between Grimes and Michonne, adding a fresh layer of emotion and drama to an already established universe.
During the panel, when asked about her character's development, Gurira remained mysterious but offered some insight. She hinted at a transformative journey for Michonne, with unexpected twists and turns that challenge her in ways she never anticipated. Gurira emphasized the complexity of Michonne's emotional landscape, having experienced significant loss and subsequently closing herself off from vulnerability. However, as the series unfolds, viewers will witness Michonne's journey towards opening up once again and discovering the path that lies ahead.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live premieres on February 25th simultaneously on AMC and AMC+. Fans of the original series and newcomers alike will be captivated as they unravel the layers of romance, suspense, and survival in this highly anticipated spinoff.
