Q&A: Danai Gurira of AMC's 'The Walking Dead'

 

Danai Gurira is ready.

 

She knew accepting the role as Michonne, a katana wielding heroine on AMC's insanely popular zombie drama "The Walking Dead," would be a huge undertaking.

 

Bing: More on 'The Walking Dead' Season 3  | Danai Gurira 

 

After all, the buzz surrounding the character didn't begin when she made her debut in the season-two finale. Nah. Fans of the comic book have been eagerly awaiting her arrival since the show began.

 

That fact became more clear when AMC teased the third season, which kicks off in October, with a trailer at Comic-Con that features Michonne lopping off three zombies' heads in one fell swoop. Fans in turn greeted the reel with hoots, screams and applause.

 

Gurira, 37, who is best known for roles on HBO's "Treme" and the 2008 sleeper "The Visitor," talked to MSN TV about the upcoming season and all things Michonne.

 

MSN TV: How do you feel about playing Michonne now that you've been to Comic-Con?

Danai Gurira: I'm very excited. It's an amalgamation of everything. It's amazing the kind of love I've gotten. She's already a living entity. It's an honor to step into her shoes.

 

Has it been tough wielding a katana?

It's been amazing learning to use it. Physically, it's been intensely challenging but in the best way.

 

Did you do the zombie obstacle course at Petco Park?

I didn't do the run. I didn't have Michonne's sword. I need my tools.

 

You are best known for your role in "The Visitor." Are you more like that character or Michonne?

There are facets of me in both worlds, bizarrely. Michonne is a tough girl and it's all about who would you be in a situation this dire. I am drawn to dire roles. It's fascinating to me who she's become and all that she's endured. She's chosen not to be a victim in a world that's hostile and she's insanely logical for it. I don't know what that says about me.

 

Can you talk about the relationship between Michonne and Andrea (Laurie Holden)?

In that last episode of season two, Michonne sees Andrea as an asset not a liability, and she's smart enough to take advantage of an asset. They're both Alpha females. That's what is beautiful about this show. The cast of characters, who have been carefully crafted, complement one another.

 

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"The Walking Dead" returns for a third season Sunday, Oct. 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC.