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Danai Gurira Inspires and Talks Michonne & ‘The Walking Dead’ at Walker Stalker Atlanta

Walker Stalker Atlanta is in full swing this weekend at the Georgia World Congress Center for the biggest Walking Dead fan meetup all year!

Today is day two, and several panels are taking place, including one with Danai Gurira, who plays Michonne on The Walking Dead. Yvette Nicole Brown is moderating,

Yvette Nicole Brown first asks Danai about her play writing and what inspired her to begin.

It was the realization that there were stories not being told that I could see, that I felt needed to be told.

She goes on to say that the phrase, “Be the change you want to see” was what she was thinking along the lines of.

When I was in college, it became really clear I couldn’t find stories connected to people from where I’m from that needed to be old. I wanted to tell stories from the perspectives of folks you never hear from.

She went on to say that all of her plays star African female leads, and expresses how much she loves seeing others do what they love.

I get to create a world. Having a vision and seeing it actualized and having a hand in the actualization is very different from acting. You’re taking care of several characters, not just your own. It gives me great joy to see folks get to do their thing. And I get to roll out of bed and not go to hair and makeup.

When asked if she would consider directing episodes of The Walking Dead,

It has crossed thoughts. Anything is possible, but ultimately, I have to feel it all through. It’s not in the top 2 places, but absolutely. I have to figure out when and where. I like the idea of writing and directing something as well. So, it’s on the list, but i have to work on a couple other things first.

She also talked about her first introduction to the role of Michonne, and the moment she knew she wanted to be part of the hit series.

I could see that there was something so rich in this, and I was like, I want to be a part of this. It was a moment where I knew I had to pursue it with all I had. I did the research and found out who she was, and I brought her to that room with all I had.

She talked about her audition process, saying her second interview was with Robert Kirkman and Gale Anne Hurd. The third was with Glenn Mazzara. She said those who auditioned her were chill and created a nice audition environment.

When asked her favorite memory with the late Scott Wilson, Danai Gurira became emotional as she told fans the story of their last memory together.

It hit me a lot this morning, because he was usually always here. The last time I saw him he reminded me of something really beautiful. That he was the first person to welcome me on set on my first day. He was there, and drove God knows how long out of his way, and welcomed the new girl. I knew from that moment, that he was a gift and he’s family. He always will be.

When asked if she ever gets annoyed by wearing Michonne’s dreads, she said they are part of Michonne. She also hinted at a possible spoiler involving Michonne saying,

I can’t say too much because it’s a spoiler.

So, perhaps there is a haircut in Michonne’s immediate future?

She went on to say that Michonne and her wig are usually inseparable.

She later mentioned that her play The Convert, is about to open for the second time in London, starring Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri from Black Panther. She emphasized a village helping with creative ventures, and that there is always work to be done in theater and in every realm.

The main key she says,

Listening, but not to the point where you lose your vision. That’s your balance.

Inspiring is just a small way to describe her panel, and we highly suggest you watch it in its entirety here!