The Walking Dead Showrunner Discusses Lauren Cohan’s Future

In the wake of Carl Grimes’ death, fans already think they know who the next major character to exit The Walking Dead will be. Word came out a few weeks ago that negotiations between Lauren Cohan and AMC over renewing her contract weren’t going well, leading to the actress to audition for a few new projects. Sure enough, it was later announced that Cohan had signed up to star in a pilot titled Whiskey Cavalier for ABC. Given that, it’s generally assumed that her character, Maggie Rhee, won’t last beyond season 8.

But is that really the case? While talking with Scott Gimple – TWD‘s current showrunner who will move onto the position of Chief Content Officer next season – The Hollywood Reporter asked him if the show would provide a satisfactory way of wrapping up Maggie’s story. In response, Gimple decided not to answer, explaining that he was hopeful that some compromise could be achieved that would allow Cohan to juggle both shows.

“I wouldn’t want to say that because we’re talking and figuring it out. These things do happen. We’ve had people do other shows and other gigantic movies that take America by storm. We’re figuring it out with each other and trying to let people be able to do other things and stick around. I shan’t even entertain the thought.”

To prove it’s possible, Gimple is clearly referencing Danai Gurira’s role in Black Panther when he talks of other cast members joining “gigantic movies.” It’s a good point – the actress is still playing Michonne on the show for the foreseeable future, despite now being part of the all-encompassing Marvel Cinematic Universe.

On the other hand, it’s worth remembering that Sonequa Martin-Green was initially said to be remaining on TWD when she nabbed the lead role in Star Trek: Discovery. As it turned out, though, her character Sasha was actually written out in the season 7 finale.

If Maggie was to be killed off, that would be yet another shocking death that flies in the face of the comic books. However, it would fit in with the show’s renewed intention to shock both the average TV viewer and hardcore fans of the franchise, as Gimple has previously explained. Whether it happens or not remains to be seen, but be sure to tune in every Sunday night when The Walking Dead airs on AMC to find out.