Danai Gurira may be leaving “The Walking Dead,” but she’ll be sticking around the small screen. Variety confirms the “Black Panther” actress has entered into a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios. Per the pact, she will “develop, write, and produce projects for the studio across all platforms.”
“From Zimbabwe to Wakanda to Broadway, there is no one like Danai Gurira,” said ABC Studios prez Jonnie Davis. “The scope of her talents and the breadth of her abilities are simply astonishing. We are over the moon that she has chosen to make ABC Studios her exclusive home.”
“I am thrilled to work with Jonnie and his stellar team at ABC studios,” Gurira stated. “Their commitment to the feminine perspective aligns with my goals as a storyteller. I am excited to amplify unheard voices and bring to light narratives that will tackle universal themes while they simultaneously break barriers and bring new faces, voices, and influences to the screen.”
Gurira plays fan favorite Michonne on AMC’s zombie drama “The Walking Dead.” She will exit the series at some point during Season 10, which is airing now. Her other screen credits include “Avengers: Endgame,” “All Eyez on Me,” and “Treme.”
Next, she is writing, executive producing, and serving as showrunner on HBO Max’s adaptation of “Americanah,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s beloved novel exploring race, racism, and love. Lupita Nyong’o — Gurira’s “Black Panther” co-star and the lead of her Tony-nominated play “Eclipsed” — is attached to portray the central character, Ifemelu.
“The first African female writer to have a play on Broadway,” Gurira’s other productions include “In the Continuum,” “The Convert,” and “Familiar.” She’s a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women and the founder of Love Our Girls, an org raising awareness about the injustices women and girls face all over the world.
