**Lauren Cohan Embraces New Challenges While Cherishing Her ‘Walking Dead’ Legacy**
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Lauren Cohan, best known for her role as Maggie Rhee in the enduring zombie franchise *The Walking Dead*, reflects on the profound impact the show has had on her life as she gears up for a new endeavour: writing and directing her first feature film. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Cohan described her experiences in the *Walking Dead* universe as “the greatest constant” throughout her evolving career.
Having debuted as Maggie in the show’s second season, Cohan noted that it feels surreal to have been connected to the series for almost fifteen years. “It’s like a marriage for me,” she expressed, highlighting the journey that has seen her character grow from a compassionate farm girl to a hardened survivor shaped by the trials of a post-apocalyptic world. Maggie’s character development, which included the heart-wrenching loss of her beloved husband Glenn, has mirrored Cohan’s own personal transformations over the years.
“The changes I’ve experienced while being involved in this project are some of the biggest in my life,” Cohan stated. With the *Walking Dead* series prompting her to relocate three times, she admitted it has been her most enduring relationship. “I’ve moved countries three times, but this is the longest-running relationship I’ve had, I suppose,” she remarked.
As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Cohan has taken initial steps towards directing feature films, after making her directorial debut in the second season of *The Walking Dead: Dead City*. Reflecting on her recent work, she expressed pride in her directorial efforts. “I directed this show knowing that my end goal is to write and direct my own films. The practicalities of directing really liberated my mind,” she explained.
Cohan is currently working on producing one feature and writing another that she intends to direct. “AMC’s been so supportive,” she noted, acknowledging the network’s encouragement for her to expand her directorial skills across various projects. Despite her commitment to new challenges, Cohan reassured fans that she has no intention of leaving the *Walking Dead* universe behind. “I’m not done playing Maggie as long as they continue to tell good stories,” she confirmed.
The road has not always been smooth for Cohan in her long-standing relationship with *The Walking Dead*. Eight years ago, she briefly stepped away from her role amid contract negotiations that left her feeling undervalued. Her exit was notable, aligning with that of fellow star Andrew Lincoln, surprising fans who discovered her departure only after it aired. During her hiatus, Cohan pursued other opportunities, including leading the short-lived comedy-drama *Whiskey Cavalier* in 2019.
Reflecting on that challenging period, Cohan shared that former showrunner Angela Kang was instrumental in her eventual return. “Angela really didn’t want me to leave,” she recalled, indicating that there had been discussions about bringing her character back. After a nearly two-year hiatus, she rejoined the series for its final season, now enjoying a prominent role in one of its major spin-offs.
Off the set, Cohan’s life has also been enriched by her personal relationships. Alongside her beloved dogs, she shared that she is currently dating someone special, whom she affectionately refers to as “my man.” “I think maturity has shown me you can be ambitious with your career and make time for a relationship,” she commented, acknowledging the positive influence her partner has had on her professional life.
While Cohan embraces new opportunities in filmmaking, she remains deeply connected to her role as Maggie. Speculation about the future direction of *Dead City* is already brewing, despite AMC yet to confirm a renewal for a fourth season. “We have a lot of ideas that are outside the box for another season,” she teased, looking forward to exploring Maggie’s dynamic relationship with her adversary, Negan.
As Cohan looks ahead to the future, she believes there are still many untold stories for Maggie. “Once you get to know characters in a different way, a whole new world of possibilities opens up,” she stated. With thoughtful writing and character development, Cohan remains optimistic about the potential for Maggie’s continued evolution, asserting, “I think the possibilities really are endless.”
Current fans can catch the latest episodes of *The Walking Dead: Dead City*, airing on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC, as Cohan continues to add layers to her complex character while carving out her creative path as a filmmaker.