The Walking Dead Season 10: Beloved Actress Confirms Departure, Premiere Date, and More!

The Walking Dead fans have some reasons to celebrate, and some reasons to cry.

Cast and crew of the hit AMC drama series descended on San Diego Comic-Con today for the show's panel, and there was casting news and even a premiere date.

We'll start with the premiere date first because we need to know what happens next!

The Walking Dead Season 10 officially premieres Sunday, October 6 at 9/8c. That marks the earliest launch yet.

On the casting front, Danai Gurira confirmed that she would be leaving the role of Michonne during the tenth season.

“TWD Family is forever, and it never ends," Gurira told a packed hall of her decision.

"It was a very difficult decision, but it was about my calling and other opportunities I wanted to explore.”

Will the series ever be the same again? Probably not, but at least we know there is going to be some closure for the fan-favorite character.

Gurira received a standing ovation from her fellow cast members and the crowd when she announced her decision to depart.

As for new additions, Thora Birch (Colony) has been added to the cast as a Whisperer named Gamma.

Exec producer Gale Anne Hurd said of Birch, “She is going to be playing Gamma, a Whisperer who is fiercely protective of Alpha.”

Kevin Caroll (Snowfall) has also been signed up as a mysterious new character named Virgil.

“He encounters some of our group," Hurd dished to the crowd.

"He’s going to be desperately trying to get home to his family. We look forward to sharing their stories and these fine actors with you.”

As for Negan, there's been a lot of conversation recently about him possibly getting out of the cell and becoming a force to be reckoned with again, and here's a tease from Jefferey Dean Morgan.

“Negan will always be Negan. He’s in his cell, but as the season goes on, we’ll see what happens...especially when he gets a weapon in his hand.”

Here's the official trailer for S10!