The Walking Dead Universe Expands With New Trailers, Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira Spinoff

Brace yourselves, The Walking Dead fans, because San Diego Comic-Con has announced a slew of expansions to TWD universe. During panels at the convention, AMC made it clear that there is plenty to look forward to, including the new anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead, a Rick and Michonne spinoff, and, of course, the premiere date for the final episodes of the series that started it all.

It started with the release of the trailer for Tales of the Walking Dead, a new anthology series that will consist of six one-hour-long episodes. According to the network, each episode will stand on its own, focusing on "both new and established characters within the walker apocalypse."

Tales of the Walking Dead stars Olivia Munn, Samantha Morton, Terry Crews, Parker Posey, Anthony Edwards, Poppy Liu, Jillian Bell, Loan Chabanol, Embeth Davidtz, Jessie T. Usher, Daniella Pineda, and Danny Ramirez. It will premiere on August 14 at 9 PM ET on AMC and AMC+.

AMC also revealed some surprising news regarding the previously announced Walking Dead film set to be led by Andrew Lincoln, who played Rick Grimes. Lincoln and Danai Gurira, who played Michonne Hawthorne, made an unexpected appearance at the panel to announce they will be reprising their roles in a new limited series set to replace the film. Expected to premiere in 2023, the six-episode will continue to tell the "epic love story" of Rick and Michonne.

Grimes said he is "so excited" to return to The Walking Dead universe and to "finally get to complete the story." Gurira said the opportunity is "truly special" and "just glorious," adding, "I can't wait to pick up the katana again."

Lastly, fans were treated to a trailer reveal for the final portion of The Walking Dead's final season. AMC split up the series' final 24 episodes into three releases over the last two years, with the latest selection of episodes ending in April.

The panelists got emotional reflecting on the end of the series, with Norman Reedus, who plays Daryl Dixon, saying, "I kind of just want to cry and make out with everybody at the same time."

Fans will finally get to see the series' final episodes when they premiere on AMC and AMC+ on October 2.

The Walking Dead is currently available to stream on Netflix and AMC+.

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Kirstie Renae is a writer, blogger, and Austin-based actress with a penchant for binge-watching TV with her dogs. Follow her on Twitter @KirstieRenae.