If you’ve been alive since 2010, it’s pretty much impossible to not know something about The Walking Dead. Particularly if you’ve existed at all online. Even if you’re not a fan of zombies. Or shocking plot twists. Or talking with coworkers around the proverbial water cooler every week. And, frankly, if you know only one thing about The Walking Dead, it’s probably something related to Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and/or Michonne (Danai Gurira). (Okay, or Negan. I’ll give you that one.)
It’s not just due to the importance Rick and Michonne had to the series. They also had huge, incredibly passionate fanbases online. Not to mention shippers. Never underestimate the shippers.
The point is, fans couldn’t get enough of Rick and Michonne. Separately or together. Which is why the departure of both actors Lincoln and Gurira came as such a surprise. How could the show really continue on without them? Continue on it did, but it was never quite the same.
Which is why Rick and Michonne (or Richonne) fans have cause to celebrate. In a surprise appearance at San Diego Comic Con, Lincoln and Gurira announced that they will be reuniting in a new 6-part limited series in The Walking Dead expanding universe. Both actors have been involved in the creation of the show and will serve as executive producers, bolstering hopes that the characters – and their romance – will be treated with the respect they deserve in the limited series.
If you’re a Richonne shipper and you’re somehow still coherent (or breathing) after this announcement, maybe this quote by Scott M. Gimple, Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead Universe, will send you over the edge:
“Rick and Michonne are two of my favorite people and Danai and Andy are two of my favorite people…Working with all of them continues to be a dream come true. The three of us, along with a terrific team of TWD all stars and incredible new voices, are crafting an insane love epic worth the long, long wait.”
Excuse me, did you say “insane love epic?” Yes, please. Where do we sign up, please and thank you?
No official premiere date has been announced, but the series will launch in 2023. Needless to say, we can’t wait.
