Lauren Cohan, known for her long-running role as Maggie Greene in the acclaimed television series The Walking Dead, has recently opened up about her decision to leave the show in 2018, a move driven primarily by contract negotiations and a desire to explore new opportunities. The actress, now 44, reflected on her time in the popular apocalyptic drama during a recent interview, sharing insights into her career decisions and her eventual return to the franchise.
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Cohan’s departure was rooted in dissatisfaction with her contract offers for Season 9. According to reports, both she and her agents were unhappy with the terms presented by AMC, prompting her to walk away from the series after several years. In the wake of her exit, fellow cast member Khary Payton publicly rallied for her by posting a supportive message on Instagram, urging the network to “pay the woman.” During this tumultuous period, it was also revealed that Norman Reedus, who portrayed Daryl Dixon, was earning a substantial $1 million per episode.
Her final episode with The Walking Dead aired in November 2018, aligning with the departure of Andrew Lincoln, who played the show’s central character, Rick Grimes. However, Cohan’s exit was overshadowed by the promotion of Lincoln’s departure, leaving many fans unaware of her exit until after the episode had aired. Despite the circumstances, Cohan has expressed no regrets, stating, “I advocated for myself through action, and I am really happy it worked out.”
Following her temporary exit from the franchise, Cohan took on a lead role in the ABC series Whiskey Cavalier, a short-lived spy drama co-starring Scott Foley. This opportunity allowed her to explore her passion for comedy, a genre she has long wanted to pursue. Cohan described her time on Whiskey Cavalier as fulfilling, although the show was ultimately cancelled after its first season. Nevertheless, she remained connected to The Walking Dead universe and kept in touch with showrunner Angela Kang, who had always intended to bring her character back when the timing was right.
Cohan made her highly anticipated return during the Season 10 finale of The Walking Dead, later rejoining the series as a regular for its final season. This return laid the groundwork for her involvement in The Walking Dead: Dead City, a new spinoff where she not only stars but also serves as an executive producer alongside her co-star Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The series delves into the complex and evolving relationship between Maggie and Negan, a character with whom she has a fraught history.
Expressing pride in her role, Cohan noted the collaborative nature of the project and the deep understanding she and Morgan have developed regarding their respective characters. “Jeff and I know these characters more than anybody,” she remarked, underscoring her enthusiasm for working on the spinoff. Reflecting on her journey, Cohan expressed satisfaction with the choices she made, stating, “I feel like taking the stand was worth it.”
Cohan’s involvement in The Walking Dead: Dead City extends beyond acting; she also plans to step behind the camera as a director for the upcoming second season. The actress believes this transition to directing is an essential step in her career, allowing her to engage with her colleagues in a new and meaningful way. “Being involved as a director, not just the actual directing, but getting to collaborate with everybody so closely, I just come away so proud and with such a deeper trust of my colleagues,” she noted.
Looking towards the future, Cohan aims to expand her cinematic horizons by writing and directing her own films. She is currently working on a script that has been on her mind for quite some time, alongside producing another feature. “My end goal is to write and direct my own films,” she shared, emphasising that these creative pursuits are now her principal focus in between acting projects.
Cohan’s journey reflects not only her personal aspirations but also the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, particularly in terms of female representation behind the scenes. She praised the support she has received from her colleagues and is especially grateful for the backing of Kang. The actress’s determination to advocate for herself has proved fruitful, as she currently continues to captivate audiences in The Walking Dead: Dead City, which airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC.