Fans were quick to point out that Andrew Lincoln's Rick Grimes was missing from the Walking Dead: Last Episodes trailer that premiered during Comic-Con, and now we might know why. AMC announced that Lincoln and Danai Gurira are turning to the world of The Walking Dead in a brand-new series.

　　During the Walking Dead panel, Lincoln and Gurira, who played Michonne on the show, made a surprise appearance, announcing the new project.

　　"The series will continue the journey and love story of the Rick Grimes and Michonne characters," AMC said via press release. "Scott M. Gimple, the chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe, will serve as showrunner on the series, which will begin with six episodes in 2023. Lincoln and Gurira are both executive producers."

　　The new world NEEDS Rick and Michonne. pic.twitter.com/orvvTo8sHi

　　— The Walking Dead on AMC (@WalkingDead_AMC) July 22, 2022

　　"Rick and Michonne are two of my favorite people and Danai and Andy are two of my favorite people," Gimple said in the statement. "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."

　　Gurira said she can't wait to take part in being this character once more. "Michonne and this Walking Dead family has meant so much to me, and to continue the journey of these beloved characters, alongside Scott and Andy, both creatively and in front of the camera, and bringing the Walking Dead fans something truly special is just glorious. I can’t wait to pick up the katana again."

　　The show, whose title is not revealed at press time, will be another addition to the spin-offs that the original show has made which include Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: The World Beyond, Isle of the Dead, and Tales of the Walking Dead, the latter of which had a trailer premiere during the panel. There's also the unnamed Daryl Dixon spin-off featuring Norman Reedus as well.

　　Lincoln left the main series back in Season 9 as he wanted to spend more time with his family, and Gurira left soon after, stating she wanted to explore other creative endeavors.